A Cradle of Excellence in Paris: ESMOD Talent Show 2024

In Paris, there exists a nursery for excellence: L’École Supérieure des Arts et Techniques de la Mode, or ESMOD. As the world’s oldest fashion school, ESMOD, formerly known as Guerre-Lavigne, was founded in 1841 by the visionary Alexis Lavigne. This illustrious institution has a storied legacy of shaping the future of fashion.

ESMOD is renowned for its rigorous and innovative programs that equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the fashion industry. Each year, it graduates a new generation of talented fashion designers, ready to leave their mark on the world. These designers are not just trained in the technical aspects of fashion but are also encouraged to experiment and push the boundaries of creativity.

The school’s curriculum is a blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting its deep roots in fashion history while embracing contemporary trends and technologies. ESMOD’s commitment to excellence is evident in its comprehensive approach to fashion education, covering everything from haute couture to ready-to-wear, and from concept development to production.

On the cover – Léo Delautre, he has a degree in foreign languages and a master in marketing. The loss of his father in 2021 inspired him to pursue his passion for fashion. In 2022, he joined Esmod Paris, specializing in menswear. His collection, “J’ai 10 ans,” combines urban culture with tailored elegance, blending street dynamism with salon sophistication. Versatile pieces harmonize effortlessly: fitted jackets with basketball shorts, tailored trousers with track jackets, all reflecting a football-inspired graphic identity. Like Gaudí, Léo trusts those who wear his collection to create modern, intriguing ensembles. “Thank you for traveling with me.”

“At ESMOD, our mission goes beyond imparting know-how. We share, experiment collectively, and co-create, as a community, with our students their professional future. To support and nurture their talents, we advocate for 360° freedom of expression and artistic freedom, boldness, disruption, and diversity. Research and commitment to a meaningful and ethically valuable fashion are also at the heart of our teachings and our students’ projects.”

Véronique Beaumont, General Director

Énora Courtois, an emerging designer from Brittany, bridges urban and rural stereotypes, drawing from childhood memories and immersed in popular culture. After studying at Esmod Rennes and Paris, focusing on knitwear and textiles, her debut collection, “Happiness is in the Meadow,” playfully honors agriculture with colorful, humorous designs blending masculine, feminine, and childish elements through upcycled materials like cozy knits, tulle, and embroidered doilies. With a whimsical tone, Courtois(e) invites us to rediscover our inner child.

Brandon Lim, originally from Malaysia and now in Paris, graduated with a Bachelor’s in New Couture Fashion Design. His journey began with crafting dolls’ outfits, igniting a lifelong passion. Since 2021, Brandon has excelled in roles from showroom sales to styling for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, collaborating with icons like Vivienne Westwood and Weinsanto. Brandon Lim’s collection intertwines masculinity and femininity with timeless elegance and a contemporary twist. Embracing inclusive couture, it celebrates diverse identities and ages. Beyond fashion, Brandon aims to champion freedom through collaborative art, epitomized by the “Genderless Couture N°1,” which celebrates the multifaceted beauty of femininity.

Zoé Bou Harb, from Lebanon, pursued fashion studies at Esmod Paris after completing her French baccalaureate. Specializing in accessories, her creations are deeply influenced by her love for nature, strengthened by experiencing the 2019 forest fires in Lebanon. Inspired by nature’s resilience, her collection “Naissance Renaissance” features multifunctional, detachable pieces evoking the beauty of Versailles’ grand gardens.

Fanny Buchholz, creator of MAISON 2H from Provence, transitioned from six years of international modeling with ELITE MILANO to intensive studies at Esmod Paris as an Emergent Designer Unisex. Passionate about spontaneous, gender-neutral fashion and influenced by Mediterranean culture, MAISON 2H’s “J’AIME PLUS PARIS” collection showcases timeless pieces with modular pants, terry cloth fabrics, embroidery, and azure colors, inviting exploration.

Anaïs Laroche, a dedicated fashion designer, discovered her passion for clothing early, inspired by influential women. After a transformative trip to Vancouver in 2020, she pursued Fashion Design at Esmod Paris, specializing in Menswear. Her brand, Laroche Cailloux, challenges norms with collections like “SCUM,” which explores masculinity’s complexities, blending deconstruction and innovation to redefine traditional male identities through a lens of tenderness and acceptance.

In the vibrant tapestry of Esmod Paris, a cohort of designers from varied backgrounds and cultures converge, each weaving their unique narrative into the fabric of fashion’s future. From South Korean roots to Franco-Korean heritage, from Austrian resilience to Mediterranean flair, these designers transcend borders and blend traditions to redefine contemporary style.

Hyunjoon Choe, inspired by a close acquaintance’s success, embarked on a fashion journey that blends creativity with a pursuit of financial success. His collection “DEMOSORORAM” serves as a precursor to his future brand, embodying the “Super Normal” concept to elevate everyday fashion into something subtly distinctive and inherently valuable.

Guillaume Kyumha Jon navigates his dual cultural identity through “Apocalypsis,” where post-apocalyptic themes meet brutalist aesthetics and graphic novel drama. With a bold color palette, his accessories evoke survival with a culturally resonant edge.

Yannik Pelzl celebrates human resilience through “The Spirit of Pursuit,” infusing military inspiration into menswear that blends fluidity and structure, embodying an artistic quest beyond mere fashion.

Jeanne Charpiot draws on local craftsmanship and equine grace for “Manade,” redefining masculinity through sensitivity and authenticity with eco-conscious materials and collaborative spirit.

Céline Ching‘s exploration of subtraction cutting techniques reflects personal discovery and emotional resonance, inviting wearers into a world of asymmetry and organic textures.

Viltė Adomaitytė‘s “Tribute to the Dreamers” explores the fear of dreaming through dark tones and intricate Baltic-inspired details, crafting robust silhouettes with jacquard and lace.

Élodie Lelong pioneers Metaverse fashion with sustainable 3D printing and recycled materials, blending organic shapes with artisanal innovation like oyster shell jewelry.

Jimmy Zammar’s “The Grimed Beings” delves into forced migration with fragmented volumes and textured layers, critiquing colonialism through modular garments and transformative design.

Léo Thomas’ “YÉTI” bridges art and philosophy with wool and recycled plastic fur, urging introspection on our dual nature through noble materials and local craftsmanship.

Kim Michon‘s maximalist “Ethereal” collection draws surrealism into wearable art, celebrating unexpected sophistication with unique accessories that empower women.

Laurette Leveau‘s “NO EXIT” tackles emotional complexities through reclaimed textiles, narrating nuanced stories of physical transformation with brutalist sensibilities.

Youssif Alani champions cultural diversity with “PSYCHOWBOY,” channeling 1970s influences into innovative designs that celebrate individuality and provoke curiosity.

Mathéo Pelmard Laffont revives endangered craftsmanship through “DEMOSORORAM,” blending natural materials with a message of peace and preservation.

Lucie Menand‘s “Le Non-Sens” celebrates ethical fashion with organic textiles and timeless aesthetics, embracing intimacy and sensuality through sculpted silhouettes.

Martina Rosés‘ “Couture Vivante” emerges from improvisational dance and painting, offering a stage for free expression through androgynous styles and molded volumes.

Jeongjae Lee‘s pilot-themed collection honors personal loss with abstract themes and starry symbolism, prompting contemplation on hope and introspection.

Albane Gournay‘s “Atelier Figé dans le Temps” captures nostalgia with distinctive silhouettes and theatrical masks, celebrating craftsmanship and emotional depth.

Nathan Vandenberghe redefines tailoring with “ILLUSION STRUCTURÉE,” blending brutalist aesthetics and surrealism into timeless elegance with bold volumes and artistic details.

Honorine Touzet‘s “HEILIG” channels societal isolation into powerful silhouettes and intricate textures, transforming pain into poignant artistry.

These collections collectively embody a spirit of innovation and personal narrative, challenging conventions and celebrating diversity through fashion that transcends borders and speaks to the soul.