A design from Yifat Mandabi’s graduation collection, dedicated to her mother and showcased as part of the Class of 2026 graduate runway show (Yossi Karsu)

A successful personal stylist, Yifat has always been passionate about fashion and dreamed of studying fashion design. Five years ago, while working backstage at the University of Haifa runway show, she was inspired by the creativity and energy behind the scenes. The experience motivated her to finally pursue her dream after years of putting her ambitions on hold due to life’s demands.

Tell us about your project. What did you draw inspiration from?

During my first year at the academy, my father passed away. In my second, I lost my mother. Those years were incredibly difficult, and my studies became a place where I could process my grief. Through fashion and design, I found a way to transform my emotions into something meaningful. Creating became a form of healing, allowing me to express feelings that were often impossible to put into words.

For my graduation project, I chose to dedicate my collection to my mother.  During the last year of her life, she lived with dementia. I wanted to explore the impact of this disease by translating her experience into garments through the use of innovative textile techniques.

While going through my mother’s belongings, I discovered unfinished craft and embroidery pieces she had once worked on. As her dementia progressed, she gradually lost the ability to sew and continue the work she loved. Completing those pieces became my way of continuing her story. It was both a tribute to her creativity and a deeply personal act of remembrance, allowing her legacy to live on through my designs.

Tell us about creating your collection.

I collaborated with a company that specializes in 3D printing directly onto fabric. I took my mother’s tapestry work and transformed it through this innovative technique, allowing her handmade creations to become part of my own designs.

During her illness, my mother often felt cold and relied on a warm blanket for comfort. The silhouette and feeling of that blanket became an important element in my collection as well.

My greatest fear is forgetting her, and I never want that to happen. By dedicating this collection to my mother, I created a way to carry her memory with me every day. Through my designs, she continues to exist in my creative vision, and her story remains a part of me.

How has The University of Haifa supported your journey?

Studying here in Israel is not a typical experience. To be a student, a mother, to live through a war, and still continue creating and pursuing art, you need a strong mentor and a supportive community around you.

The University of Haifa provided the support we, as students, needed to navigate an incredibly challenging period. The faculty and mentors understood what we were going through and helped us continue to grow and succeed despite the circumstances. Their empathy, flexibility, and encouragement made a profound difference, allowing us to move forward without losing sight of our goals.

Throughout my four years of study, the university supported me every step of the way. I received professional guidance from dedicated mentors who believed in me and encouraged my development as a designer. Every design studio gave me the freedom to express my creativity while embracing and respecting my personal story. That combination of academic excellence and genuine human support is what makes the University of Haifa so special to me, and it is an experience I will always carry with me.

How was the experience of the fashion show for you?

It felt like a full-circle moment for me. Five years ago, I was mentoring others at the fashion show. This year, I found myself leaning on the incredible production staff we have, and that shift was both humbling and exciting.

The experience gave me a sense of closure and reminded me how much I’ve grown. It also became my ticket to the outside world, a chance to share my vision, my journey, and my creativity with others.

Were the other projects or students that inspired you?

We have a very unique group, and every student brought their own story, perspective, and design approach. I was the oldest student in the group, yet despite most of the students being quite young, they all experienced challenges that shaped who they are and it was inspiring to see how each person expressed their individuality through their work.

What has it been like to be a student in a post-October 7 reality?

The last year was especially challenging because, during the Iran war, we were away from school for almost two months. We lost our usual routine and the sense of stability that the academy provided. Each student, including myself, had to continue from home. During that time, I focused on my family, and living through the constant alarms and uncertainty was frightening.

Throughout the war, we had Zoom meetings with our mentors. They regularly checked in on us, supported us, and reminded us that we were not alone. Their care gave me a sense of calm and helped me feel that I was in good hands during such an uncertain period.

What was meaningful was that our mentors understood that these were not normal circumstances. They recognized the emotional impact of the situation and gave us the space and time we needed when we returned to school. They allowed us to express ourselves, process what we had experienced, and provided extra time and support to complete our work.

Their understanding and compassion made a significant difference and showed me the strength of the academy as a community.

What are your plans for after you graduate?

Looking ahead, I want to continue my education by pursuing a second degree. My dream is to become a teacher at the academy, where I can share the knowledge, skills, and experience I have gained throughout my journey as a stylist and designer.

The academy has been a meaningful part of my life. It has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I am grateful for everything I have learned there. I want to give back by supporting and mentoring the next generation of designers, helping them build confidence, develop their creative vision, and find their own path.

There is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing young designers grow, discover their potential, and succeed. I hope to contribute to the academy that has given me so much and help inspire future generations of creatives.