Fantastic Man
New!
Apr 2026
In the latest visual feature for Fantastic Man, titled New!, creative director Jop van Bennekom and photographer Reto Schmid deliver a masterclass in modern menswear editorial. The project leans into a sense of restrained intensity, stripping away decorative clutter to focus entirely on the intersection of structured tailoring and raw human presence. Throughout the series, the imagery functions as a rigorous exercise in editorial portraiture, where the interplay of light—both natural light and crisp studio strobe—serves to elevate the tactility of high-shine raincoats, double-breasted leather blazers, and oversized woolen knits. Fashion editor and stylist Leendert Sonnevelt demonstrates a sharp eye for proportion, curating a wardrobe that feels simultaneously archival and contemporary. By placing the talent against minimalist, neutral-toned backdrops accented only by the occasional classical sculpture or industrial prop, the work maintains a clean, architectural focus. The casting, overseen by Ben Grimes, features model Thibaud Charon, whose composed, neutral gaze anchors the compositions. With grooming support from hair stylist Jacob Kajrup and makeup artist Isis Moënne-Loccoz, the portraits achieve a polished consistency that emphasizes garment silhouette and texture. Ultimately, this commercial production captures the essence of contemporary fashion through a lens of quiet confidence, favoring deliberate composition and masterful lighting to translate the brand’s signature aesthetic into a timeless visual statement.
Editorial, Portrait
Natural light, Studio strobe
Menswear, Fashion
