Brussels, a city often lauded for its architectural elegance and rich history, recently played host to an extraordinary gathering of fashion’s elite, a testament to the enduring legacy of La Cambre Mode[s] school. The hallowed halls of this esteemed institution saw creative directors, including Matthieu Blazy of Bottega Veneta (soon to present at Chanel Haute Couture), Anthony Vaccarello of Saint Laurent, Julien Dossena of Rabanne, and Marine Serre, converge to serve as the esteemed jury for the department’s 40th-anniversary graduation ceremony.
A Confluence of Talent
This reunion of influential alumni, who also include Lea Peckre, Julian Klausner, Olivier Theyskens, Louis Gabriel Nouchi, and Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, underscores the profound impact La Cambre has had on shaping the contemporary fashion landscape. Their collective presence celebrated Tony Delcampe, the visionary educator whose guidance fostered their remarkable careers. The sheer caliber of attendees—each a significant figure in today’s luxury fashion sphere—created an atmosphere of mutual respect and shared experience, a stark contrast to the often hyper-competitive nature of the industry.
Marine Serre eloquently captured the spirit of the event, noting the palpable sense of camaraderie: “We love to see each other, and I think we understand each other a lot. The joy and the pain.” This sentiment was echoed by Lea Peckre, who recalled the deep bonds formed during their time at La Cambre, emphasizing the collaborative environment. Olivier Theyskens, one of the earliest notable alumni, expressed his admiration for the journey of his fellow graduates, observing the “kind of joy” and the remarkable success stories that have emerged from the school.
The La Cambre Pedigree: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation
The “Show Off” event, as it was aptly named, perfectly encapsulated Delcampe’s educational philosophy: a seamless blend of professional runway presentation with intimate, democratized dialogue between jury members and students. Following a runway show featuring the Masters students’ collections, attendees engaged in in-depth conversations, a focused two-hour session remarkably free of digital distractions.
Delcampe’s pedagogical approach eschews traditional mood boards and sketches, advocating instead for a hands-on, material-driven process. “Students work on the stand, with materials, with volumes, draping. It’s real,” he asserts. This emphasis on fundamental garment construction, as recalled by alumna Ester Manas, forms the bedrock of creativity. The rigorous five-year program, characterized by its low tuition fees, allows La Cambre to select students based purely on merit, fostering a diverse and exceptionally talented cohort. The intensive week-long entrance exam, requiring French language proficiency and a clear design vision, ensures that only the most dedicated and promising candidates are admitted.
The school’s Brussels location offers a unique advantage, providing a balance between the vibrant Belgian creative scene and proximity to the international fashion capital of Paris. This allows graduates to maintain a connection to their roots while pursuing global careers. Furthermore, mandatory internships within the industry, with notable experiences including Lea Peckre at Maison Margiela and Marine Serre at Alexander McQueen, provide invaluable real-world exposure, shaping their understanding and readiness for the professional arena.
A Legacy of Influence
The success of La Cambre graduates is undeniable, with many establishing their own influential labels or ascending to creative director positions at globally renowned fashion houses. Figures like Nicolas Di Felice and Julien Dossena honed their skills at Balenciaga, while Matthieu Blazy’s trajectory, from Maison Margiela Artisanal to Celine and Calvin Klein, culminating in his current role at Bottega Veneta, exemplifies the school’s ability to nurture exceptional talent. Blazy’s presence on the jury, having graduated in 2007, represented a full-circle moment, underscoring the cyclical nature of mentorship and the lasting impact of Delcampe’s teachings. The school’s pragmatic ethos, as described by Delcampe – “We’re making clothes, here, not a circus” – serves as a grounding force against fashion’s inherent theatricality, fostering a culture of dedication and authentic craftsmanship.
Business Style Takeaway: The La Cambre model highlights the profound impact of a strong foundational education, prioritizing technical skill and practical experience over transient trends. This approach cultivates designers capable of driving innovation and leadership within established luxury houses, reinforcing the value of rigorous training in developing enduring professional careers and shaping the future of high fashion.
Original article : www.vogue.com