Despite the economy putting a damper on business as usual, the fashion industry is chock-full of expanding brands. In addition to the many fashion houses boasting new designers at their helms, a handful of brands are adding new lines to their repertoire -- the most anticipated of which is surely Gareth Pugh’s announcement that, with FW09, he’ll debut his premiere menswear collection. The news comes on the tail end of a handful of women's designers (Mathew Williamson, Carlos Miele and Roland Mouret included) making the same decision.

WWD reports that in Pugh's case, “the avant-garde designer from London has featured male models in his carnival-esque shows before, but a dedicated men’s show signals a clear commitment to shaking up the category.” I’m eager to see what the collection will entail, since Pugh is no stranger to theatrics or outlandish outfits. Also, of note: American-born, Paris-based Rick Owens scheduling a men’s collection presentation in Paris this spring (in the past he's shown both men’s and women’s on the latter’s runway). Expect envelope-pushing looks from both. Whether or not the latest trend of exposed chest hair will be making an appearance on any of the aforementioned catwalks remains to be seen.