Spring 16 lookbook is here!

 Israel Shoot
To end my travels after a year and a half abroad
I visited the Holy Land, Mothership Israel.
One of my oldest childhood friends lives and goes to school in Tel Aviv so we of course opted to collaborate on this photo shoot showcasing
my first evening wear collection.
He's a highly skilled photographer with a huge heart and a sharp eye.
I'm so blessed that he found time
(as a Senior working two jobs and taking 18 units at University)
to coordinate models, find locations, direct them
with wisdom I've yet to see another photographer match.
​Thanks Christo!

On the left
you see Christo and myself
perched on a stoop in Old Town Yaffa,
with my delicious leftover burger and a stunning view of the skyline.
We took a celebratory selfie after finishing our third and final photo shoot.
To the right
you'll find a photo of us from the 90's.
There I am (rocking a similar haircut) in the tie dye.
​Christo is in the bottom right corner in the blue tank top.
Our parents were all part of a couples bible study group so while they discussed deeper things, 
we all collected bugs, raced bikes and performed skits.  

Christo, some child I don't remember, and my brother!

the plan

see more on the official Pinterest inspiration board

I decided to push myself and create
my first evening wear line.
Why not?I had bought some stunning
Thai silks
from the local Phetchabun fabric store.
I also picked up some cotton african-esc prints at the
Sunday market.
​I knew my models and location before even cutting the fabric. 

Syrian born Rahaf and Palestinian models Maram and Fadi were incredible.

Arab decadence and craftsmanship.

So
I came to Israel from Vietnam
and stayed with Christo's family in
Nazareth.
They showed me important historical/biblical sites,
fed me insanely amazing homemade food every day.
Like literally, Christo's parents and both sets of grandparents
grow and pickle their own olives.  
Later they fried like 40 fish by hand for an engagement party.
It was insane!
​Then they sent me on my way to Tel Aviv. I met Christo at his university and we had three photoshoots in the next 30 hours, went shopping, I tried hookah for the first time and we ate endless delicious foods.
Here are the results of our hard work.

Sewed these garments in my spare time while teaching english abroad.
Literally
hauled my 15 lb sewing machine
in my suitcase from Thailand to Cambodia to Vietnam
where I completed the looks,
made my halloween costume
and taught my 11 year old host sister
how to make purses from curtain sample squares.
I gave the machine I bought in Bangkok to Christo's
fashion-loving sister, Serene,
to thank the Karams for hosting and touring me around Israel. I will be back!