Dance Fever
Pieces from our summer collection starred in an international choreography competition in Beijing. Here's a collaboration that will take you to another world
I always knew that the our garments see the world after they leave the studio. Choreographer Elad Shechter took our travelling spirit to new levels. He contacted me a few months back. An international choreography competition is about to be held for the first time in Beijing, he said, and he thinks that my collection will make a great fit. As my creations always try to examine the movement of the body and I admire the dance world, I immediately said yes.
The fittings took place at the store in Rothschild 1 Tower, Tel Aviv. Elad came with dancers Coralie Ladame and Sophie Kranz. Kea B dresses flew from the hangers and without a word, the store became a stage filled with life and excitement.
Before taking off to Beijing, I invited them to take part in the store's launch which took place during Tel Aviv's White Night celebrations. The reactions of the dozens of the people in that special night made it clear – this is a winning combination.
One of the most important goals for me is promoting and encouraging young local art. Whether it's through the Art Fusion project or collaborating with creators from various fields, I believe that keeping an open mind provide a new perspective; on our daily lives and the world surrounding us. The connection with Shechter felt right; a direct continuation of what I want to experience, whether as a woman and a designer who is always on the lookout for inspiring opportunities.
100 choreographers from around the world applied to the competition. Only 24 – Shechter among them – were shortlisted. Apart from Shechter, there was another Israeli representative – Idan Cohen. Shechter featured two works: Fedora (the trio in which our garments took part) and Fun-Is, a duet he danced with Kranz in a world premier in front a judging panel from China, Britain and Austria. Shechter arrived to Beijing from shows in Rome. China, he said when he returned to Israel, accepted them with love.
On the last day of the competition, after 10 days, he received the news – Shechter won second place and won 7000$. The judges commended the way in which the production concept all merged into one – from themovement, to the clothes and the stage set.
"It was a wonderful experience for me and the dancers", he said upon returning home. During these 10 days they saw dance shows from around the world, advanced through the stages, contacted with dancers from different countries and exposed local creations for the international arena to see. Here I want to send my praises to Elad and to also thank him for allowing me to take part in a fascinating project.