Team

Masterpiece Europe

The Board

Fernand Schamp

President

Fernand Schamp is the third generation of a Belgian family of traditional tailors. Born in 1942, he had always known he would follow the footsteps of his father and grandfather.

He commenced his education and training in his father’s atelier in 1960, alongside attending evening courses in design, business management and administration. In 1967 he completed a Master’s degree in men’s clothing and in 1968 in women’s clothing. In 1969 he opened his first business – a men’s leather shop and jointly with his wife a store with men’s clothing and accessories.

After working for 25 years as a traditional tailor, Mr Schamp started working as a sales representative for Scabal fabrics. From 1994 until his retirement in 2011, he visited and established contacts with all traditional tailors in Belgium. He continued working as a traditional tailor, but on a smaller scale.

In the 1990s he was involved in setting up a Confederation of Tailors and Dressmakers of Belgium and held a position of its Chairman. In 2017, he became a founding member and the first President of Masterpiece Europe.

“I am still interested in this beautiful profession and practice it regularly”, he says.

Aravinda Rodenburg

Treasurer

Aravinda Rodenburg is a bespoke tailor based in Ghent, Belgium, where craftsmanship is currently flourishing. He has been dedicated to the profession for the last 11 years and considers himself “addicted to the art of tailoring”.

He is inspired by wool fabrics and he strives to create the perfect cut and fit of “menswear to add to your personal style”.

In 2017, Mr Rodenburg became a founding member and the Treasurer of Masterpiece Europe.

The Staff

Benjamin Hegermann

Secretary-General

Benjamin Hegermann grew up in Tuscany with his German family and Italian friends – getting to know both cultures and speaking both languages. He studied economics and international marketing at the University of Siena, followed by a specialisation in fashion management at the LTD in Germany.

During these studies, he got in contact with the Scabal Group, HQ based in Brussels, Belgium. Fascinated by the passion, heritage and the magic of the brand, he applied for a job with Scabal and was successful.

This has led him to Brussels, the city with a vibrant international scene. After a period as Sales Manager, he obtained an agreement from Scabal to continue working for them as an independent contractor. This allowed him to start building up his own company, Partners in Bespoke, an international sales and distribution company, specialised in the supply of materials, products and services for made-to-measure, bespoke and personalised garments and accessories.

He is a founding member of Masterpiece Europe and its Secretary-General. He is responsible for the management and strategic development of the organisation.

“My wish is to contribute my skills and knowledge to build up Masterpiece Europe and preserve the profession of traditional tailors also for the future generations”, he says.