Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2016 New York

 

Although the inspiration was Southern California, Michael Bastian’s spring collection still offered up his signature uptown preppy aesthetic. The use of a banana leaf camouflage print throughout added a twist of newness to the classics. The print worked best as the element on the pants in suit separates paired with a navy blazer, as well as on a safari jacket paired with denim short shorts and as graphic elements in intarsia sweaters.
In addition to his standard casual offering, Bastian also branched out in a darker direction.
“We’re not really a black brand, but black for summer felt really nice,” Bastian said.

 

The show also marked Bastian’s entry into women’s wear. In explaining his decision to launch a women’s collection last month, the designer called it “a nice logical extension” of his men’s line. Indeed, the camo shorts, cashmere crewnecks — one with a cupcake motif on the chest — boot-cut jeans and tuxedo shirts were the feminized version of Bastian’s flamboyant preppy American man.