Q&A with Designer Christopher Bastin of Gant Rugger

Gant Rugger brings their strong, rugged heritage to the West Village. This super-cool space combines a welcoming yet industrial vibe that will be the next staple that resides on Bleecker St. Why do I personally love Gant Rugger? They put a modern-twist on classics and allow a man to be stylish without sacrificing comfort.

Gant Rugger covers all the staples a man should have in their wardrobe; blazers, oxfords, cable-knit sweaters, madras/flannel button downs. And they do it well, including subtle detail that separates their line from the rest of the pack. When you own something from Gant Rugger, you know the fit will be right, the style is dead on, and you’re going to look damn-good wearing it!

Grungy Gentleman sits down with Gant Rugger’s Head Designer Christopher Bastin.

Grungy Gentleman: I just think it’s fascinating that the aesthetic of the store is the same as the clothes. It’s all old born again new. The clothes and the store go hand in hand. Where did the concept of the store derive from?

Christoper Bastin: WE'VE GOT A STRONG HERITAGE AS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL SPORTSWEAR SHIRTMAKERS, SO WE WANTED TO REFLECT THAT IN THE INTERIOR OF THE STORE.

GG: What did you want to accomplish with the layout and design of the store?

Christoper Bastin: COMBINING THE OLD ALMOST INDUSTRIAL WORKSHOP WITH A HOMEY FEELING. WE WANTED A WARM AND WELCOMING STORE. WE'RE A WARM AND WELCOMING BRAND.

[check out the vintage sewing machine near the brick wall below; which actually works!]

GG: What detail of the store do you think personifies the Gant Rugger culture?

Christoper Bastin: USING AN OFFICE SPACE AS A DRESSING ROOM, IT'S A NICE MIX OF HERITAGE AND QUIRKINESS. YOU SHOULDN'T TAKE YOURSELF SO SERIOUSLY.

GG: What differentiates Gant Rugger from other lines out there today?

Christoper Bastin: FOR STARTERS WE KICKED OFF IN 1949. HAVING THAT KIND OF TRADITION AND ARCHIVING RESOURCES HELPS A LOT. WE'RE ONE OF THE AMERICAN SPORTSWEAR ORIGINATORS AND NO ONE CAN TAKE THAT AWAY FROM US. BUT, WE'VE ALSO GOT A LONGSTANDING EUROPEAN HISTORY THAT TAUGHT US THE IMPORTANCE OF FIT, PROPORTIONS AND THAT SARTORIAL TWEAK. THAT BLEND OF AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN INFLUENCES IS KIND OF UNIQUE TO OUR BRAND. ALSO, GANT WAS THERE THROUGH MANY DIFFERENT ERAS OF STYLE, SO WE CAN GO PRETTY WILD WITH DESIGN AND STILL STAY TRUE TO OUR HERITAGE. WE'VE ALSO CHOSEN TO STAY AWAY FROM THE HEAVY LOGOED PRODUCT THAT MANY OTHER BRANDS USE. LOGOS HAVE THEIR PLACE BUT WHEN THEY BECOME THE SOLE REASON YOU BUY SOMETHING, YOU'RE IN TROUBLE. WE WANT OUR CUSTOMERS TO BUY GANT RUGGER NOT JUST BECAUSE THINGS LOOK COOL, BUT BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTAND THE QUALITY OF OUR FABRICS AND CONSTRUCTION, THE HISTORY BEHIND EACH PIECE AND WHAT IT STANDS FOR.

GG: What were the inspirations for this collection/the line in whole?

Christoper Bastin: IT'S AN UNHOLY ALLIANCE BETWEEN EARLY 1970'S GANT RUGGER ADS AND OUR ARCHIVAL 1950'S SPORTSWEAR.

GG: What is your go-to, key piece this season?

Christoper Bastin: OUR SELVAGE OXFORD SHIRTS, OR THE HOPSACK BLAZER WITH 25 YEAR OLD BUTTONS WE FOUND IN AN OLD GANT SUPPLIERS STORAGE ROOM.

GG: What is your favorite piece from the spring collection?

Christoper Bastin: WE DID A VERY SMALL RUN OF THE OXFORD PULLOVERS AND I REALLY LIKE THE WAY THEY TURNED OUT!

GG: There is such great attention to detail in this collection. From vintage buttons on blazers to sewed down locker loops on shirts. What detail of the collection are you most proud of?

Christoper Bastin: FIRST OF ALL, THANK YOU, THAT'S A VERY NICE COMPLIMENT! DETAILS MEAN A LOT TO ME AND I'D RATHER PLAY WITH SUBTLE DETAILS LIKE THE LITTLE PIN-UP GIRL ON THE INSIDE OF THE CUFFS ON SOME OF THE SHIRTS. IT'S SUCH AN ICEBREAKER.

GG: What made you decide to go back to the brown paper bag for items purchased?

Christoper Bastin: IT'S AN AMERICAN ICON, THE BROWN PAPER BAG. IT JUST FELT LIKE A COOL IDEA.