Conversations with Creatives — Tziporah Salamon
The 70-year-old style icon
I met Tziporah, aka Tzippy, at a party several years ago and it was love at first sight. I’m an Israeli American with an Israeli mother and she’s from Israel so I felt a familial kinship instantly. Then I took her class, Art of Dressing, and since then every time I put on a pair of earrings or a scarf before leaving the house, I think of her.
Tzippy was in the film, Advanced Style, and has appeared in many commercials and prints ads.
Annie: Where do you think your passion and skillset for fashion and dressing came from? Do you feel like you were born with a stylish gene?
Tzippy: Yes, of course. I was lucky enough to choose my parents — two terrifically skilled artisans — dad a master tailor and mom a brilliant dressmaker who could sew, knit, crochet, and embroider. They made all my clothes from day one. They were also incredibly stylish and good looking so yes, the bar was set very high from the beginning.
Annie: How and when did you get your first modeling gig?
Tzippy: My first modeling gig was in 2012, for Lanvin’s fall/winter campaign. I was 62. They found me online and through Advanced Style.
Annie: You, like my beautiful Ima, was born in Israel. How much of the Israeli culture do you feel is expressed in your fashion sense?
Tzippy: Not sure. Definitely my parents’ European influence — Hungarian women were known for their style and both my parents were Hungarian. As far as Israeli culture — I love Yemenite embroidery and have several pieces with it. I also love blue and white together — a la the Israeli flag!
Annie: You are fearless. How did you get that way?
Tzippy: I think I was born that way. Fearless in my sense of style perhaps because I like to stretch myself and go beyond my comfort zone. I do not follow trends. Nor do I follow the dictates of the fashion world. Rather, I cultivated STYLE. A HUGE difference!
Annie: When you were younger did you worry more about what people thought of you and your appearance?
Tzippy: Yes. When we came here from Israel I was 9 years old. The kids made fun of my clothes, calling them “home-made.” I was so embarrassed that I came home and announced to them that I no longer wanted their “home-made clothes.” I wanted my clothes from Macy’s like all the other kids.
Annie: Do you feel you are on this planet for a reason? What is it.
Tzippy: Definitely. I feel I am here to raise the bar on how we dress. To bring glamour back. To show how valuable and important style is as opposed to fashion. And how much fun and healing dressing can be. It is the utmost creative act — to express who you are on a DAILY basis!
Annie: What do you say to people who feel like they lack style?
Tzippy: If it’s important to them, they can certainly learn. Look at people whose style they like. Study their outfits. Look at art books. Read my book, THE ART OF DRESSING, where they will learn the elements of design and how to take dressing to the next level.
Annie: Define style.
Tzippy: A way of being and looking at the world that totally expresses who you are and feels harmonious and true to your being.
Annie: When do you feel the most creative?
Tzippy: When the outfit comes together and it all just flows, and the end result is a masterpiece that gives me so much joy.
Annie: Do you have one piece of advice you can give someone who doesn’t know what their style is, and doesn’t know how to find it?
Tzippy: Start paying attention to what it is that turns you on. What do you love? Cut out photos of anything that inspires you. Visit museums. Open your eyes. Find beauty everywhere and be discerning.
Annie: Best advice about anything you’ve ever received.
Tzippy: Be true to who you are. Follow your own beat. Dare to be YOU!
→Tzippy’s official site.
Follow Tzippy on IG! ←