Fantastic Man China

Mar 2026

In a striking editorial collaboration for Fantastic Man China, photographer Alex Huanfa Cheng and fashion editor Gerry O'Kane dissect the provocative intersection of luxury fashion houses and avant-garde streetwear. The Jean Paul Gaultier x Duran Lantink project leans into a high-octane aesthetic, capturing the collection’s disruptive spirit through a series of cinematic portraits that play with texture, silhouette, and urban tension. Cast by Michiel van Maaren, models Luka Hoogedeure and Yaw Tiëku Appiah navigate environments ranging from neon-soaked storefronts to gritty, industrial-tiled interiors, their presence elevated by the meticulous grooming of makeup artist Irena Ruben. The editorial employs natural light to bridge the gap between high-fashion editorial polish and a raw, nocturnal lifestyle feel. By juxtaposing shimmering sequins and optical illusion patterns against the stark, geometric lines of the backdrops, the imagery achieves a sophisticated, low-key chiaroscuro that highlights the intricate graphic prints and sculptural headpieces characteristic of the collaboration. The work successfully avoids the sterility of traditional campaign photography, opting instead for a gritty, layered narrative that feels both deeply curated and refreshingly spontaneous. Through this creative lens, the shoot serves as a masterclass in modern styling, proving that the synergy between heritage house codes and contemporary design can manifest as a powerful, cohesive visual language that remains firmly rooted in the pulse of modern urban life.

Editorial, Vertical

Natural light

Luxury Fashion Houses, Fashion