
Thiago Santos made his runway debut closing Z Zegna in Spring/Summer 2010. He became a favorite of Kris Van Assche, appearing in his show as well as in Dior Homme. He became the face of Dior Homme for Fall/Winter 2009, photographed by Karl Lagerfeld. Thiago has walked for Thom Browne, Hermes, Junya Watanabe and Y-3. This Brazilian became one of the faces of American Eagle for Spring/Summer 2010.

New York Model Management–Among the usual suspects who have proven to be casting favorites, ranging from Alexander Johansson and Philipp Bierbaum to Charlie France, New York Model Management gets a fresh boost this season with several hot commodities fresh off the runway from Milan and Paris. Racking up shows left and right this month, Andrey Smidl comes out on top as one to watch, followed by new faces Onnys Aho, Todd Taylor and Jordan Postrel.

The Taming of the Kid–agnès b. was in fine form this season. Executing a more precise collection than seasons past, commercial intent reigned, dialing down the quirky for a delightful outing with youthful fundamentals. Cleaned up for the season, suiting dressed in plaid and autumn hues provided for the season’s strong core. Tailored trousers, sometimes cuffed were pleated and cut at the ankle. Jackets came in the one-button and double-breasted variety with a sharp shirt and tie combo to finish off a look that was more professional. Meanwhile, the antics were not absent with leggings and shorts delivering great charm, when complemented by cropped capes, draped tunics and other bold pieces.

Raw Sophisticate–Yohji Yamamoto has always possessed the fine ability of being able to take honest garments and lend them a regal spirit, whether cut from luxurious fabrications or crafted on the mend with anything but riches on the mind. The fall/winter 2012 season is no different. Somehow, Yamamoto creates a romantic figure of his man, dressing down his signature loosely fitted suiting with oversize wraps in muted earth tones. Enjoying a little humor with floppy pipe top hats, a subtle cheeky image is juxtaposed with the somber mood, created by outerwear boasting militaristic insignia. Belonging to the same varied world, elegance is abound with coats baring gold buttons, prim white neck ties and an interesting take on the London banker. Altogether the perfect style palette for the season, Yamamoto once again excels with an aesthetic that once again feels fresh.

New Kids on the Block – Day three of this season two of exclusive ‘Casting Call Diaries’ series for The Fashionisto took me from Givenchy to Jil Sander via Cerruti 1881 and Issey Miyake … The sun was back and the guys in a good mood, perfect conditions to snap several established names (Lowell Tautchin, Jakob Wiechmann, Isaac Carew, Linus Gustin, Philip Huang, RJ King, Lucas Mascarini, Adrien Brunier, etc.), but also tons of young blood (Kim Kraglund, Benjamin Eidem, Frederik Tölke, Simon Van Meervenne, Dorian Jespers, etc.) and newcomers to watch such as Arthur, Simon Sabbah, Wilson, Leo Tileman, Dimitris Alexandrou, Maxim Popov, Raf Cross, Ollie Mann, Noud Egberts or Jordan Burman to name only a few … Highlights of the day : Mark Westinghouse going wall-climbing for me and Maïda Grégory-Boïna allowing me to document her casting for Jil Sander right from the inside; they deserve a special mention … look out for the next episode !

Bananas–True to their offbeat name, all is well in paradise when it comes to Paris agency Bananas. Serving up classic faces alongside fashion’s favorite quirky boy, the infectious personalities are in intense demand and Bananas has the supply. At one end of the spectrum is bad boy extraordinaire Yuri Pleskun, matched this season with the charm of new kid on the block, Jake Shortall or furthermore, Eric Ramos. For dark and brooding, the striking Lucho Jacob is always a great match or for an androgynous flair, there is Jaco Van Den Hoven. From constant cover star RJ King to the classic blue-chip achievements of Nicolas Ripoll or Ryan Kennedy, Bananas’ shining lot comes full circle with a guaranteed fit for all Paris’ coming attractions.