Meet the Institut Français de la Mode class of 2026
As graduation season commences, EE72 meets seven students graduating from the most sought-after fashion school in Paris. Here, they talk about what the future has in store.
When graduation season rolls around for fashion students across the globe, many eyes fall on the global fashion capital, Paris. Or, more specifically, Institut Français de la Mode.
The fashion institution has nurtured the talents of Jil Sander’s Co-Creative Director Lucie Meier and Nadège Vanhee-Cybulski, Artistic Director of Women’s Ready-to-Wear at Hermès, establishing it as one of the city’s leading fashion incubators.
Now, the school is releasing a new cohort of budding creatives into the world. As the newly graduated class of 2026 enters this exciting chapter in their creative journeys, we met seven of the graduates at the precipice of change.
Head below to hear what they hope their futures have in store, and the clothes they’re wearing as they take their next steps…
DAVIDE BRUGGISSER, 26
What are you wearing?
Just a plain white t-shirt, some vintage Acne Studios jeans and black loafers.
What are your plans for the future?
After graduating, I would like to stay in Paris and secure an internship as soon as possible at a major fashion house. My goal is to gain experience, develop my skills, and hopefully continue my journey as a designer by becoming part of a creative design team.
What has been the best part of this year?
This year, my biggest discovery was the process of experimenting with fabrics and material manipulation. I transformed visual research from books and magazines into garments, turning references into new textures, forms, and silhouettes. By taking archetypes from workwear wardrobes, I explored how familiar pieces could be reinvented through material, construction, and proportion. I also developed a deeper understanding of leather, discovering ways to repurpose old scraps and dead stock skins whilst giving them a renewed purpose.
Instagram @dayellb
JEAN OLTRA, 24
What are you wearing?
Not sure yet!
What are your plans for the future?
I am starting an internship at Louis Vuitton Menswear for 6 months next September, so let’s see where that takes me.
What has been the best part of this year?
Honestly, having the time and opportunity to work introspectively for a year and to get to express myself through clothes has been an incredible journey. I have discovered so much about who I am and what I can achieve. The people I have met and the incredible network of people who helped me make this happen are so appreciated.
Instagram @jeanoltra
LAURIANE LOTHIN, 22
What are you wearing?
I usually wear denim jeans with turned-up hems, but here you can see one of the pieces from my collection. It’s a pair of tartan shorts made from denim and leather.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to do an internship at a major fashion house. After that, I want to gain experience in the fashion industry. And maybe in ten years, I’ll launch my own brand with the goal of making Afro-centered fashion more accessible and widely appreciated.
What has been the best part of this year?
I think the best part of this year was the fashion show. It was the first time we got to see our designs worn on the runway which made the experience even more special. Our families and friends were there to see our collections, and it was also the first time my family had visited my school. Seeing how proud they were of everything I had accomplished was incredibly emotional and was definitely the highlight of my year. I also loved sharing this moment with all of my classmates. Looking back at how much we had grown from our first year to our third year and seeing our progress made the experience even more unforgettable.
Instagram @laurianelothin
PAUL MOLINA, 20
What are you wearing?
I’m wearing vintage boot cut jeans with a new pair of shoes that I thrifted at Guerissol not too long ago. My tank top is a vintage Jean Paul Gauthier; there were sleeves before but I’ve cut them off.
What are your plans for the future?
I would love to do an internship in a design studio and after, if I’m lucky, get hired to continue my designer journey. I really want to work in a studio to improve my skills with professionals before starting something by myself.
What has been the best part of this year?
It was the best year of my life. I think the moment where you find the final direction of the collection is the most exciting because you have so many ideas.
Instagram @paul.mlnn
SMILLA CARLSSON, 22
What are you wearing?
A shirt dress that I love and wear super often from Monki and carven shorts.
What are your plans for the future?
To start off, I would like to do a design internship. After that, I’m open to trying something that involves my senses such as perfume.
What has been the best part of this year?
Getting to create weird things like a big fish bag.
Instagram @smi1la
VIRGILE COURBON, 22
What are you wearing?
My grandfather’s dress shoes, thrifted tailored pants and a Raf Simons tank top.
What are your plans for the future?
I am excited to begin an internship next year in a design studio. I’m also excited to expand my knowledge and develop more creative maturity.
What has been the best part of this year?
Working collaboratively with people of all fields has been my favorite part of the collection; exploring design solutions with artisans, embroidery and accessory designers this year has allowed my collection to have more dimension.
Instagram @virgilecourbon
ADONY BIGUEUR
What are your plans for the future?
To stay true to myself, stay proud of being Black, and to continue learning as much as possible about the world and the people around me.
What has been the best part of this year?
One of my favorite moments this year was researching Black representation. Through these references, I learned a lot about myself. It was both a creative and spiritual journey.
Instagram @litemantra
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