Michael Bastian: Naughty & Nautical
Here at The Showt, few sights are more enjoyable than that of a fleet of seamen making landfall. Amongst these few sights are scantily clad male models in swim and sportswear so chic that you almost wouldn’t want to get it wet. But alas, skinny dipping isn’t always fashionable (for those who choose to summer in East Hampton over Fire Island), so with his 2011 Spring/Summer line, Michael Bastian brings us the best of both worlds—from catamaran to catwalk—in a collection of menswear as naughty as it is nautical.
The past year has been a busy one for Bastian. Nominated for a GQ Fashion Award, and currently up for a CFDA Award (Menswear Designer of the Year), Bastian has a hand—and a foot—in multiple projects at present. Along with his own label, he also designs a line of men’s and women’s wear for GANT. Last month, in a partnership with Havaianas, the designer launched a collection of flip-flops sure to be a hit (as the key to every successful partnership is a bit of flip-flopping, is it not?) Thus we were most grateful when Mr. Bastian took time from his busy schedule to stop by and discuss the inspiration behind his new line, his affinity for pharmacies, and the size of his ‘flops.
Where did you grow up?
Lyons, NY
What is the inspiration for your current collection?
Navy Seals, Scuba Divers, and the amazingly smokin’ crew on Jacques Cousteau’s boat, The Calypso
Who are your style icons?
JFK Jr. was a big one, Perry Ellis when he was alive—wish I could think of one who’s not dead
What was your favorite fad in the 1980s?
The rediscovery of Mod and Ska
What item in your closet could you not live without?
Right now it’s this white half-zip sweatshirt from our Spring ‘10 collection and these great skinny cargos from next fall’s GANT by MB collection
How did you become involved with Gant?
The GANT US president just gave me a call one day and asked if we could have coffee and chat—easy as that.
Who is your Gant client?
I like to think he’s the younger brother to the MB mainline guy—perhaps right out of college and pulling together his first real adult wardrobe.
What’s your shoe size?
10—why do you ask?
Where do you live in the city?
In the Village in that area that doesn’t feel really east or west but more NYU
What’s your favorite weekend getaway?
I really love driving up to the town I grew up in in upstate New York every now and then—it kind of re-sets my equilibrium if you know what I mean.
Where do you stay in Paris?
In Paris it’s either the Westin if it’s for work or the Lancaster if it’s for fun.
What do you wear when you fly?
Tee shirt, crew neck sweater, jeans or corduroys, and nice thick socks.
What’s your favorite store in NYC?
Any Duane Reade
Describe your perfect Saturday.
A Saturday that starts in my own apartment, which doesn’t happen enough lately.
What trend do you want to see end?
Guys wearing those cheap-ass gauzy scarves with everything
What’s your drink of choice?
Summer: vodka soda with lime. Winter: Talisker Scotch
Who is your celebrity crush?
Since the Oscars, James Franco. Why the hell is everyone hating on him for that? I don’t get it.
Are you left handed or right handed?
Right
What’s the must-have piece from your current collection?
The real must-have is any one of the bathingsuits from either the MB and GANT by MB collections—we work really hard to make sure you’ll look great from the front and the back. Everything is juuuuuust right.
What are three things no Showt reader should be without?
Emergen-C, a good pair of sunglasses and full-length mirror.
Categories:
Vogue
