Most promising Graduate
of the Year 2024
— Nanook Cools
The designs of Nanook Cools, a graduate of the City Academy in Sint-Niklaas, are distinguished by a rebellious spirit, striking color contrasts and bold prints. In 2022 Cools emerged as one of the winners of the LolaLiza Fashion School, resulting in her designs being showcased in LolaLiza stores across Belgium. Her graduation collection, ‘My Sweet Revolution’, was a finalist in the 9th Bilbao International Art and Fashion Contest. This collection delves into her personal experience with type 1 diabetes, exploring the duality between patient and person.
— Julien Houdremont
Growing up in Binche, Julien Houdremont was deeply influenced by the region’s carnivals and traditions. As he got older, he became increasingly aware of the rigid rules governing these customs, particularly noting his mother’s frustration at women being excluded from playing the role of ‘Gille’. In his graduate collection for the Haute École Francisco Ferrer in Brussels, ‘Under The Straw’, Houdremont merged the intricate craftsmanship of the Binche carnival with the rebellious spirit of punk, encouraging people to embrace clothing without the constraints of gender.
Picture © Enrique Vasquez Heredia Nikiema
— Léo Jennes
After graduating from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Liège with numerous awards, including the prestigious Jury Prize, Léo Jennes continued his education at HELMo Mode, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in fashion techniques. Here, he once again excelled, graduating with three awards, including another Jury Prize. The collection which he graduated with, is inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat and explores the duality of fame – how one can be celebrated and underground at the same time.
Picture ©Joël Vandenberghe
— Pommie Dierick
During her studies at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Pommie Dierick embarked on a personal journey exploring femininity and elegance. Her master’s collection, ‘Wild Horses Run Free’, embodies this exploration. Inspired by the raw, untamed energy of icons such as Grace Jones and Betty Davis, the collection challenges conventional norms, encouraging women to embrace their individuality with confidence and grace. ‘Wild Horses Run Free’ stands for mental freedom, serving as a powerful reminder to break free from societal constraints and to pursue our wildest dreams.
Picture © Bjorn Tagemose
— Célestin Verheyden
Célestin Verheyden, who graduated with high honors from La Cambre, drew inspiration for his collection from the landscapes, colors, materials and culture of his home, the rural region of Hesbaye. He transformed two-dimensional concepts into dynamic, structured volumes by using techniques such as folding and cutting and reimagined traditional codes of menswear to create new identities and expressions. While studying at La Cambre, he had internships at prestigious fashion houses such as Saint Laurent as well as smaller, emerging brands like Ester Manas.
Picture © Jorre Janssens
— Jessica Francesca Van Winckel
Jessica Francesca Van Winckel channels her Belgian and Portuguese heritage into vibrant, creative designs that often reflect personal experiences. Van Winckel studied fashion at KASK Conservatorium in Ghent and further developed her skills in screen printing, pattern making and knitting during a six-month program at Weissensee Kunsthochschule in Berlin, complemented by internships at various fashion brands. In her master collection, ‘Unveiling Identities’, she aims to challenge traditional fashion norms by offering adjustable and mix-and-match silhouettes.
Picture © Rikki Siebens
— Tatiana Bifouri
Tatiana Bifouri, of Belgian and Congolese heritage, transitioned from a career in financial accounting to pursue her passion for fashion design at Château Massart in Liège. For her final collection, Bifouri explored the role of women in society, a theme deeply connected to her personal experiences. Committed to sustainability, she used recycled materials and deadstock from designers like Christian Wijnants. One of her key pieces, a multifunctional trench coat, symbolizes the protective and supportive roles women play, with sleeves representing the various demands placed on them..