I saw this young man at the cafe. I was having a cup of coffee when he entered the place, congratulating the waitress in a friendly way. The first thing I’ve noticed was “youth.” A youthful spirit had entered the room, and when I’m talking about “youth” I’m not talking about a cheerful look or freshness, I’m talking about energy. A youthful spirit is probably the best natural look ever. Add to this a bit of artistic vibe and you’ve got The Look. I loved the nonchalance, the everyday clothing he turned into something a little bit different. It turned into something special only because of the way the clothes were “falling” on his body, or more accurately, the way his body was handling the clothes. It was something that came from within, no one can fake it that good. The sweatshirt is slightly oversized, the trousers lifted up – I’m not sure if they were a training pants or something else, but he had that dancer’s look (which I don’t think he is) and it worked. He nailed the look with loose socks and untied shoelaces. I approached him, asking to take a photo for reference and he gladly agreed. Later that day, I started illustrating him, using the photo like a painter uses a still-life model, trying to stay as close as possible to reality while enabling myself to makes some conscious, as well as unconscious, “mistakes.” Creating something new based on a true story.
About the Street Style project
I started this new project last week, documenting street style in Tel Aviv. I started illustrating people that I found to be interesting and stylish. Some of the people I illustrate are a part of my family or are friends of mine, others though are strangers that I just happened to see while walking through the streets of Tel Aviv. If I’m in the right mood, I can easily step out and ask this man or woman if I could take their photo as a reference. If not… well, I’d have to use my photographic memory.
The street style project is part of The Lives of Others illustration series. The Lives of Others started as a side project just a few months ago and since then, it became a major part of my artistic activity. Under this headline, I collect interesting moments while working, traveling, or just hanging out in the city that I love – Tel Aviv.
Ten years ago I had a street style Cullom in Haaretz newspaper in collaboration with Yanai Yechiel, one of Haaretz magazine’s photographers. How We Dress was the Cullom name. It had some similarities to my current project, but several differences as well. How We Dress was based on photography (Yechiel) and personal interviews (Me). I was trying to learn what motivates people to dress the way they do, using clothing as a tool of self-definition. It was less about fashion and more about personality.
With this current project, I’m still interested in the personal style more than fashion and trends, but I don’t use texts yet. For now, I’m interested in adding my own personal perspective as it is reflected through my illustrations and the choices I make by picking the people out of the crowd.
Ilanit Shamia 
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