Israeli designers to look out for include…

Sample– an
inclusive brand founded by sisters Einav Zini and Nofar Muchluph –
are doing amazing work right now. Israel is also very well-known
for wedding dresses and Inbal Dror and Galia Lahav are really
leading the way.

Where should we go to relax?

The beach is my first choice – I usually go there in the
afternoon with my daughters. We go to a quiet spot in the north of
Tel Aviv and stay until the evening for dinner at the Kahol. When I
have a lot on my mind, I usually go there to think and relax.

Where is your favourite hotel to wake up in in Tel Aviv?

The
Norman, Dan Hotel and again, The Jaffa Hotel.

Best beachside lunch spot?

Manta Ray or LaLa Land.

What should we take home as a souvenir?

Happiness – and a jar of tahini.

One misconception about Tel Aviv is…

That it is dangerous or scary here.

Underrated spots worth a visit…

Port Said, where locals eat and drink on the street, is a
special spot. For food, head to Beit
Romano, which serves up dishes in carton boxes – just don’t
come in heels, it’s not that kind of vibe.

Are there any day trips away that you would recommend?

Jerusalem.

And finally, what’s in your SUITCASE for a trip to Tel
Aviv?

Simple and easy outfits; you don’t want to have any
restrictions.

Israeli

Israeli
actress-turned-designer Dorit Bar Or
(nickname “Dodo”) has been busy proving that kaftans are not just
for the beach since her eponymous line launched in 2009.

Dodo’s luxurious holiday wear, which comes ordained in tassels
and pom poms, proves that a) the designer is no stranger to a
haberdashery and b) tradition and trendsetting can exist in tandem.
Her cult pieces include classic keffiyeh-print kaftans and maxi
dresses that are perfect for beach cities like
Tel Aviv, her hometown and a huge source of inspiration for the
designer. While the Middle East is
her most immediate point of reference, Dodo takes a wide-cast and
practical approach to her designs, experimenting with fabrics and
embroidery to suit a variety of occasions.

We met Dodo to discuss the changing face of Tel Aviv, the latest
openings and where to head beyond the city. According to Dodo, the
city has become something of a mini Ibiza–
say no more, our swimsuits are packed (plus a Dodo Bar Or kaftan,
naturally).

How should we spend 24 hours in Tel Aviv?

Meet for breakfast at the Montefiore
Hotel and spend the rest of the day at LaLa
Land beach. Catch the sun going down at Manta Ray beach
overlooking Jaffa before grabbing dinner at Cantina restaurant.

Where can we find the best food in town?

Dallal– which in Arabic translates as prosperity,
indulgence and a meeting place revolving around good food – is a
perfect combination of these three things. Great for dinner with
friends, it’s chic but relaxed and their slow-cooked lamb is
particularly delicious. The Salon is great for a taste of
contemporary Israeli cuisine but is only open on Wednesdays, so
you’ll need to book in advance. Some other great options are Taizu
(an Asian restaurant) and The Jaffa Hotel, which has just opened its new
restaurant, Don Camillo, which has ties to Carbon in New
York.

Where should we go for an aperitif?

After-dinner drinks are much more popular in Tel Aviv. Head to
the Shalvata at Tel Aviv port or H’aoman. If you do head for a pre-dinner drink, then
the beach at Manta
Ray, Port Said and The Chapel Jaffa are your best ports of
call.

Where can we get a feel for local culture?

The Jaffa flea market is a real mishmash of cultures. Here
you’ll find a variety of cuisines and bars where you can sit on the
side of the road, as well as a number of up-and-coming designer
boutiques and some amazing homewares shops.

Where does the inspiration for your designs come from?

I always try to stay loyal to myself, my art and where I come
from. Combining the cultures I have absorbed over the years – my
Middle Eastern culture and Mediterranean roots – and making
something contemporary for the modern world. The Middle
East has so much to offer: years of architecture, food,
colours, sumptuous fabrics and handmade embroideries are all an
integral part of Mediterranean culture. Using fabrics that suit the
European climate and beyond, I’m always trying to investigate how I
can create something personal with a unique language – and also
spread it to more and more people.