10 QUESTIONS WITH DESIGNER DANA HAREL

Designer Dana Harel

1) What is your background in design?

I have a major in psychology and literature, however, my love for fashion grew over the years and I realized I didn’t give it the importance in my life that it deserved. My husband encouraged me to pursue my dream and study fashion design in Shenkar College of Engineering and Design in Tel Aviv. After graduating from Shenkar, I’ve amassed extensive experience at various fashion houses in Israel before launching my own brand.

2) When did you open your business and where are you based?

I launched Dana Harel in 2012 in Tel-Aviv. Our headquarters, atelier and showroom are currently based at the heart of the city.

3) What is the aesthetic of the brand?

I like to design the unconventional. Styles and techniques like the drape and geometrical patterns are very present in my designs. Overall, I would say that my aesthetic is chic, minimalistic yet very glamorous. My wedding gowns are halfway between traditional bridalwear and red carpet looks.

4) Who is the Dana Harel Bride?

The Dana Harel bride is an empowered woman who dresses first for herself. An independent thinker who is not scared to make a bold statement. Most importantly, I see all my brides as muses.

5) How do you get your inspiration?

I’m truly inspired by textiles and materials. I love to explore and try new textures that will give the twist to the classic bridal gown. I’m also very influenced by fashion muses such as Kate Moss, Caroline Vreeland, Jane Birkin, Vanessa Paradis, etc. They embody my vision of how my modern bride would look.

6) What are some techniques you use that make your gowns unique?

The high quality materials combined with the intricate sewing techniques used are the key elements to create a beautiful gown. I love to play with draping technique to create geometrical patterns that will give this uniqueness to the gown while, at the same time, flatter the woman’s body.

7) What fabrics do you like to work with?

I have a passion for silk tulles! There are so many techniques, shapes and looks that you can create using silk tulle. I also love embroideries that are modular and can be arranged in different ways.

8) Who are some of the celebrities you have designed gowns for?

I’ve had the opportunity to dress many celebrity brides such as Gina Rodriguez and Adria Arjona, Quentin Tarantino’s wife Daniella Pick, Danielle Synder (from Dannijo), Whitney Tingle (founder of Sakara Life). I also had the opportunity to dress celebrities for the red carpet such as the Dancing on Ice star Holly Willoughby.

9) How do you see weddings being celebrated in 2022?

I believe that couples will choose between two types of events. Some will want to organize a big majestic party that will celebrate the wedding and the fact that we can celebrate again. While I think that some others will want to have a small intimate ceremony. The coronavirus enabled this kind of ceremony to become popular and I believe couples will choose this option even after the situation goes back to normal.

10) What do you love most about what you do?

I love to design beautiful gowns and the fact that you can create a small world through a collection. Even better, a few months later, you can create a whole different new one from scratch. Aside from the design process, I enjoy working with brides and seeing the smile on their face when they see themselves in their wedding dress. I feel like I am celebrating with them, sharing their excitement and this brings me happiness.