Not many Israeli designers receive global respect, publication in prestigious fashion magazines and the dream of many - to dress international stars.
The Israeli shoe designer Kobi Levy is one of the most talented designers who has won all of these, thanks to hard work and a lot of talent.
Among Levy's clients we can find Neta Barzilai, the iconic block from Eurovision, Lady Gaga, Fergie, Whoopi Gulberg and more.
Tomorrow (Thursday) Levy will launch the exhibition Heellusion.
The Israeli shoe designer whose works are displayed in museums and private collections around the world will present a solo exhibition in Israel for the first time, at the Periscope Gallery in Tel Aviv.
Kobi Levy, photo: Gili Adler and Mirit Har-Lev
In a conversation with "Israel Today" ahead of the exhibition, he says: "What fun. Finally presenting a complete exhibition in the city where I grew up. Most of my exhibitions are presented abroad, and my family, friends and colleagues from Israel have never seen or experienced such an exhibition in practice.
It's exciting and interesting, and even people who are intimately familiar with the behind-the-scenes will be able to see the complete picture."
Shoes inspired by Token, photo: Shai Ben-Efraim, Ilit Azolai, photo: Shai Ben-Efrim, Ilit Azolai
Banana shoes, photo: Shai Ben-Efraim, Ilit Azoulai
"Broken" high heels, photo: Shai Ben-Efraim, Ilit Azoulai
We all wear shoes.
For some of us it is simply a useful and everyday item, and for others it is love and a strong desire to innovate and diversify all the time.
Levi introduces us to a new world and a different look at the useful item, and turns it into real art.
The shoes we wear can convey a lot of information about our personality, style and even our social and economic situation, so it is interesting to examine them as a work of art.
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A post shared by Kobi Levi (@kobilevidesign)
Responsible for Neta Barzilai's Eurovision shoes
How many shoes does he keep in the closet?
"There are huge amounts of shoes that I create, I can't count. I saw it especially now when, together with the curator's witnesses, we edited for the exhibition, it's crazy. Only when you move house do you realize the amount. In terms of my personal consumption, it's a little different. I enjoy buying shoes "When there is a lot of talent in the field, but I don't like large quantities. The number of pairs will be as needed, even if it is a practical need and if it is a pair that I simply want to have," he explains.
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A post shared by Kobi Levi (@kobilevidesign)
Shoes in Lady Gaga's iconic music video
The exhibition illustrates the designer's creative perspective on the world around him using his skills as a skilled craftsman, who processes each shoe by hand.
In honor of the exhibition, the designer is collaborating with the Shufra chain, and has created a unique and colorful model, which will be integrated into the network, and will allow customers to buy shoes that are a work of art at an affordable price.
Levy designed a variety of colorful and special models, which draw inspiration from things in the living space such as encounters with people, animals and inanimate objects.
The shoes designed by Levy that will be sold at Shofara, photo: Shai Ben-Efraim, Ilit Azoulai
In conclusion, we asked Levy what his dream is: "For a start - to be able to continue creating new things without a break. In addition, I would be happy to make the shoes I design accessible to a larger audience, including a local one. I am intrigued to see what the reaction in the stores will be to the special flip flops. I would dream that artisans Others like Madonna, Beyoncé and Dua Lipa will wear my shoes," he concludes.
Kobi Levy's Heellusion exhibition, Periscope, Contemporary Design Gallery, Ben Yehuda 176 in Tel Aviv.
Opening hours: Monday-Thursday 17:00-20:00, Friday-Saturday 11:00-13:00
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