Michael Bastian Fall 2013: NYFW Review

Before showing his Fall 2013 collection, Michael Bastian hinted it would be about the darker side of New England. And there was definitely an edge to his looks on Tuesday night -- from eyeliner on the models, to a more somber palette, and some styling techniques (read: skinny suspenders + buttoned up polos) that gave me a little British goth influence. 

Bastian delivered on the amazing suiting he has become known for -- here with this double-breasted version worn by model Tom Bull (who has been everywhere this season). The tartan duffel is nice complement, and would be a spirited bag for Fall.

In a more casual suited look, this styling is pure Bastian -- the pants a little low-slung, the iconic belt buckle, and layered vest.

Here was another sweet spot -- gorgeous knits infused with an eye-catching pattern. Paired with these shockingly red pants and light overcoat complete a rainy day look, and one that I could definitely see myself in.

An example of the 'darker' side of this collection, this quilted black jacket (with extensive fur collar, naturally) and black leather pants. While Bastian's version of the pant is a little less fitted than what I saw at Todd Snyder, it's an interested trend for Fall. I also like the stitched knees (something Bastian also used on the Gant side for Spring).

Overall a strong continuation of the Michael Bastian brand, seen through such a clear lens that you see it and just know it's him. The edgier side is a nice translation for Fall and is in line with what a number of men's designers are channeling... go here for all photos of the collection.

Late Winter Coat Shopping: A Review

Today I was asked to recommend a price-conscious yet cool overcoat... now it's the time of year where anything heavy + wool is on sale. It's also the time of year where I feel you should start looking towards Spring, and picking up a coat that will give you some warmth, but also suitable for rain (and more generous temps).

So with that, here are a few ideas that came to mind... first up, this wool lined trench from Todd Snyder. Black, so it goes with everything, cotton outer so it's not too heavy. And hello, it's Todd Snyder so it's going to be that right mix of rugged sophistication. And it's on sale.

 

Next I had to include the Structured Mac from A.P.C. Every season I ogle this coat for it's slightly rounded shoulders, slightly cropped cuff, and just general great fit. It comes in beige but I far prefer the dark navy.

 

So this next pick is a bit on the heavier side, but for the cross between quality + price, you can't go wrong. The Mayfair Topcoat from J. Crew, produced in a blend of wool and cashmere. Soft, warm, soft, warm... it'll do it all. Here I really loved the Saddle color, and it's on sale for a deal you can't (and shouldn't) miss.

And finally, another lightweight (and rain appropriate) option in the Club Monaco 3 Layer Mac. With a subtle gray herringbone pattern, this coat is super versatile and can go with a suit or jeans. Adam Levine has been turning out great stuff over there, and with the price, it's a great addition to your closet.

Gant by Michael Bastian Fall 2012: Things I Love

While I was at the Michael Bastian show on Monday, I couldn't make it to yesterday's Gant by Michael Bastian presentation. Which is a shame because a) they're always very festive and b) I'm slightly addicted to both the MB and Rugger lines from Gant.

But I did follow the live tweets from Michael Hainey, Nick Sullivan, and Ray Smith at the event, which itself was quite lively. For yet another season Bastian has seamlessly integrated the two brands -- incorporating the sophistication and detail of MB with the more casual preppy playfulness of Gant.

My favorite piece in the collection (slightly hidden by the overcoat) was a deep red blazer. Tucked Style tweeted a photo of it, and the color just really spoke to me. As someone who only buys navy jackets, this piece would be a welcome addition.

There were definitely a lot of layers in each of the looks, as you can see here. I loved the texture on these pants, the subtle grid giving it some depth (and reminding me of some key MB collection pieces!).

And of course, I had to call out a DB blazer. This one, with the pattern and the notched lapel was too cool to pass up. I assume it's wool (wish I'd been there in person to find out!) and would be a great piece to layer over a sweater come Fall.

Now I've given you a taste (and your eyes are going bonkers from the Mod set), check out the rest of the collection at GQ.

A Bright (And Tropical) Spring at Michael Bastian for Gant: NYFW Review

I've seen the future (or at least Spring '12) and it includes yellow denim and zinc oxide. For his latest collaboration with Gant, Michael Bastian took us to Hawaii, and I don't want to leave.

The whole presentation was fun and playful, and stayed so well within the Bastian aesthetic and the Gant range.

First thing I noticed when I walked in was this plaid cotton blazer paired with the over-dyed yellow jean. I loved the colored lips on the women, reminding me of applying brightly colored Zinka on the beach.

I was really drawn to this tonal seersucker blazer (I never say no to seersucker) and the printed turtle shorts.

Another super blazer (I mean, my whole closet may just become jackets), casual and light with the elbow patches to add some contrast.

Okay fine, another seersucker look... this time in both the jacket and pants. And I loved the sandals!

Style.com has the full collection for your viewing pleasure...

MB for Gant Double-Breasted Blazer: Things I Want

Perusing through Park & Bond tonight and came across a great fall look... all by Michael Bastian for Gant (quelle surprise!).

I'm hooked on getting a navy double-breasted blazer for Fall, and I love this one, in moleskine. Makes it just casual enough to pair with the camo pants (which I also love).

To be honest, I'm never one of those "shop the look" guys... I prefer to buy pieces and put them together myself. But whoever did this one (Mr. Wooster perhaps?) rocked it out!

See the whole look at Park & Bond.

Tweed Jacket from Gant Rugger: Things I Have

Even though it is the middle of summer, I cannot get my mind off of Fall! I am itching to wear sweaters, cords, and jackets. So today I had a bit of a spree on Bleecker Street and started my Fall wardrobe off right! Black Fleece, Gant Rugger, Tommy Hilfiger....

I walked into the Gant Rugger store and immediately saw this tweed jacket. Tried it on + thirty seconds later handed it to the salesperson to take it home! It's amazing -- I love the fit, the tweed isn't too heavy, and it has nice (and expected from Gant) detailing.

Cannot wait to get some wear out of this come chillier weather!

Gant Rugger V-Neck: Things I Want

Over the weekend I did a little browsing on Bleecker (or as a friend put it, "market research"). And of course I stopped in to the Gant Rugger store. I wanted to see if they had the blue wool pants from Fall '11 that Barney's was out of. Well, the Bleecker store hadn't received Fall yet, only pre-Fall (but the new Prince Street Rugger store apparently has Fall).

And that's where we come to the great sweater I want... part of pre-Fall, I loved the red and blue stripes around the neck and the wrists. I also really liked the waffle knit that keeps the piece light and wearable.

Named "It's All Cricket" this is a great late Summer/early Fall add to my wardrobe.

Get to the Gant site and you can buy it now (and you can also see a nice shout-out for Michael Bastian's recent CFDA win!).

Michael Bastian for Gant Madras Shorts: Things I Have

I always love when I can turn something "I Want" into something "I Have". Tonight I picked up the Michael Bastian for Gant madras shorts I had written about in April.

They have a slim leg and fit perfectly! While I still do want the coat to have a complete madras-fied look, I am so excited to get these shorts some beach, BBQ, poolside time this summer.

In case you (somehow) missed it, here's my original post. MB for Gant continues to consistently 'wow'!

Madras Coat + Shorts: Things I Want

While I was at Barney's over the weekend looking for a swimsuit, I also perused the Michael Bastian for Gant selection. I saw this fantastic madras coat (with gray elbow patches), and then I saw the matching shorts.

Had. To. Try. Them. On.

The result was totally amazing. These two items just rocketed to the top of my "want" list for S/S '11. With a white shirt and some loafers this would be *the* outfit of the season.

Given they pieces were designed by Mr. Bastian, they of course fit perfectly. The shorts were snug around my waist, but not too tight in the leg. The jacket hit me right in the shoulder and was not too boxy.

For now I'll just imagine myself at a summer party rockin' this look...

Images from Barney's, go check these items (and the rest of the MB for Gant range) there.

Gant Rugger Swimsuit: Things I Have

I'm heading to Palm Springs for the Easter weekend and decided it was time for a new swimsuit. So of course I headed right to Barney's to see what they had.

No surprise that the first suit to catch my eye was from Gant Rugger. I loved the fun madras print, the front and back pockets, and the square cut. Tried it on and it fit perfectly!

I always love a little color and so this mix of navy, yellow, and white is a great match. Super excited to rock this out in a few days...

Check out the Gant site for more from their Spring '11 collection.

Michael Bastian for Gant Spring 2011: Things I Love

If you haven't yet been convinced of the brilliance that is Michael Bastian's collaboration with Gant... well, here's one last shot. It's the video lookbook for the S/S 2011 release...

Bastian continues to inject core Americana into the line -- you definitely see his design DNA in there, all while staying true to Gant's history and branding. When you see this collaboration at retail it lives so harmoniously with both the Gant Rugger line.

After watching the video a few times, I am putting quite a few items on my wish list. But I think the seersucker pants are my #1 must have. After that I love the multi-colored panel striped shirt, the canvas jacket, and the worn denim.

Kudos to Bastian and his team, both for another fantastic collection and for the recent GQ Menswear Fashion Designer of the Year nomination!

Check out the video + then make your own S/S '11 wish list.

Coat from Frankie Morello: Things I Want

I mean, how could you not love this look if you saw it coming down the runway? I am admittedly a fan of Frankie Morello's ad campaigns, scantily clad attractive models and all... but as I was perusing the looks from the brand's recent Milan showing, I was drawn to a number of the pieces.

So I probably won't wrap a scarf around my head (but never say never)... but I really dig this coat. It's as if they took a Gant sweater, cut out a strip of it, and worked it in. I think it is a nice addition, without being too gimmicky.

I'll take it.

You'll be shocked to hear I was updating myself on this show via Fashionisto, so head there to see more shots.

Michael Bastian for Gant Varsity Jacket: Things I Want

While sadly I am not at Pitti this year, I have been tracking all of the great pics being posted from those who are there. And it is definitely getting me excited for F/W 2011!

Yesterday Sartorially Inclined posted a short video done by GQ which focused on one of my favorite lines right now... Michael Bastian for Gant.

The video did a great job of showing the mood and inspiration for next Fall's collection and even included a short interview with Mr. Bastian himself!

While there were a lot of great pieces shown, and while I don't know what is in the collection that didn't make the video, this varsity jacket was a standout to me.

Love the burnt orange color, with the cream colored leather sleeves. Would be so perfect for Fall, I can't wait to try it on! Oh and that yellow cardy underneath of course caught my eye (why am I so obsessed with yellow!)...

Stay tuned for more Pitti related updates and of course any new news from the Bastian camp!

Sweater by Gant Rugger: Things I Have

What can I say... Gant is blowing up right now! What a resurgence into the U.S. market. Between their Collection line, Rugger, and the amazing pieces from their collaboration with Michael Bastian (the subject of a future "Things I Have" post), Gant has really leveraged the prep/trad trend, the clamoring for heritage, and the exact right price point to keep customer engaged.

Last month I was in New York and visited the Gant Rugger store on Bleecker. While small, it exuded a great sense of the brand. I initially was so enthralled with the lacrosse print green sweater from the MB collection but at the Rugger store I felt the cream and blue sweater shown below had more versatility. I was sold.

I think the fit is great. The warmth of the wool is a bit much for the L.A. weather but I am sure my winter travels will take me to a worthy climate.

As you can tell from this glowing report, I would suggest you check out the Gant Rugger website: http://www.gant.com/gantrugger/#/collection but for sure find a store near you that carries the line. It is on fire and you'll quickly see why!

Enjoy!

Things I Want: Michael Bastian (Everything!)

I've been anticipating the Gant by Michael Bastian line for a while and so was thrilled to see photos from last week's presentation. I love it! It totally melds both Gant's design point of view with a classic Michael Bastian perspective. And I'm guessing the price point will be more amenable than that of Michael's signature collection.

Below you can see a glimpse of the Gant pieces (I love the green lacrosse sweater), and you can read more at Selectism: http://www.selectism.com/news/2010/02/14/gant-by-michael-bastian-autumnwinter-mmx/

Now, not to ignore Michael Bastian's own line... it was pretty fantastic too. Great sweaters and sports coats and patches (things he is always strong withi). But I especially drooled over the combo below...

And yes, his track record on handsome models is pretty good too! Check out more photos from his show here at GQ: http://www.gq.com/fashion-shows/brief/F2010MEN-MBMEN

Things I Love: Michael Bastian + Gant

I've long been a fan of Michael Bastian... he creates some outstanding menswear, some of which I've posted here before. And a while back it was announced he would be designing for Gant!

Now I think Gant has been doing some great stuff lately, and they've especially knocked it out of the park with their 60th Anniversary collection. So I cannot wait to see what Michael brings to their label. It will rock!

Here's a preview ad they released, with Mr. Bastian himself...

Read a little bit more courtesty of Fashionista: http://fashionista.com/2010/01/michael_bastian.php

Or go directly to the Gant page: http://www.gant.com/michaelbastian/

Let's keep our eyes out for some Gant by Michael Bastian!

Things I Want: Michael Bastian S/S 2010

As Fashion Week wraps up, I have been looking at photos over the past week of both the men's + women's shows. There have been some great pieces and I will be writing about more them in the next few days... but first I had to, had to post about Michael Bastian's show for S/S 2010.

Can I just say that I think it is AMAZING! Michael really pulled it out with such a fantastic mix of casual shirts, shorts and hoodies (his staples) with some great suiting, and a few really nice coats. I am loving the whole collection (well maybe except for the camo shorts... that's just something I can't get behind).

Here is a photo of my very favorite shirt from the collection. It's funny because knowing that Michael will be desiging for Gant, I can see where this shirt could be a great bridge from his own line to Gant's.

Anyway, enough ranting from me. Just go to We Are the Market and check out the rest of their photos.... and then come back here and see what else I loved from the recent shows.

http://www.wearethemarket.com/2009/09/ny-fashion-week-michael-bastian-ss2010.php