The woman who turned a stiletto into a hat: fashion, surrealism, and Elsa Schiaparelli

The works of the artist Henri Matisse and his influence on an entire generation of creators, designers, and artists leave no doubt that fashion and textiles play a huge role in his creative story. Yet still, it seems his love for textiles and fashion is a lesser-known facet of his character. Matisse grew up in a region of France that specialized in textile weaving; as an adult, he moved to Paris and filled his gray apartment with rich, printed, woven, and knitted fabrics. Through his iconic works, we will try to understand how textiles moved from the background of his composition to the center of his work and how Matisse became a stage and costume designer. His legacy has spread beyond the spaces of the museum - his bold colors, innovative textures, and captivating silhouettes can also be revealed in the designs of Yves Saint Laurent, Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, and others.

The queen may lack a crown, but she dons a cone bra, fishnet stockings, and the iconic name Madonna! The ultimate diva of Western pop, who, with her debut record, sent the world into a frenzy with her groundbreaking style, continues to shape and influence the fashion scene. Madonna is the master of the stage persona, using clothes and accessories as tools for social revolution and a shield against relentless public scrutiny. In her lecture, Yaara Keydar explores the life of this modern icon - a tale of courage and personal sacrifice woven through the musical milestones and stylistic evolutions of a woman who constantly reinvents herself while always staying true to who she is. Madonna, this is a love song.

The world fell in love with the blazing colours of Vincent van Gogh’s paintings, now regarded as timeless masterpieces. Yet behind these iconic images lies the story of a man who lived in poverty, wore threadbare clothes, and endured rejection. How did the Sunflowers series come into being? Who was the woman whose faith ensured that Van Gogh’s work would reach the world? And how have his paintings found new life in the collections of Yves Saint Laurent, Margiela, Moschino, and others? Through profound suffering, Van Gogh revealed the beauty of the world and created an enduring visual language. Despite disappointment, he never lost faith in creativity or humanity. He faced sorrow while searching for light within it, leaving a legacy of hope and love. A journey through the bond between brothers, nature’s healing power, and the ways colour, texture, and material continue to be reinterpreted through fashion. A portrait of an artist who lived in solitude, and of a world that never stops falling in love with him.