
Thomas Hoefnagels was discovered through MySpace. He immediately landed his first campaign for Aquascutum Spring/Summer 2010. This Belgian boy has since become the face of Giuliano Fujiwara, Frankie Morello, Benetton and Trussardi. Thomas has walked many major runways including Jil Sander, Trussardi, Gianfranco Ferre, Roberto Cavalli, Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and John Galliano, among others. His status was cemented when he became the face of D&G Spring/Summer 2010 and DSquared2 Fall/Winter 2010.

Little House of Horrors–Gather a high voltage chair, a splash of the macabre and the American sportsman and you have Thom Browne’s latest creation. Stuffed into Browne’s little gray suit, a steroid-induced man appeared with bulging shoulders against a petite alter ego, infused with punk. While sweaters, cut from mohair made for a giant-sized impression, studs and safety pins decorated seams and hems. Injecting the varsity jacket with volume, classic standbys were treated to a whimsical retreat into the dark corners of Browne’s creative genius. Juxtaposed with mid-riff baring tops and garments in watermelon green and pink, the idea of classic menswear was torn to shreds and presented as Thom Browne’s latest fantasy, in some aspects wearable but at large a stirring gesture to sit back and take in.

L’Essentiel–Retaining a reserved elegance for the fall/winter 2012 season, Hermès creative director Veronique Nichanian kept to a dark color palette in which the fabrications did the talking. With impeccable construction, in a sea of somber suiting and outerwear, pieces like a soft trench from leather created a wow factor when not embraced by sleek trousers as well as carryalls. Introducing hints of velvet and a smoky graphic towards the show’s end, Hermès latest collection played to the house’s conservative nature while also illustrating a natural luxe factor.

Gangster Lore–Looking to the days of prohibition for the inspiration of his second outing for John Galliano, creative director Bill Gaytten honed in on characters, ranging from gangsters and the law establishment to American sports-stars. Empowered by the stigma of a gangster, the collection was off to a strong start with oversize silhouettes ushering in the double-breasted suit and fine coats of fur. Turning to references by J.C Leyendecker and Norman Rockwell, the baggy trousers of America’s infamous kingpins were closely followed by Gaytten’s notorious band of henchmen. Youthful, cold and belted in for a showdown with the law, the menacing were met with hues of army green, dressing the aviator jacket, a military jacket, complete with epaulettes and other heroic pieces. Caught in the middle of the two factions and bringing the show to a close were John Galliano’s sports heroes, revealing a polished evening wardrobe, sequined and generally more fitted.

The Afterparty–Apparently the world is nearing the end of its course and temperatures our dropping, so if course Vivienne Westwood would be the perfect candidate to give her take on the situation. Mixing her signature brand of quirky with rather conservative instruments, the fall/winter 2012 outing bridges the gap between eccentric and accessible. While a timeless mode of dress is acquired by tailored suiting and outerwear in subdued tones, personality is delivered in spades when approaching the more elaborate garments. Playing with patterns and layering for an end of the world freeze, Westwood plays a charming hand, creating a world where the fur coated gentleman can co-exist with the pattern mixing deviant who boasts a penchant for off the cuff silhouettes.