Israeli Shoemaker Shares Impression of Vietnam

Levi visited Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during this trip. The first thing that stood out for him right after arrival was the busy traffic. Although the amount of motorbikes was shocking, Levi felt that there was an "organically organized” flow. As a fashion designer, he also enjoyed the street fashion from the Southeast Asian country and how it combines the practical element with style.

Designer Kobi Levi of Kobi Levi's Footwear Art (Photo: Embassy of Israel to Vietnam).

"I noticed a lot of random nice fashion combinations, I assume it is my designer point of view. I met a lot of people, nice, friendly and professional people- this is definitely a memorable and impressive experience," said Levi.

The food-loving Israeli claimed that trying authentic Vietnamese food was one of the most interesting experiences during his visit.

"I am vegetarian, and I found endless options, and went to all vegetarian restaurants too. The food was interesting as it is very different from local Mediterranean dishes that are more common where I live," he explained.

Among the dishes he tried, Levi loved Pho the most, saying that this dish as well as all of his favorites have something in common. For example, some ingredients are cooked, noodles, mushrooms and some vegetables are fresh and raw in the mix.

As for the design of the dishes, the artist was also impressed by how the taste, texture, visual, shapes and colors are beautifully organized

Levi also shared that his experience working at Vietnam's Fashion Week event and at his very own exhibition was also an success.

"I was simply amazed! All done so well, organized and well thought of. In many previous experiences there were a lot of situations where things needed to solved quickly in the last moment, so I expected this to happen- but no! This shows how professional the team is, everyone behind the scenes as well on stage," exclaimed the foreign designer.

Kobi Levi (second from right) at the Vietnam's Fashion Week 2023 in HCMC (Photo: Embassy of Israel to Vietnam).

As the shoemaker prepared for his creation to appear in the Vietnam's Fashion Week for the first time, there was a lot of stress. Levi worked closely with the team of his collaborator, Vietnamese designer Minh Quan (Wuan Phan), so that they can showcase the beautiful footwears and also compliment the clothing items.

While under the tension of putting on a great show, Levi reckoned that with all the rush, tension and excitement of a live show, there was a positive and nice atmosphere that you can feel it when watching. He is hopeful of future collaboration with Vietnamese creators so that together they can continue to showcase the best of Vietnamese and Israeli fashion.

"I love to come to a place to participate in a joined project, it is so much nicer than just tourism, as I get to meet a lot of great people, as I did in Vietnam Fashion Week, which I want to keep in touch with and hope to collaborate again," said Levi.

He also cannot wait to return to enjoy more Vietnamese food and discover more about the local lifestyle, architecture, scenery.

Israeli fashion designer Kobi Levi and his creations (Photo: virtualshoemuseum.com). Kobi Levi is a phenomenon of Israeli fashionistas with unique and creative shoe models inspired by daily life. His talent has been recognized in the world's leading fashion magazines such as Marie Claire, Elle, Glamor or Runway. Levi's designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Whoopi Goldberg, and Netta Barzilai. In July 2023, the Embassy of Israel in Vietnam cooperated with Kobi Levi to organize an exhibition called FootWearArt in Hanoi introducing unique and creative shoe designs inspired by life. This is a special art event on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Israel. He also joined the catwalk of Vietnam International Fashion Week 2023 in a fashion collection of Vietnamese designer Minh Quan (Wuan Phan).

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