Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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FASHION 411 Gant by Michael Bastian's new line takes cues from a postwar American icon. Caption will go here tk. shady characters SUNGLASSES MAKE A SPECTACLE IN BACK BAY AND BEYOND THIS SUMMER. american redux MICHAEL BASTIAN PAYS TRIBUTE TO ILLUSTRATOR NORMAN ROCKWELL IN A NOSTALGIC, AMERICANA-INSPIRED COLLECTION. W hen designer Michael Bastian decided to dedicate Gant's latest menswear collection to classic American sportswear, he turned to one of New England's most iconic artists for inspiration. "We wanted to capture the best of modern American style," Bastian explains of the utilitarian clothing modeled after subjects Designer Michael Bastian in Norman Rockwell's paintings. "Like Rockwell's work, the collection is full of good American things." Spotlighting stay-at-home mothers, blue-collar workers, servicemen, and politicians, the Stockbridgebased illustrator depicted everyday New England life in loving detail. Bastian's designs echo this quotidian spirit in a lineup of uniformlike workwear dominated by corduroy, chino cotton, flannel, and wool. Pieces such as cargo pants and military shirts are styled with preppy blazers, windbreakers, and oxford button-downs in navy, moss, beige, and teal. The most striking ensemble is a washed leather jacket, plaid flannel shirt, and rugged cargo pants—a nearexact replica of one of Rockwell's most famous subjects. We also adore a distressed leather bomber jacket, quilted blue track jacket, and a gold and brown mini-check blazer with elbow patches. Gant, 324 Newbury St., 617-5361949; gant.com WARBY PARKER'S TRENDSETTING STYLES will make even more of an impact in Boston thanks to the opening of the brand's 1,200-square-foot boutique on Newbury Street. The new store has a library feel, with eyewear set on shelves among books and custom-made brass lamps. The vintageinspired men's sunglasses are built for summer's leisure activities, be it a barbecue on the beach or a picnic in the Public Garden. Featuring colors like elderberry, green spruce, and Catalina blue, four new shapes will make their debut this season—the Northcote, Watts, Arthur, and Theo—though it's the Downing sunnies that really have our attention. Drawing inspiration from smart British style, the sleek tortoise frames feel effortlessly classic. Ted Mogtader of Lunette Optic has also seen retro frames make a big splash this summer. "The classic wayfarer and Clubmaster look with mirrored lenses is really in style," he says. Frames made of Bubinga wood from Gold & Wood and Chrome Hearts make a statement, as do matte finishes in black and tortoiseshell from IC Berlin—all guaranteed to add the perfect top note to your summer ensemble. Lunette Optic, 121 High St., 617-338-7200; lunetteoptic.com. Warby Parker, 83 Newbury St., 508-658-7444; warbyparker.com FROM TOP: Downing sunglasses in walnut tortoise, Warby Parker ($95). Retro polarized sunglasses, Gold & Wood ($1,040). Available at Lunette Optic. Multibar striped oxford, Gant by Michael Bastian ($165). 80 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM 078-080__BC_SS_Fash411_SUM13.indd 80 6/10/13 12:44 PM