In a bustling city like Tel Aviv, where innovation and modernity thrive, it's intriguing to discover a haven dedicated to the opposite end of the spectrum—a place where tradition, craftsmanship, and heritage reign supreme. This is the story of Collect, a design store that challenges our perception of luxury and invites us to appreciate the art of slow, deliberate creation.
The Rise of Curated Luxury
Amidst the hand-blown glass vases and French porcelain adorned with real gold, Collect offers more than just high-end goods. It's a carefully curated collection, a testament to the enduring value of craftsmanship in an era dominated by mass production. The store's founders, Maxim Slavin and Karin Shelef Aviv, have embarked on a mission to gather brands that embody their core values: tradition, handcraft, and heritage.
A World of Stories
What makes Collect unique is its focus on the stories behind the products. Price, surprisingly, takes a backseat. Slavin emphasizes the importance of tradition, craftsmanship, and an authentic narrative. Each item, whether it's a single plate or an entire porcelain set, carries with it a rich history and a unique process.
For instance, the Gien porcelain, founded in 1821, involves multiple artisans working on each plate, a process that can take days or even weeks. Every plate is a one-of-a-kind creation, an artist's masterpiece. And then there's the ultra-luxury line by Robert Haviland, where the Matignon series, inspired by the French prime minister's residence, is crafted with real liquid gold, resulting in pieces that are not only beautiful but also carry a sense of diplomatic prestige.
The Charm of Imperfection
In a world that often values perfection and uniformity, Collect celebrates the unique charm of hand-crafted items. Take, for instance, the glassware from Venini, an iconic brand from the island of Murano in Italy. Each piece, blown and shaped by hand, varies slightly from the next, adding to its allure. The Fazzoletto vase, with its undulating folds, creates an illusion of soft fabric, a testament to the skill and creativity of the Italian masters.
A Diverse Customer Base
Contrary to what one might expect, Collect's clientele is not limited to the wealthy residents of Kikar Hamedina. Slavin notes that people from all walks of life visit the store, each with their own budget and taste. Some may purchase a single cup or vase, while others invest in entire sets. The common thread, he believes, is the desire to bring beauty and quality into their homes, a value that transcends social status.
The Taste of Luxury
The experience at Collect is not just visual; it's sensory. Sipping espresso from a hand-painted cup that costs as much as a restaurant dinner, one wonders if the design enhances the taste. Perhaps it's the excitement and the feeling of luxury that elevate the experience. Similarly, nuts served on a luxury saucer seem to taste better, a testament to the power of perception and the role of ambiance in our enjoyment of food.
A Deeper Appreciation
Collect invites us to slow down and appreciate the value that lies beyond the price tag. In a fast-paced world, these old-world luxury brands remind us of the beauty in craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and the heritage that spans decades and centuries. For their clients, value is not just about the materials or the brand name, but about the human touch, the skill, and the legacy that each piece carries.
What Collect offers is a chance to reconnect with the essence of luxury, to appreciate the stories and the craftsmanship that make these items truly priceless.
