The Clothes Make the Mensch: Jewish Fashion Designers

Instructor: Phil Silver
February 13 (all day with lunch) 10 a.m.-Noon/1-3 p.m. Lunch at Murmullo Restaurant at the Instituto. Cost of lunch will be announced later.

When we think of “fashion,” we usually think of names like Dior, Yves St. Laurent, Chanel, Armani - not Lifshitz! Yet, many seminal designers, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the world of fashion have been Jewish. In this course, learn about famous and lesser-known fashion icons of Jewish heritage who have had a significant effect on women’s and men’s fashion in the past, the present and with a hint to the future.

Phillip Silver is a Canadian designer of scenery, costume, and lighting for opera, theatre, and dance, with close to 300 productions to his credit. His work has been seen across Canada, in the U.S., and in the West End. He taught at York University in Toronto and served there as Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. His approach to design builds on a strong understanding of the storyline as the genesis for the action, the words, and the music in spoken theatre, musical theatre, and opera. He has previously taught courses for the LLP on Seeing Theater and on opera. In 2008, he was honored with induction to the Royal Canadian Academy of the Arts.

The image for this class is presented in partnership with the Miles Nadal Jewish Community Center, Toronto.