
Marching Forward–The men of Tommy Hilfiger marched to a different beat for the fall/winter 2012 season. Trading in the American prep that Hilfiger has become so synonymous with, the lavish collection read as a rich set off the runways of Europe. Bringing together burgundy and black, leather and shearling, Tommy Hilfiger was simply ravishing. Armed with an aristocratic flair, delicious textiles delivered a sharp arsenal of arresting pieces. Accessorized with leather riding gloves, the show kicked off with tailored jackets and coats, functional and ready to be transformed at a moment’s notice, courtesy of tear away details. Championing the leather inset and bringing the elbow patch to the front for a divinely modern look, the devil was in the details. From pleated trousers and sleeve detailing to a fetching palette of muted tones, Tommy Hilfiger created an army for the modern age, bringing the ultimate luxury to the American stage.

The Utilitarian–Cinching his men into parkas and jackets with hooded attachments, Richard Chai prepared for quite the cold season. Capturing fall in a sea of silhouettes, both fitted and relaxed, tailoring met function as Chai crafted a wardrobe of varying proportions. Wearable but still tapped into the whims of the adventurous man, timeless cuts afforded to outerwear such as the overcoat were in sync with more bold ventures that included a cropped jacket. Altogether blending an idea of loungewear with a more formal figure, Richard Chai came out on top with a conservative showing that highlighted items that men can grasp onto and love … taking a baseball jacket or beloved sweater along for the ride, season to season.

Blissful Mayhem–Following a somber season, Duckie Brown designers Daniel Silver and Steven Cox weave their quirky narrative back into the collection, injecting the season’s silhouettes with volume. Offering up a perverted take on the gentleman, tailored double-breasted jackets are presented alongside baggy trousers and dressed in bold plaid prints. Latching on to elongated shirting once more, lengthened garments enjoy a relaxed bounty. Culminating in a dark palette with a strict uniform, Duckie Brown reinterprets formal wear for the modern man with ease on the mind.

Edge on the Western Front–Lending their layered cool a fresh new edge, Nicholas K visited the west for the inspiration of their fall/winter 2012 collection. Crafting their own Man of Black, but sure to include their signature penchant for fleshed out neutrals, a tough exterior was brought forth with strong outerwear. Structured and lined, the shining moment to many an ensemble, coats were weaved in as the perfect companion to a wide array of knitwear. While a couple of pieces were loosely draped with toggles, more traditional pieces offered bouts of classic menswear for the highly accessible wardrobe. Treated with cowl necks and accessorized with leather holsters as well as hats, Nicholas K’s latest collection debuted with an impressive charm that saw the brand demonstrating the elasticity of their welcomed aim at a consistent aesthetic that marries function to style.

Ford–Led by strong models like Swede Linus Gustin, Ford New York approaches the immediate fashion week with a well-rounded roster of talents fit for any design aesthetic. From established stars such as Christian Brylle or Ryan Burns, who can easily go the way of downtown cool or classic Americana to stunning models in development such as Brayden Pritchard, Ford hones in on that special spark. Whether it is runway sensation Aiden Andrews, blue chip standby Paolo Anchisi or the timeless appeal of Michael Wozniak, a focused offering is just what the season ordered.

Request–Turning to photographer Stefani Pappas once more to capture the creative for this season’s show package, Request lends their boys a little edge with a subway shoot — not that they need it. With regular bad boys Yuri Pleskun and Cole Mohr available for the fashionable plunge, Request keeps their board in top shape. There’s the always popular David Agbodji, the strapping Arthur Kulkov as well as standout up and comers, ranging from Misa Patinszki to Baptiste Radufe. Add to the mix, a fast-rising Jesse Shannon or recent Request recruit Willy Cartier and you have an agency packing solid muscle, the fashion variety if course.