Text by Janelle

Last week it was announced that the consistently stellar Vogue Hommes Japan would be shuttering as part of Conde Nast’s decision to switch their men’s publications globally from Vogue, to GQ Style. Magazines come and go, but Vogue Hommes Japan was something special. Led by Nicola Formichetti and featuring the talents of some of fashion’s biggest names, the mag delved into the artistic, eccentric and boundary pushing side of menswear. Fashion can often be disproportionally focused on the ladies, but Formichetti and co. breathed new life into the world of men’s editorial with an outlook that was bold, brash and always on point. We’re going to miss VHJP and their in-your-face style, take a look back at some of our favorite editorials from the magazine and share your own in the comments.

One Impression of Francis Bacon
Ph. Tim Richardson
Fashion Editor – Shun Watanabe | MU Kristin Gallegos | Hair Cash Lawless

A mind-bending tribute to one of art’s heros, accompanied by an equally compelling film.

Digital Vol. 1 iPad Special
Ph. Pierre Debusschere
Fashion Editor – Nicola Formichetti

Before gifs became a regular part of our appreciation of editorials, Vogue Hommes Japan was creating content that utilized new media to tell fashion tales in a whole new way.

Ph. Mariano Vivanco
Fashion Editor – Nicola Formichetti

Gothic glamour at its finest, a theme the magazine has revisited since, but this story holds a special place in our hearts.

Samurai Fiction 
Ph. Hedi Slimane
Fashion Editor – Nicola Formichetti

Pushing past the expected Slimane-isms and into new territory, this story explored the Asian influenced menswear trends in the most beautiful manner all in juicy, pops off the page color. We wish we could order prints of this one!

Glamourama
Ph. Miles Aldridge
Fashion Editor – Shun Watanabe | Makeup – Lloyd Simmonds

High gloss fantasy and saturated colors are Aldridge’s signature style, but this edit gives things a decadent menswear twist that makes things pulsate with energy.

Style & Product 
Ph. Santiago & Mauricio Sierra
Fashion Editor – Shun Watanabe
Makeup –  Maud Laceppe | Hair – Diego Da Silva

You might remember this one from MDX recently, Shun Watanabe turned it out with the styling – Thom Browne has never looked this good.

The Americans 
Ph. Hedi Slimane
Fashion Editor – Nicola Formichetti

Instant classic!

Bondage Warriors
Ph. Steven Klein
Fashion Editor –  Nicola Formichetti |  Makeup – Kabuki | Hair –  Shon

Steven Klein’s preoccupation with bondage has led to some truly exquisite editorials and this is no exception. Many fashion stories get called edgy, but this one pushed all the limits and it payed off big time.

The Creator of Devotion
Ph. Matthew Stone
Fashion Editor – Matthew Josephs
Makeup – Alex Box |  Hair – James Pecis

Pure beauty from one of the art world’s most exciting talents. Stone is a noted photographer, sculptor, performance artist, curator and more, this story utilizes his talents to create a sumptuous vision that went beyond fashion.

A Glowing Response
Ph. Richard Burbridge
Fashion Editor – Robbie Spencer
Makeup –  Peter Philips

Who says a men’s beauty story has to be dull? Burbridge plays with color and light, while Robbie Spencer’s styling talents are put to good use with the expressive styling.