THE FASHION MARKER: September 2015

INTERVIEW

Fashion Illustrator Shira Barzilay

By Talia Zoref

Starting her career in fashion at the age of seventeen, Shira Barzily has already experienced almost every fashionista’s dream. Designing a line for H&M, Roberto Cavali, and launching her own temporary tattoo line Koketit, Shira is definitely on her way to becoming a known worldwide fashion Illustrator. I had the pleasure to ask Shira a few questions and discover more details about her amazing story.

What was your biggest accomplishment in the fashion illustration industry? How did you get this opportunity?

I had the opportunity to work for Roberto Cavalli illustrating T shirts for the 40th anniversary line of the brand. A previous teacher of mine from fashion studies was able to get me this job. It was really great. Keeping in touch with fashion contacts over the years is super important- it keeps you in the awareness of things.

Which fashion illustrator inspires you most? Why?

I really love and appreciate Fifi Lapin, the fashionista rabbit. I admire her sense of creating a strong palpable brand while maintaining her artistic integrity. To me, this is the perfect marriage of art and commerce and what I aspire to the most.

You have a temporary tattoo line, KOKETIT NOT FOREVER TATTOOS. What is special about it? How did you come up with this great idea?

The idea came to me while setting up my nephews two year old birthday party. At the time my mother bought children’s temporary tattoos and I thought about how fun it would be to have temporary tattoos for adults as well. At that moment everything I did in my life came together — I love tattoos but never had the nerve to get one, I’m a fashion illustrator and can design tattoos, and also my aesthetics are fun and not too serious. I felt that sparkle and knew this was for me, so I went for it.

Ever since I started it’s been a wild ride. I’ve learned so much already and continue learning every day of my life. I discover new things to love such as photography, business, collaborating with friends, and more.

Creating my own brand and as the sole founder of my business is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. It entails basically everything. I am realizing my greatest fears and overcoming them all the time. It is quite a feeling!

When, and how, did you decide to specialize in fashion illustration?

I’ve always loved fashion illustrations. Since I was six years old I was drawing fashion figures and loved fashion. There was never a doubt in my mind that is where I belonged. When i was 17 I started fashion design studies at Shenkar College and only after graduating did I realize my true passion was in illustrating and visual arts rather than making actual clothes. It felt very limiting to me and I wanted to break free from what others, and myself, expected of me.

So after graduation I moved to Los Angeles for one year where I realized illustrating fashion was my calling. Seeing all these amazing artists, visiting fashion art galleries and meeting new people really expanded my horizon. When I came back to Israel I had to figure out a way to introduce this medium back into fashion. It wasn’t the easiest ride but it sure was interesting. I was freelancing for a while with different Israeli designers and clients, later becoming a graphic designer for a fashion magazine. It seemed like a fun thing to do at the time while I built my fashion illustration career. I love it and still work there today.

What is your advice for new fashion illustrators in the industry?

My advice would be to constantly push the boundaries of what is considered new. The death of fashion illustration is conformism. You should not abide by any rules because they limit creative thinking. Fashion illustration is about imagining fashion and bringing it to life as a subjective and artistic form. It’s supposed to say something about the beauty of [life] from a unique perspective.

Your most common illustration character is Koketit. How did you come up with her look and name?

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NYFW DESIGNER FEATURE: IDAN COHEN

My Interview with Idan Cohen for Fashion Collective Magazine

Fashion Collective’s international correspondent Talia Zoref interviews fashion designer Idan Cohen who presented his latest collection at NYFW 2015.

Idan Cohen is a Tel-Aviv based bridal and evening-wear designer who presented his first collection at New York Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2015. His newest collection is a mixture of femininity and sexiness that every woman embodies within herself. I had the pleasure to interview Idan, a young designer who never stops dreaming of becoming a worldwide brand someday.

FC: How did you end up becoming a bridal designer?

Idan: What I love about fashion is Haute Couture. The HC market is basically the bridal market and the celebrity market. I decided to start off with bridal gowns but I have also been creating eveningwear since my first days as a designer

FC: You studied Fashion Design at the famous Marangoni Institute in London. Tell me about your experience.

Idan: London is a great city I had a lot of fun there. The streets are inspiring; the fashion, the people, and the architecture in this city are truly interesting and different. I met a lot of great people in the fashion industry but I always wanted to work back home, in Tel Aviv.

FC: What was the most important thing you learned at school?

Idan: I learned that you have to look at the bigger picture. It is important to tell a story with your designs. It is also important to design from different angel/ perspectives and most importantly to have your own voice.

FC: You were chosen to present your collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York. How did you get this opportunity?

Idan: I sent an email to Kelly Cutrone (Fashion Producer) and she responded asking for a Skype call with me. She really loved what I was doing. When I became a representative of Kelly, IMG saw my work, got information about my designs and asked to see some collections. After a few weeks they invited me for a meeting, one week passed and I got an email saying that I had been chosen to present in MBFW 2015.