From Tel Aviv with Love: Chana Marelus
DOLCE’s exclusive with Chana Marelus highlights her collections that have adorned runways worldwide and her perspectives on beauty, design, and the essence of living a fulfilled life.
A part of the Fall 2023 collection, the Alma is a breathtaking strapless tulle gown featuring a voluminous skirt with delicate layers of cascading tulle. | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
A sought-after piece in the Fall 2022 collection, the Ruth — a tulle A-line gown featuring beaded striped details on a bodice cascading down the skirt, short transparent tulle sleeves and high neckline with tulle ruffles. | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
Part of the Spring/Summer 24 collection, the Mai dress’s hand-painted silk, a confident, romantic and delicate look that accentuates your best features. | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
The Grace dress of the Spring/ Summer 24 collection consists of an ethereal pleated silk pant/ dress ensemble with a high neckline for pure sophistication. | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
The Vivienne dress from the Spring/ Summer 24 collection is an astonishing silk gown with a plunging V-neckline, long sleeves, micro-pleating and train. | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
CHANA MARELUS Couture Designer | Photo Courtesy Of Chana Marelus
Q: When did you first know you wanted to be a designer?
A: I never really knew. I thought it would be just my hobby and designing for friends, and then friends of friends. Somehow, I started designing for people all over the world without really noticing.
Q: What sets apart a Chana Marelus style from other designs?
A: I like the gowns to be unique, clean but sophisticated. Because of my background growing up religious and only designing modest, I feel like today when I design more freely, it still connects me to my past. My gowns balance the final design.
Q: How do you define beauty and style?
A: For me, it’s about natural and effortless with confidence.
Q: What has been the fondest memory related to a client’s experience?
A: There isn’t one single memory. It’s being able to see my brides wearing their gowns and looking beautiful and happy.
Q: What are some of your favourite fabrics to work with?
A: I like working with silks. I like the fabric to flow and speak the same language as the feminine body.
Q: What advice would you offer to someone who wants to enter the industry?
A: I think you need to be clear with your style and what you want to show to the world.
Q: What lessons you have learned along the way that you wish you had known in the beginning?
A: That everything is going to be fine. Even the biggest challenges.
Q: Where do you go to get inspired?
A: I like my studio. It’s in a beautiful neighbourhood in Tel Aviv and very quiet. I need to see fabrics and materials to get inspired.
Q: What are 3 things you cannot live without?
A: My family, art, music.
Q: What is your definition of la dolce vita, the sweet life?
A: For me, it can also be a drop of sour. I don’t like my life to be too sweet. I like to work hard and be challenged, and sometimes taste my bitter tears. It helps me grow and feel alive and strong.
INTERVIEW BY MICHELLE ZERILLO-SOSA
