La Cambre Mode[s] 40th Anniversary Reunites Top Fashion Designers

La Cambre Mode[s] school in Brussels celebrated its 40th anniversary with a reunion of its most famous alumni, including Matthieu Blazy, Anthony Vaccarello, Julian Klausner, Marine Serre, Olivier Theyskens, Julien Dossena, Nicolas Di Felice, Lea Peckre, Marie Adam-Leenaerdt, Louis Gabriel Nouchi, and Cedric Charlier. They served as the graduation jury for the department's 40th anniversary, honoring educator Tony Delcampe. The event, called Show Off, featured a runway show for Masters students followed by two hours of intense conversation between jury and graduates. La Cambre's five-year, low-fee, government-funded program admits only 50-60 students across BA and MA, with a rigorous week-long entrance test requiring French proficiency. Students work directly with materials and draping, not mood boards. Internships are mandatory each year, with alumni landing top roles at houses like Chanel, Saint Laurent, Dries Van Noten, Rabanne, Hermès, and Courrèges. The school's success stems from its talent-based admissions, low fees, and proximity to Paris while allowing work in Belgium. Blazy, who graduated in 2007, called the jury a full-circle moment. Delcampe's pragmatic approach contrasts with fashion industry pretension, and alumni credited his insistence for their participation.