Israelis have long had mixed emotions about wearing second hand clothes. The reasons are myriad starting with, of course, the fear of germs both real and imagined, instilled by previous generations; a backlash towards the communal wardrobe of the kibbutz and the army, and on through the “What are we, poor?” syndrome of the new middle class.
Anything old used to be suspect but rebrand those hand me downs as “vintage” and trendy Israelis are there.
Photo courtesy of Baronit, Kfar Saba
Veteran consignment shop Etcetera of Adrienne Lazare — for many years a secret fashion weapon for the diplomatic, expatriate and society women of Kfar Shmaryahu — has been joined by new faces like Baronit in Kfar Saba, Pola in Pardes Hanna, Take 2 in Yokneam, K’mo Hadash (Like New) in Kfar Yehoshua, Paam Haiety in Meitar, Vintage in Truman at Kfar Truman and many more.
Photo courtesy of Pola, Pardes Hanna
Photo courtesy of Take 2, Yokeneam
Needless to say, their selection of goods is always West meets Middle East.
Photo courtesy of Paam Haiety, Meitar
Of course, some items — like these Sypholux soda makers — are Israeli as can be.
Photo courtesy of Vintage in Truman, Kfar Truman
The trend has even given the Flea Market in Old Jaffa has a new lease on life.