Thom Browne Fall/Winter 2012 | Paris Fashion Week
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.
Hermès Fall/Winter 2012 | Paris Fashion Week
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.
John Galliano Fall/Winter 2012 | Paris Fashion Week
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.
Moncler Gamme Bleu Fall/Winter 2012 | Milan Fashion Week
The Art of Racing–Brazilian race car driver Ayrton Senna served as the muse of designer Thom Browne’s latest collection for Moncler Gamme Bleu. Lending his quirky creations a new dimension, yellow, red and white dressed an entertaining wardrobe, fit for the spectator. Starting the show with padded jumpsuits and moving towards shrunken tailored garments, cheerful suiting separates championed Browne’s race car driver. Eventually arriving at his signature palette of gray and navy, volume-induced jackets, long coats as well as layered cold-weather essentials completed another season of fun for the beloved designer.
Vivienne Westwood Fall/Winter 2012 | Milan Fashion Week
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.
Frankie Morello Fall/Winter 2012 | Milan Fashion Week
Excess to Light–Frankie Morello takes their man on a journey for the fall/winter 2012 season. Showing the latest collection in three different stages, a moment of excess represents hectic city life, complete with materialism. Richly adorned, tapered suiting sets the ground work for an exploration of self, translated into subtle gradients followed by exotic prints. Paired with charming boots, a more casual wardrobe emerges as shorts, shirting and lightweight jackets make a bold move against the season cool. Evolving into the utmost stage of simplicity, colors and prints eventually give way to a more quiet dimension, illustrating the season’s final canvas.
thomas hoefnagels
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.
