Genius – Brilliance – Flawless – Spectacular
These are just some of the terms used after viewing a Michael Bastian collection. Michael Bastian is one of my favorite designers in the industry. I look up to him as inspiration and attempt to embody his aesthetic.
The biggest thing to happen in men’s fashion this season will be the launch of GANT by Michael Bastain. The lacrosse-inspired collection he created for fall is a home run. He is able to mix color and texture like I have never seen before. I have had the privilege of talking to Michael while creating this piece. It is super-cool when a designer that possesses endless talent, can carry himself with such a humble demeanor. Everybody else in the industry, take notes…the collaboration between GANT and Michael Bastian will be a force to be reckoned with. WATCH OUT!!!
Grungy Gentleman: How did the GANT by Michael Bastian collaboration begin?Michael Bastian: After GANT called me, it didn’t take very long for us to come to a mutual agreement. As a designer I don’t do many collaborations, mainly because my own line is still relatively new and I felt my strengths were best suited to working with an American heritage brand, of which there are very few. But this partnership is different and presents many interesting opportunities. Working together will allow me to reach a much wider audience.
GG: What was appealing to you about the "GANT" brand?
MB: GANT and I speak a very similar language. They stick to their core values of what has been built upon with over 60 years of history. GANT has always been around in our collective subconscious, particularly if you grew up in America. GANT is great at opening themselves up to new experiences. They came to me and explained who they are from an internal perspective, and asked that I reinterpret the brand from my own vantage point. Few companies can really do this. The company is transforming from being a heritage brand to capturing something new. Their desire to revive themselves in a real, modern way really spoke to me.
GG: Have you had a connection with GANT prior to this collaboration?
MB: GANT has always been in my life. My grandfather, my father, my brother, and I have all worn GANT. This is a world I’m very familiar with and have always loved.
GG: How has the partnership been received by the fashion community?
MB: The response to the news of this collaboration has been incredible. The biggest response to the news has come from people who are familiar both with what I do in my own line and also the GANT heritage. Since we both really built our businesses on the idea of classic American sportswear, this collaboration is universally being perceived as an excellent fit.
[GQ Editor in Chief Jim Nelson, Michael Bastian, GQ Creative Director Jim Moore]
GG: What would you like to accomplish with GANT by Michael Bastian?
MB: Each season will have its own unique theme that will never be repeated. So in a sense each item will become a collector’s item for those who truly appreciate what we bring to the table. Each piece will have a seasonal date on the garment label. The lacrosse story is for inaugural fall 2010 season, and then it will become something else entirely. There will always be continuity within the collection, but the overall theme will change.
MB: It’s a different voice. The line addresses all of the key clothing needs for a young guy trying to build his wardrobe. It is a hybrid of GANT’s philosophy and history, coupled with my perspective on how modern guys want to dress. It will not be a watered down version of existing products, however we have referenced heritage pieces from GANT’s archive and my own. It is really a new collection that stands on its own and has its own unique voice.
GG: You have managed to mix color and texture like I have never seen before. What is the secret?
MB: The trick to good mixing is really to not think about it too much. And try to stop yourself from doing the obvious (ie: blue shirt, blue tie, blue socks) - push yourself a little.
GG: How much will the line cost?
MB: Clothing and accessories pieces will be slightly higher than existing GANT labels and significantly lower than my designer line, making the collection quite affordable. We’ve made sure to maintain a very high level of quality and detail. What you are getting for the money is really unbelievable. I’ve been test-driving a lot of my favorite pieces from the line for a few months now, and they’ve become some of my favorites.
MB: I discovered an article on lacrosse while on a plane and as soon as I landed, I knew I had found my inspiration for our first collection. Lacrosse is a fascinating sport with its own language and traditions. I also loved that it was this uniquely American sport that may not be very well known around the world.
MB: Every single element will have some kind of reference to lacrosse, whether explicit or concealed. This idea translates into something more graphic on mesh shorts, t-shirts, and ruggers, or it appears more subtly, such as a goal net-print lining the inside of a blazer. In sweaters, we’ve played around with all types of techniques such as hand-knit, intarsia and jacquard elements. Once scarf I particularly love has a life-size lacrosse stick on it. And the colors are really old-school varsity colors – faded burgundy, orange, and green, with touches of classic gray, white, navy, and beige.
MB: I always pull a lot from the past, but I’m not interested in making it feel too retro or vintage. It’s all about this moment, and not a rehash of what has come before. When you pull up old ideas and are too direct with referencing old-school style, it can very easily morph into a costume which I don’t feel is very appealing to modern guys. If it’s not real it’s not relevant. These days it’s all about being functional, sporty, and pulled together.
GG: How would you describe your own personal style?
MB: My style influences always go back to classic American tailoring and sportswear. I think the American tradition of combining sporty and more tailored elements in a very un-studied way always looks great on men.
GG: If you had to give some advice to the fella's out there looking to upgrade their sartorial approach, what would it be?
MB: I would say buy less, but buy better. You will wear that one perfect thing that you really took the time to hunt down, get tailored, maybe even paid a little more than you wanted to - much more than the stuff you bought at a fast fashion place or on a whim.
MB: The key to the American look is to never appear like you thought about it too much. It always has to look real, approachable, and spontaneous in my opinion. This doesn’t mean that it’s not thought through or pulled together, it just means that the final affect should be more about the guy and his personality that what he’s wearing.
GG: What are "go-to" pieces, must have staples, that every man should have in their wardrobe?
MB: Every guy needs – the perfect navy blazer, the destroyed chino, a perfect gray flannel trouser, great dark jeans, and a classic beige raincoat.
GG: What type of guy reflects the GANT by Michael Bastian aesthetic?
MB: I see my version of the GANT guy as the younger brother to the Michael Bastian guy. He’s more casual, and a little more athletic, but with a modern edge that feels both approachable and sophisticated.
GG: What can we expect next from GANT by Michael Bastian?
MB: This is a fall 2010 capsule collection and will be revisited on a season-to-season basis. I can say though that we’ve already began working on spring 2011 and there are some big surprises in store. I’m very happy working with the GANT family and hope our relationship continues!
[Kanye West and Michael Bastian]
[Michael Bastian and Designer Victor Glemaud]
12 comments:
this is impressive! good work!
MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR
very excited for this
mr. bastian is indeed brilliant
bastian is immortal
bow down to sir michael bastian!!!
my son will love this. he plays lacrosse. i love it too.
cool
Can I get this online?
lax is the SHIT
ha lacrosse is actually a Canadian sport
Bastian is amazing!!
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