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Those of you who have been reading this column already know about my obsession with Michael Bastian. Just last month I called his clothes "the epitome of cool". I mean, what's not to love about this former Men's Fashion Director of Bergdorf Goodman who launched his eponymous line in 2006? Prior to his five years at Bergdorf's, he worked at Tiffany & Co, Sotheby's and Ralph Lauren. He's a fan of JFK Jr. and counts his dad as his biggest influence. He reads Walt Whitman and listens to Flock of Seagulls and The Dandy Warhols.
Every item that Michael designs—which for Spring/Summer 2009 includes Fair Isle full-zip cardigans, hand-distressed jeans (see below), chambray "James Dean" jackets—is a perfect example of how he likes to "knock the edge off perfection".
Add to the above that Michael is dashingly handsome and naturally charming—so, you can only imagine, dear readers, how excited I was to ask him the following questions for my inaugural Style Guyde Interview for Instinct online.
What is your favorite piece from your Spring/Summer 2009 collection?
My favorite piece is the 70's down vest. I'd been wanting one of those for a long time, and I always thought down vests are particularly foxy when worn with shorts, like we showed it (see below).
What do you love most about designing menswear?
I know it sounds a little sentimental, but what I love most about designing menswear is that hopefully I'm making guys feel a little more confident and better about themselves every day.
Describe "the Michael Bastian man".
The Michael Bastian man is really a guy who is basically traditional in his dressing, but also appreciates a modern fit, a little humor, and all of the luxury details usually found only in more classically tailored lines. I also think he's a little more introspective than most - all of the secrets are kept on the inside.
What are the 5 items every man should own?
The five items every man should own are: 1.) a perfect fitting pair of gray flannel trousers 2.) a good pair of jeans 3.) a navy cashmere crew neck sweater 4.) a pink oxford button-down shirt and 5.) a good rain coat with a removable lining.
What is the biggest mistake men making when getting dressed?
The biggest mistake men make when getting dressed is not taking the time to get all of their clothes properly tailored. It's a drag to have to wait for tailoring after you buy something, but when things fit you perfectly, you always look and feel better. And it makes it really easy to get dressed in the morning when everything in your closet is ready to go.
Who are your style icons?
Right now, I'm thinking a lot about how perfect JFK Jr. always looked—he always mixed up tailored stuff with sports and military elements, really unexpected accessories and then kind of put it all together in his own way. He's just really a good example of a man with strong personal style that somehow kept it very real and unaffected.
Who or what has been your biggest influence?
The biggest influence for me was my dad (who was a public school history teacher) and his friends in the 70's when I was growing up. They all wore 5-pocket cords, loafers, flannel shirts and knit ties to work every day—just cool and masculine and approachable. If it was cold (and it was always cold—I grew up in Rochester, NY), they'd throw on an old pea coat, a down vest or a navy blazer. It's still kind of how I think men look best.
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If you weren't a Fashion Designer, what would you be (besides Men's Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman!)?
If I wasn't a designer, I think I would have eventually ended up a teacher as well. In addition to my dad, my brother, uncles and sister-in-law are all teachers—it's in my blood a little.
Let's talk favorites:
Movie? Ordinary People—it's a painful movie, but it illustrates how no one is really what they seem to be on the outside - there's always much more underneath.
Book? Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman—this book is still the most vivid, relevant and personal journals of what it means to be a man in America.
Vacation spot? The Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona—it seems to be the only place I can really turn my brain off and relax.
What's the one extravagance you can't live without?
Regular professional massages.
What's on your current Playlist?
Space Age Love Song - A Flock of Seagulls
Up Against the Wall - Peter Bjorn and John
Lost - The Mary Onettes
Hey Now Now - The Cloud Room
The Last High - The Dandy Warhols
Can't Get Enough (Felix the House Cat remix) - Infadels
What astrological sign are you?
I'm a Libra.
What's next for you?
I really can't answer that—I try to keep myself open to the surprises the universe hands you.
For more information about Michael Bastian and to locate stores in your area that carry his clothes, check out michaelbastiannyc.com.
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