TAWFIK MOUNAYER, Israeli, He was born on 20 August 1975.

EDUCATION He studied at the Parsons School of Design in New York.

EXPERIENCE He worked for some mass-marketing design companies and on a freelance basis for other companies. He has his own Women’s Pret-A-Porter Collection.

“To say that I work on a tight budget is an euphemism. But I don’t let it get me down, on the contrary, the limitations only serve to stimulate my creativity.”So much so that his creations look anything but economical. Lace, rich damasks, capes, sumptuous skirts and Victorian dresses made from antique tablecloths in Battenburg lace, contribute to the creation of a fanciful look halfway between boudoir and discotheque, revealing a conspicuous flair for sophistication, luxury and originality. Even when he tries to turn out more modest items, Tawfik always manages to imbue his creations with a delightful theatrical touch, like in his latest collection for summer 2002, where he plays with contrasting lengths, original prints and vigorous brushstrokes of color. “The desire to design fashion is something that’s always been inside me. Nothing makes me happier than the idea of being able to do so for the rest of my life. Not entirely true, I’d like to add one thing: I’d also like to be always surrounded by positive people like now…A good mood is contagious.”