Roberto Cavalli Showcases Spring/Summer 2012 Collection at Tel Aviv Fashion Week

TEL AVIV, Israel - You might not know it, but Tel Aviv fashion is probably all around you.

Tel Aviv , already renowned for its beaches and nightlife, is quickly gaining a reputation as the fashion capital of the Middle East. Now, the fashion industry is quickly catching on to the new kid on the block, with industry leaders flocking to Israel for Tel Aviv Fashion Week . Think of it as a coming out party to celebrate the fashion industry's best kept secret.

Headlining the week's festivities, Roberto Cavalli showcased his Spring/Summer 2012 collection on Monday, November 21st.

Launching this week's marathon of runway shows in Tel Aviv, Roberto Cavalli, next to his radiant wife Eva, expressed his enthusiasm saying "Israel is in my heart."

"I'm hoping that Tel Aviv fashion week will show the world the Israel that I love," continued Cavalli. "It's a beautiful city full of life with people full of life who enjoy fashion and culture just like Europeans, Americans, the Japanese... I'm happy I could support this new venture by showing in Tel Aviv."

Historic items from his past collections, coupled with new pieces from his current collection, graced the catwalk of his fashion show in downtown Tel Aviv on Monday night.

From Sunday, November 20th until Wednesday, November 23rd, Tel Aviv is showcasing veteran and emerging designers - from Roberto Cavalli and swimsuit designer Gideon Oberson to emerging Israeli designers Shai Shalom and Alon Livne .

The Tel Aviv runway showcased various modes representative of the country like Shai Shalom's high class evening wear, Sugar Daddy 's 1980s-style streetwear, Dorit Bar'Or -designed Pas Pour Toi line which mixes European charm with chic boho, and Persy's Rick Owens crossed with Balmain military tailoring.

The back-to-back fashion shows of approximately 20 leading Israeli fashion designers drew crowds to Tel Aviv's hottest new spot, the Tachana , a recently-restored train station turned haven for night owls near Tel Aviv's historic port of Jaffa.

Fashion Week was preceded by a week of lectures dedicated to fashion held at the Holon Design Museum .