Michael Bastian, the American designer who has been twice-nominated (in 2008 and 2009) for the CFDA’s menswear designer of the year award, has partnered with the well established Swedish clothing brand Gant. The partnership will bring to fruition the creation of a co-branded collection, sold under the Michael Bastian for Gant label, for the Fall 2010 season.
This is a smart move for both parties involved, as it gives Bastian increased visibility while giving Gant some splash and hype. Bastian has quickly made a name for himself with his relatively new eponymous line, which the Upstate New York designer started in 2006. It sells in over 50 stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, and Jeffrey.
The resulting collaborative collection is a 50-piece line that is slated for a select number of Gant stores, including ones in key markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia, as well as specialty retailers beginning in July 2010. The line will include tailored jackets and pants, outerwear, jeans, woven shirts, knits, scarves, belts, gloves, hats, and bags and will be priced 15 to 20 percent higher at retail than Gant’s main line. This is still at significantly more affordable price points than Bastian’s namesake line. If the collection proves successful, both parties agree there is potential for the collaboration to go beyond Fall 2010.
