Art directed by Kris Van Assche, in the first issue of GQ China, photographer Andreas Sjodin captures the high contrast elements within Kris Van Assche’s Fall 2009 collection for Dior Homme.

As it seems that most of us appear to still be on shaky ground with Kris Van Assche’s work, seeing as it’s practically impossible to re-create or build upon Hedi Slimane’s genius, the bold shots, clean lines, and strong shilouttles may leave you to re-think your initial judgments of the collection.

I can personally say that I’m starting to fall in love with the satin waist pleated trousers, shown in shot 7.

Art Direction: Kris Van Assche
Models: Thiago Santos (Bananas Models), Yvan Thiwissen (Bananas Models), Renaldo Bertoti (Bananas Models), Louis Borges (MGM Models)
Photographer: Andreas Sjodin @ Jed Root Europe
Styling: Mauricio Nardi
Hair: Cyril Lalou @ Jed Root Europe
Make-up: Steven Canavan

Always a step ahead of the rest and known for being the first to allow you to get your hands on looks straight from the runway before they actually hit shop, Luisa Via Roma is at it again. Only about a week has passed since Gareth Pugh’s darkened new-age collection arrangements for the pieces to hang in your closet can already be made.

With the complete collection up, you can browse through the Pugh show amoung many others by look (including shows from Milan), and then submit your inquiry to Luisa Via Roma’s personal shopper. Making your Spring/Summer shopping a lot easier.

I don’t know about you, but since the show, I have been eyeing a certain over-sized shredded knit sweater… Which would just so happen to make the perfect transitional piece for those awkward days in between seasons.

When it comes to John Galliano there is a lot to learn. Like how to stay afloat at a major design house for more than a decade, and staying true to your sense of self without giving in to the moment – both very useful life lessons that can be learned from Galliano. Though, taking his bow yesterday at his Spring 2010 women’s show, the designer known to put on a show actually worth watching, taught us something new. How to wear the same thing twice with it going unnoticed. Call me overly observant, but some things just can’t be ignored.

Joining the list of designers that like to wear their own work, which is now includes Christophe Decarnin and Olivier Theyskens, John Galliano does what we know him best for. Taking it a step further, the British born genius at the helm of Dior took to runway on Wednesday wearing a black jewel embellished vest. A vest that he had previously worn hot off of his Fall 2009 men’s runway at the Dior Spring 2009 Couture collection back in January. The again at the Dior Fall 2009 collection, but under a draped tuxedo-like trench. This time around ditching the mounds of tulle that was rolled into a bow and the sheer button-up that had rest underneath. Instead rightfully choosing a simple black blazer for the vest’s 4rd runway debut.

Call it being frugal or simply re-wearing something too well-crafted to let go, designers are just like us. Even if they are responsible for those Couture creations worth a pretty penny.

Photographed by Joe Lally, Ryan Koning and Michael Brager display the dangerous and unseen side to the Fall 2009 runways. Titled “You Are A Voyeur” and wearing mainly Dolce & Gabbana and D&G throughout the editorial, the idea of female and fashion trend domination is brought up. Toxic hues, sensual sheers, and more skin than you can imagine, the idea of modern elegance is a bit more daring than expected.

Fairly new on the scene, Ryan Koning seems to be on the rise. After Opening Roberto Cavalli Spring 2010 and appearing on the cover of the current issue of Vogue Hommes Japan, I sense a male supermodel in the making upon us.

Models: Ryan Koning (Major Model Management), Michael Brager (Major Model Management), Biljana (New York Models)
Photographer: Joe Lally
Styling: Carlos Davis 
Stylist’s Assistants: Emily Kracauer and William Castelli
Hair: Jordan M. at Susan Price
Makeup: Benjamin Puckey for Chanel at See Management.
Location: Smyth Hotel, New York

Have you ever dreamt of what a good ol’ heart-warming trip into the countryside with Karl Lagerfeld would look like? Dream no more. The mounds of hay, the cuffed pants, and the denim treated to make it appear as if you had just finished rolling around in the dust, say it all. For Spring 2010, Lagerfeld expands on the western feel to his Fall 2009 campaign for Chanel. Taking us on a western ride that you will soon never forget.

Relatively a “normal” collection featuring it’s usual high contrast, sleek lines, and extreme luxury, this season a little Lagerfeld edge was injected into your average farm boy. With his male model of the moment Baptiste Giabiconi taking center stage throughout the entire collection, it is now becoming hard to remember a time when Brad Kroenig was the only man for Karl. Yet we should have seen it eventually coming.

Showcasing only 4 ensembles for men in a collection of more than 70 overall looks, a delicate yet strong message was made. In the end leaving the unanswered question – Are mean really brave enough for high-waisted jeans?

Well not exactly so. For those of you that are just as concerned about what designers wear just as much as their collections themselves, you might have noticed in recent months that Christophe Decarnin was in dire need of something new. Back in January when Balmain Homme was just a rumor that spread like wildfire and everyone was anxiously awaiting what the man of the moment would create for men, I predicted that Decarnin would essentially clone himself and water-down his own personal style down into the label – and that he did.

Though I doubt we will ever see what legs lurk under Christophe Decarnin’s made to look destroyed jeans, while taking a bow at his Spring 2010 Women’s presentation on Thursday, the designer opted for a pair of motorcycle jeans fresh from the house’s men collection released only a few months back. While it my not be anything groundbreaking, it was step away from his comfort zone.

After all, don’t you remember the days when Marc Jacobs just couldn’t let go to his umm “distressed” trainers.

The trousers can be spotted on Clément Chabernaud in the Balmain Homme Spring 2010 ad, shot by Karim Sadli.