Michael Bastian on Real American Style, Norman Rockwell, and His New Dark Side
The paintings of Norman Rockwell inspired Michael Bastian’s Fall 2013 Gant collection which is a fitting source, considering one might argue that Bastian, like Rockwell, has turned elements of the American everyman into something iconic. Named after the New England town the artist called home, the “Stockbridge” collection feels like a back to basics move for the Gant by Michael Bastian brand, stocked with classic American pieces, updated in fit and fabric and refined via Bastian’s keen eye, that can (and will) populate any number of guys’ closets. Bastian even went as far as recreating key garments found in some Rockwell pieces, turning illustrations into three-dimensional items up for sale.
We caught up with the designer at the brand’s latest preview, held at the The Art Students League of New York where Rockwell used to be a student and roam the halls, to talk about why the artist represented American style, how the Gant by MB line keeps expanding, and what we can expect of his main line show come NYFW (hint: it’s gonna be dark).
