Essential American designers and what to do with them
In my search for a great American sportswear designer, I came upon Michael Bastian. His clothing represents everything and anything that classic American taste is supposed to be.
His spring 2008 lineup might as well be called Beach 2008, yet it's still everything a real American man (with taste) would wear. His suits are cut slim, with thin lapels and a single button, an originally haute couture European style. His dress shirts are also trimmed to accentuate the male body, a classical notion that seems to have been lost presently. A personal favorite piece of mine is a fine gauge linen hoodie with a plunging neckline, perfect for sunny weekends.
Bastian's use of color emphasizes white, gray and tan, yet he stops nothing short of a full spectrum. He also, to my high exultations, proves himself to be a master of the art of layering, a technique that more college students need to learn. The sweatpants and hoodie combo isn't good enough anymore. Men need to layer their clothing simply and playfully. A simple V-neck over a T-shirt or a cardigan over a dress shirt will quickly elevate your style factor and draw a few looks. Bastian's name will no doubt eventually become synonymous with American sportswear, like Ralph Lauren.
John Varvatos
Having worked at Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, Varvatos decided to start his own clothing line, his first runway show debuting in fall/winter 2000. Since then, Varvatos has been virtually unstoppable, attracting critical acclaim for his clothing and style and winning numerous awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has won my compliments in the process as well.
His clothing emulates easy elegance and casual luxury. His style is a perfect midpoint between sophisticated streetwear and haute couture, a college student's dream label.
Varvatos doesn't boast cashmere suits, hyper-tailored shirts and ultra-skinny ties, like a certain Italian duo (think "sweet"). Instead, he combines his pieces and molds them into a pure classical style representing clean-cut America.
His spring 2008 lineup might as well be called Beach 2008, yet it's still everything a real American man (with taste) would wear. His suits are cut slim, with thin lapels and a single button, an originally haute couture European style. His dress shirts are also trimmed to accentuate the male body, a classical notion that seems to have been lost presently. A personal favorite piece of mine is a fine gauge linen hoodie with a plunging neckline, perfect for sunny weekends.
Bastian's use of color emphasizes white, gray and tan, yet he stops nothing short of a full spectrum. He also, to my high exultations, proves himself to be a master of the art of layering, a technique that more college students need to learn. The sweatpants and hoodie combo isn't good enough anymore. Men need to layer their clothing simply and playfully. A simple V-neck over a T-shirt or a cardigan over a dress shirt will quickly elevate your style factor and draw a few looks. Bastian's name will no doubt eventually become synonymous with American sportswear, like Ralph Lauren.
John Varvatos
Having worked at Polo Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein, Varvatos decided to start his own clothing line, his first runway show debuting in fall/winter 2000. Since then, Varvatos has been virtually unstoppable, attracting critical acclaim for his clothing and style and winning numerous awards from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. He has won my compliments in the process as well.
His clothing emulates easy elegance and casual luxury. His style is a perfect midpoint between sophisticated streetwear and haute couture, a college student's dream label.
Varvatos doesn't boast cashmere suits, hyper-tailored shirts and ultra-skinny ties, like a certain Italian duo (think "sweet"). Instead, he combines his pieces and molds them into a pure classical style representing clean-cut America.
Be the first to comment on this story