Attn: Gant Launches US E-Commerce

We all knew this day was coming eventually.  Today sees the launch of Gant's first in house e-commerce site for those of us living the American dream.  And it's all here - Gant by Michael Bastian, Gant Rugger (by Christopher Bastin) and even their mainline stuff, which isn't heavily marketed across these amber waves of grain.  While select products from these collections could be found at various online retailers prior, this will most assuredly be the easiest way to get any and all pieces each season.  Shit, and you thought you were already broke.

-L.A.S

First Look: Gant Rugger F/W 2011

Christopher Bastin let this first look at Gant Rugger F/W 2011 slip through the cracks over the weekend and since Gant Rugger is one of my favorite brands it should come as no surprise that you are looking at them now.  I was lucky enough to see the collection at Rugger's Twenty Four Hour Session back in December and can say, without a doubt, that this is just the tip of the iceberg.  Ironically enough, however, my favorite piece of all F/W 2011 can be seen below.  The one button shawl collar dinner jacket is probably the coolest piece of formal wear I have seen in a while.  I love how Chris added gold blazer buttons to take it to the next level and make it unmistakeably Rugger - an example of why he is one of the best designers working today and a Sart Inc favorite.

-L.A.S

Gant By Michael Bastian F/W 2011 NYFW Video

Here is a new video giving you guys an idea of what the Gant by Michael Bastian F/W 2011 presentation was like, sans attendee pandemonium, with some choice words from the man himself.



-L.A.S

Gant By Michael Bastian F/W 2011

Ok-k-kay, I'm back from Las Vegas and as Terrance would say, "I'm here now. Pardon my lateness."  As I have previously mentioned on Twitter, Gant by Michael Bastian F/W 2011 was one of the few "fashion" things going on during NYFW that I not only had an interest in, but was really looking forward to.  The presentation was very well done and absolutely packed with all the names and faces Tumblr kids absolutely lose their shit over. So, yeah, I was happy that I got to experience the collection in an atmosphere that was buzzing and probably on some fire marshal's radar.  Now, onto the clothes.  I knew beforehand that the vibe was going to be Bastian's version of Americana, but seen through a European lens - a Scandinavian one, to be specific, thanks to Team MB's constant jaunts to Gant's Stockholm headquarters.  What they set out to accomplish they definitely succeeded in doing and any recap that you happen to read is going to say just that.  The whole L.L. Bean by way of Sweden vibe speaks to Bastian and co.'s ability to synthesize various ideas in a way that fits in with what his customer, the constantly referenced "Michael Bastian guy", has come to expect and appreciate.  A collection firmly rooted in two very distinct styles shouldn't work and shouldn't work well, but I guess that is what separates Bastian from the countless other designers working today who lots of us menswear nerds casually dismiss.  As in each successive season (in both his Gant and namesake line) Michael has built upon his version of American sportwear, while continuing to push the envelope into ambitious territory at the same time.  For me, F/W 2011 was great because it was a little rougher around the edges than his past two Gant collections - a little more unpolished and I mean that in the best way possible.  Both Bastian and Christopher Bastin, the designer of Gant Rugger, have mentioned gang imagery as reference points recently and I think some of that comes across here.  No one will deny that the styling was bold, busy and bombastic, a Bastian signature, but looking at the individual pieces on their own reveals a F/W 2011 collection that is extremely wearable, well made and damn stylish.  At a very pivotal time in his career Michael was able to deliver his most ambitious collection for Gant yet and prove that betting against him, quite simply, is a foolish endeavor.

-L.A.S

Gant Rugger S/S 2011

Sart Inc favorite Gant Rugger has just released their newest moving picture and it's as awesome as ever. You can bet your ass that the gangs of New Haven will style on you.  Chris, you killed it, bud.



-L.A.S

Gant By Michael Bastian At Pitti Uomo 2011

Mr. Bastian takes us skiing in Scandinavia for his sole F/W 2011 collection. The MB team is particularly proud of this stuff and it's not hard to see why.



-L.A.S

[Editor's Note: Most of the stuff seen in this video is actually Gant Rugger and Gant's mainline collection.  Take it from someone who has seen Gant by Michael Bastian F/W 2011 - it's awesome.]

Attention Varisty Enthusiasts

Ryan briefly mentioned Gant Rugger's F/W 2011 incarnation of their instant classic Homerun Varsity and after seeing it in person this past Saturday I'm here to back up his sentiments.  Basically, if you are the kind of guy who likes the varsity jacket look you should start saving up some money now.  That's how good this new version is (I'm calling it Homerun 3.0 in my head).  The solid wool body of the past Homerun jackets has been replaced by an incredible red herringbone wool weave and the beige leather sleeves feature a new treatment that takes this jacket to a level few varsities have previously been.  On top of all that, this version is unstructured (as is a lot of the new F/W 2011 outerwear) making it easily the most comfortable option out there.  With the recent explosion in varsity jacket popularity lots of brands have been trying to rework things.  I am here to say that no one is doing a better job than Chris & Co. and after seeing F/W 2011 I can say, without a doubt, that Gant Rugger is coming as hard as ever with all their new stuff.  Thanks to Tenue de Nimes for taking way better spy pics than I ever could.

-L.A.S

The XXIV

This Saturday at 6am Gant Rugger will be streaming their F/W 2011 photoshoot session from NYC.  For 24 hours the good folks at Gant are putting everything out there for whoever is so inclined to check it out.  Expect heavy doses of great clothes, Christopher Bastin and US Royalty.  I've briefly mentioned Gant's foray into new multimedia to help build/further their identity in America and the day long livestream looks to continue this initiative.  Head over to their website this Saturday and get your Rugger on.

-L.A.S

Attn: Gant Sale At Epaulet

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving - I know I did.  In fact, I'm still kinda on vacation so forgive me if things stay a tad bit sporadic around these parts for a bit.  And if you're one of those guys who hates to read Sart Inc, you're welcome.  Moving on, Epaulet has a nice little Gant markdown party going on.  Mike and Adele have put their Gant by Michael Bastian and Rugger stock (minus the Homerun Varsity) on sale, so head on over and start stuffing those stockings.  Mom, if you're reading this, I could use a new trench coat.  You're the bestest.

-L.A.S

First Look: Gant Rugger "Pre-Fall" 2011 Pt. II

Bastin calls it, "New Haven Math Club".  If any of the math club kids I've ever known dressed even half this good they might have actually talked to some girls.  I previewed the first few looks from Gant Rugger's Pre-Fall collection a while back and it now appears as though things are shaping up quite nicely for a little capsule collection to precede the inevitable onslaught of F/W 2011.  Gant Rugger - still batting a thousand.

-L.A.S

Daily Looks

Gant by Michael Bastian conclude their tour of bloggers with two stops overseas.  In Berlin we meet David Fischer, founder of both Selectism and High Snobiety.  Is David the most influential men's style blogger you've never heard of?  I'd bet that he is.  Samuel of the always interesting Industribolaget (it's okay, I have no idea how to pronounce it either) represents Stockholm, arguably the most stylish city in the world.  Brennan set the bar pretty high with his video, but David and Samuel absolutely hold their own.  Origin stories, a quick tour of their respective city and some wonderful gear thrown in for good measure make each of these videos a great way to spend part of your lunch break. 





-L.A.S

Gant F/W 2010 Sample Sale Intel

Reader Nacho Broadway was kind enough to provide us with a pretty thorough rundown of Gant's F/W 2010 sample sale going on until Friday in NYC.

"Very limited MB...no list for today, straight upstairs to the 11th floor. Menswear - Lots [of]: mediums & larges, sweaters, dress shirts, polos, heavy coats, pants (cords, trousers, jeans), scarfs, bags (leather/cloth), and cuff links.  Decent amount: blazers, jackets (leather, varsity), light coats, ties, and t-shirts.  Limited: Small & XL+, Michael Bastian, vests, hats, and gloves."

Detailed price list:
Dress shirts, sweatshirts, polos, rugby's – $29
Sweaters (cotton/wool) – $35
Sweaters (cashmere) – $45
T-shirts – $15
Pants/jeans/sweatpants – $25
Blazers - $95
Leathers/suede/shearling – $195
Outerwear – Short/light $50, long/heavy $95
Vests – $45
Cuff links – $18
Gloves – knit $15, leather $25
Hats – $15
Scarves – $15
Ties – $19
Wallets/small Leather goods – $15

-L.A.S

Return Of The Yale Co-Op

This exciting news comes via Christopher Bastin himself.  New Haven, Connecticut is getting it's very own Gant campus store.  This joint venture with Yale is much more than a return to their roots.  This, ladies and gentlemen, is a return to their birthplace.  The store will house Gant's main line as well as select pieces from the Rugger and Gant by Michael Bastian lines.  This will also be the only place where you can find a limited edition run of "Yale Co-Op" shirts.  These beauts will be hitting the store in March and will feature many of the same vintage fabrics that were sold at the original Co-Op.  Ivy style may have never left, but it is sure as hell back.  Also, in somewhat related news, the Union Made stamps featured on Gant Rugger's shirts are being removed.  Thanks to feedback, some of which can be seen in various Sart Inc post comments, Chris has decided to change things up.  In his own words, "The Union Made stamp used is a replica of the one that has been on the shirts since 1949.  But, you're right, it shouldn't be there if it ain't made in the US by union workers.  I've been a bit ambivalent about it too, reading blogs like this and keeping an ear to the ground really helps us do better and get our shit together.  Stamp is gone starting from Spring 11 and onwards."

-L.A.S

Attn: Gant F/W 2010 Sample Sale

If you live in the tri-state area you best get your ass to NYC October 12-15th to take advantage of the glory that is the Gant F/W 2010 sample sale.  I would probably plan on being there as soon as possible since the Rugger and Gant by MB stuff is definitely not going to last long.  I know for a fact that the prices are right and that the selection is good.  If you wear a 40R jacket, 32 waist and consider yourself a medium this sale should be a priority.  Your mental preparation begins now.

-L.A.S

First Look: Gant Rugger "Pre-Fall" 2011

I'm not sure if you've checked out Christopher Bastin's blog recently, but the Gant Rugger designer just put up some new looks for what he's calling "Pre-Fall" 2011.  I have no idea if this gear is separate from the full F/W 2011 collection or a preview of what's to come.  Regardless of where it does end up, I can appreciate the simple, yet classic layering and the super clean lines.  Is that a half lined plaid sport coat I see in picture #4?  I talked with Chris recently about Gant Rugger F/W 2011 and things sound really rad.  Without giving too much away, things are shaping up for an "art students from the 60's meeting lower east side kids on vintage Triumphs" vibe.  Can you dig it? I know I can.

-L.A.S

Gant By Michael Bastian S/S 2011 Multimedia

With one collection already under their belt, Gant by Michael Bastian obviously has a better idea of how to present their brand.  This strong sense of identity means cooler multimedia to not only reinforce and progress said identity, but give customers more content from which they can base potential purchases.  Since this blog doesn't pretend to be even remotely high brow I'll cut right to the chase.  Videos!  Cool!  Watch!  Hot girls!  Clothes!





-L.A.S

The Pursuit Aesthetic x Gant by Michael Bastian

My buddy Brennan, who you probably know from his O.G. blog The Pursuit Aesthetic, has teamed up with the good folks over at Gant for a social media/marketing/kit creation hybrid experiment that is just beginning to take shape.  Brennan, along with two other bloggers, will have their wardrobes "tracked" with daily uploads of their gear.  Check out Brennan's introduction video below where he talks about the origins of his blog, what style vs. fashion means to him and some thoughts on Michael Bastian's inaugural collection for Gant.



-L.A.S

Gant by Michael Bastian S/S 2011

As much as I dug Gant by Michael Bastian's F/W 2010 collection it's inspiration could have been viewed as limited for lack of a better term.  When working around the sport of lacrosse there is only so much one can do without losing the overall idea that set things in motion in the first place, especially when it comes to sportswear.  And you know what? I get it.  If you or I were going to design a debut collection for a major brand from scratch it would sure as hell help to have a concrete framework in place.  Things are different this time around and that's why I dig the new S/S 2011 collection so much.  Instead of running with something extremely specific this season seems much more grounded in broader ideas or, even, feelings.  It may be less tangible, but it's much more effective.  Yeah, the starting point was Marilyn Monroe's husbands, but that's just where things begin.  S/S 2011 is lived in prep.  A rethinking of old money style.  A relaxed confidence gained from summering on the coast.  A kind of confidence that doesn't care what other people think - an innate "go to hell" aesthetic.  An aesthetic that manifests itself in Nantucket red trucker jackets, printed dinner jackets and destroyed cotton.  It's washed out colors and beat to shit gear.  The collection, much like the Gant brand recently, is reconstructed and repurposed.  Mix all that in with the best tailored clothes at the given pricepoint and you've got yourself one hell of a collection.  The installation, based on Monroe and DiMaggio's Niagara Falls honeymoon in 1956, also looked real cool.  Not many designers would be bold enough to go the whole vignette route, but I guess that's why not many designers are Michael Bastian.  One thing's for damn sure - I'm beating myself up for not working the presentation into my schedule. I done messed up big time on that one.  Check out the entire thing over at GQ and please don't forget about the ladies.

-L.A.S