Shani Tsur

In recent years the capital of the desert is enjoying what seems to be the beginning of a golden era. With vibrant student life and a new focus on high-tech initiatives, the southern city is becoming more and more attractive to locals and newcomers. Here’s a list of some places to stay in and visit on your next trip down south.

This Thursday, Tel Aviv will mark International Day of Yoga, an annual event established by the UNGA in 2015. Although the actual day is Friday, June 21st, the city municipality, and yoga studios across Tel Aviv, want to provide you all the holistic meditation needs while still leaving time for Shabbat. We have listed some events where you can get in your downward-facing-dog position and celebrate this ancient cultural routine.   The 5th International Day of Yoga with The Embassy of India in Israel There’s no better way to celebrate yoga than with the people who invented it. The Indian embassy holds these events annually, with a schedule of yoga classes for a variety of age groups that will take place throughout the evening. Location: Tachana compound, Neve Tzedek. Time: from 18:00 through 21:30. Fee: free, on a first-come-first-served basis. Don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat. For more details: facebook.com/yogadayisarel/     EllaYoga at the Tel Aviv Port EllaYoga, a yoga studio located at the port, on building 4, will hold its annual event on the beachfront’s wooden deck right outside the studio. The routine will include 108 sun salutations right as the sun itself sets in front of your eyes. Location: Tel Aviv Port, in front of building #4. Time: gathering at 18:30, to start a bit before 19:00. Fee: free, on a first-come-first-served basis. Don’t forget to bring your own yoga mat. For more details: facebook.com/events   Free classes at Chandra Yoga studio Chandr

Thirty-year-old Israeli fashion designer Shahar Avnet's handmade embroideries, vibrant-colored ruffles and painterly whimsy took to Tel Aviv Fashion Week last week and captured the audience. The designer recently crafted signature dresses for Beyonce, featured in the photographs of her new album "Everything Is Love" with Jay Z as well as for her last tour. Avi Valdman Two years ago, Shahar Avnet was still a very-young-and-very-green fashion student who had just graduated from Shenker College of Engineering and Design, with hardly any industry knowledge. But this past Wednesday she put on a true spectacle of colors, fabrics and humans on the runway at the Tel Aviv Fashion Week – and she is at a true high in her career. Over the phone shortly after the show, Avnet still sounds ecstatic with adrenaline: “This was my first solo show. No one hosted me at their venue, and that allowed me, for the first time, to bring to life the kind of event that I perceived as a fashion show. 100% freedom.” Avi Valdman  More than anything, it is clear this young designer is in her element when she practices bravery. The show was abundant in tulle, silk, vinyl and nylon, and rich in neon and metallic colors, uncharacteristic of the Tel Aviv's otherwise monochromatic style. The show featured no professional models, but people of all shapes, colors and ages and many dancers who broke out in mini-dance routines mid-show. Avnet says there’s a complete storyline behind it: “The collection is called