We have at least two months of warm sunshine ahead, but the fashion world is already switching to a ‘winter state of mind’. Summer sales are practically over, mid-season collections are neatly presented in stores and in a couple of weeks the infamous September issues will list for us next season’s “Must have”s. In an attempt to keep up with this crazy rhythm, I here by open the Fall-Winter season on Issues.

Even in -10 degrees, showing-off feminine legs is always a good strategy to adopt. This winter, you might want to pay attention to the refreshing work of Gal Stern (28).

This young designer graduated two years ago from Shenkar (Israeli College of Engineering and Design) where she specialized in printing. During her final project she had to develop different textiles for women’s pantyhose and there she found her niche. Today, her hand printed tights are sold in Australia, USA and UK (not to mention her online store that ships everywhere).

Issues: Where do you get your inspiration?
Gal Stern: My inspiration keeps changing. In my last collection I was influenced by vertebrates and knots, by forms and their repetitive patterns. Inspiration comes from feelings you get from the world, and so, at this moment I’m also influenced by ‘Avatar’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’. Both of these films are projected in 3D and are about fantasy.

What technique do you use in your work?
My printing techniques vary from one product to another; I don’t tend to give them away… In general, all products are hand printed one-by-one through silk-screening in my workshop.
There’s a real movement of “back to necessities”, prioritizing hand-made unique and original products over mass production. It’s very important to me in my work process.

Who do you design for?
My customers are girls and women from 17 to 70. They like fashion, know to express themselves in an original way and they don’t ‘go with the flow’.

Do you plan to expand your work to other garments?
My business is still young. Right now I’m focusing on tights but I have a lot of projects. Later on I might develop into working other pieces, maybe bathing-suits…

Photography: Suryanty Theong, Noa Ramone, Dean Podmore