Inspired by the California Bel Air set of the Golden Hollywood era, Michael Bastian paid homage to that particular Southern California enclave that made Tinsel Town tick. The Hollywood of powerful mover and shakers, that set of big time agents and studio heads and the way that particular set wore classic American sportswear.
With Michael Bastian you never really get innovative fabric choice and avant-garde silhouettes. Bastian is not a next menswear designer in that sense of futuristic projections. With Bastian is always about the styling and reassembling classic American sportswear in a way that makes you reconsider how to wear that genre.
This outing was no different. Still, there was some fashion-forward, re-positioning of classic ideas. Camouflage, banana leafed-print sweaters and jackets with white cuffed shorts, polo shirts patch worked in squares to render a crocodile effect, and powdery rose tuxedo jackets were all a reinterpretation of an American preppy aesthetic. Though there were no sweaters tied or draped over the shoulders, we all got the inference.
For good measure, Bastian threw in a few women’s looks for the first time. And it worked. Especially, when Fatima Said is one of the female model additions!!
For an Easterner, Bastian was very successful in mimicking, and in some cases satirically poking fun at, the Bel Air set. But mimicry aside, Bastian, as always, put together a collection that is current, enervating, and very retail friendly.
Your loyal customers and some new converts will be pleased. Bravo, bravo, Bastian!!
—William S. Gooch
Reader Discussion
Start the Conversation
Thoughtful comments, questions, and fashion conversation from Fashion Reverie readers.
Reader Guidelines
Keep the conversation thoughtful, relevant, and respectful. Comments may be moderated before appearing on Fashion Reverie.
No comments yet. Start the conversation with a thoughtful note or question.