NY FALL 2010: Michael Bastian

Michael Bastian: Still shining
By Benjamin Le Hay for RunwayResource.net

Michael Bastian epitomizes classic all-American chic. Handsome cashmere sweaters with bold preppy colors add a hint of the fashion forward aggression that is so often lacking in the wardrobes of stylish men, this side of the pond. Now with commendable creations for Gant also well under his control, Bastian has quickly turned into a deservedly respected fashion darling. Having pervious helmed the position of Men’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman his show was packed with traditional Beau Brummels and loyal supporters.

This season, Bastian and set designer Jason Courson constructed a dazzling back drop reminiscent of a New England boarding school. At the head of the runway was a shattered glass pane, with the remnants of broken glass strewn about the catwalk. Brawny (and gorgeous) models quickly traipsed the runway in splendid cashmere blazers, hunting jackets, plaid separates and Dr. Martin boots. Colors ranged from traditional reds, blacks, Pine green, olive and browns to pops of daringly confident pink and navy.

It’s always easy to relax with Bastian, since nearly every look works. It’s never safe, but traditional enough to always be successful. Instead, scholastic chicsters simply need to drool over which outfit fits their personality, body and skin tone.

A red plaid, quilted nylon hunting jacket set off the show, with positive responses, then eventually came a progressive, chopped-off and washed vintage kilt. A black waxed, leather motorcycle jacket adorned with fun zippers was a welcomed surprise and a cut-lined gray wool/cashmere blend tipped jacket also deserved praise. Other standouts such as a navy nylon and gray wool techno flannel racing parka, an olive Shetland wool herringbone tweed gun patch jacket in red, and a navy windowpane check wool/cashmere double breast jacket personified Bastian’s erudite, mountain-man sleekness. Towards the end there was a gun check vest in cream and a pink pin-wale corduroy dinner jacket both with shawl collars — and Chad White. No one left unsatisfied…