Michael Bastian's Spring 15 Collection Goes West

Michael Bastian's fashion shows have been one of the highlights of New York fashion week season after season. Sadly, this september he has decided to not show during fashion week. Instead, he held an intimate gathering at his studio in NYC to show his Spring 15 collection. Although I will miss the wonderful worlds Michael Bastian and his team create to present their collections I thoroughly enjoyed going to his studio, being able to touch and see close up each piece of the collection. Spring 15 is inspired by his trips to the western United States, The Eagles and the 70's. You'll see earthy tones like Cherokee red, sunset pink and lifeguard orange injected with cactus green, navy and light grey. Michael Bastian has collaborated once again with bag maker Frank Clegg and has created some amazing jewelry with George Frost. Check out below a few of my favorite looks.

I'm really diggin' this color scheme.

Great mix of patterns.

This cotton crew neck scorpion sweater is so cool and so soft.

MB's tailoring is always on point. Bag is Michael Bastian X Frank Clegg

Add Some Color To Your Summer

Summer is a great time to wear color- do not be afraid of it! For a more subtle approach to color watch out for the intensity of the colors. This look includes a rich green pair of chinos with a light blue oxford shirt and red sunglasses for a touch of contrast. 

Note- The oxford shirt is a must-have for summer, especially one that is made of Egyptian cotton like this one from Hugh & Crye. The medium weight of the fabric makes it a great option for the warmer climate. Also, you can't go wrong with a light blue shirt. They work well for adventures around town during the weekend and for more professional settings during the week. 

Shirt- Hugh & Crye | Chinos- GAP 

Sunglasses- Randolph Engineering x Michael Bastian | Watch- Timex

At the Rubin Museum of Art: Michael Bastian Fall 2014

"In a world where the cultural differences between how men dress in different countries are blurring, the Japanese are emerging as the world's great 'editors', combining the best from all of the traditional menswear outposts in their own way, " - Michael Bastian

During New York Fashion Week at the Rubin Museum of Art Michael Bastian showcased his Fall 2014 collection. Throughout the collection you'll see a unique spin on American, Italian, and English tailoring all with the new generation of Japanese men in mind. The result is a collection that draws from a multicultural point of view. The following are a few of my favorites.

Double breasted blazer in black wash with deep red socks, yes please!

It's important to have time to relax.

Great gold brocade detailing on this jacket.

Bold men's accessories.

There are so many details throughout the collection like matching tie and blazer looks.

Every look  consisted of great accessories like amazing leather bags by Michael Bastian X Frank Clegg, shoes by Stubbs & Wootton for Michael Bastian, hats by Mr. Kim for Michael Bastian, jewelry from G Frost by Michael Bastian and beautiful bold socks by Soxiety for Michael Bastian.

Runway images by Dan Lecca.

French Men Always Break Your Heart

Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2014 Collection

As you entered the The Pierre hotel on fifth avenue the surroundings already started transporting you to the elegant world of Michael Bastian. Once in to the ballroom a grand piano sat patiently in the middle of the room while surrounded by an army of golden chairs and everyone took their seats. The anticipation was building as a beautiful young woman in a white dress starts singing, heads to the piano and the show begins.

Alice Smith setting the mood at the show.

Max (Fusion) - It's all in the details like a gray/blue/red check jacket with a pleated formal shirt. He also wears a 'Tony' porkpie hat with a leopard camo belt.

The set-up of the show allowed for all in attendance to have "the best seat in the house."

Alexander (Soul) - This was my view from where I sat. Throughout the collection leopard print was used on sweaters like this one, on belts, and on pants.

I was then able to see the looks from different angles.  In other words #MichaelBastian360

As the models finished walking around the room they all waited on the stage.

The collections was filled with a variety of patterns like argyle, leopard print, and checks to name a few. Michael Bastian explained that he was inspired by different French men's style. He said, "The inspiration initially came from observing the French guys in my life, as well as movies like The Red Balloon, The Dreamers, and the classic movies by Jacques Tati." As a result, the collection is mixed with chic casual elegance.

A Pop-Up Shop Like No Other

Boffo, an organization dedicated to promoting collaborations with designers, artists, and communities to create free public art has partnered with menswear designer Michael Bastian and artist Bittertang to create a pop-up shop in NYC. Bittertangs winning design proposal will be located in a pier. Once inside the warehouse you'll see a 20' tall pile of hay. It's going to look surreal. The pop-up shop will be quite a sight as you enter through a tunnel and come in to the first space, the waxed room. The room will be completely covered in wax and objects will be encased therein. If that wasn't enough, after the waxed room there will be a second room where you'll find most of the Michael Bastian FW13 collection. This space will be draped in ticking fabric to counterpoint the waxed room. Come November, you'll just have to go and discover the space for yourself.

Below are some pictures I took and floor plan of the design.

These pictures were taken by me at a special preview of the pop-up shop at the Hotel Americano.

floor plan courtesy of Bitterangs.

Savor the Last Bit of Summer

T-shirt: MeUndies | Swim Trunks: T.Christopher | Slip-ons: (similar) | Sunglasses: Michael Bastian by Randolph Engineering 

Summer is almost over so make sure to take time and head to the beach or pool before it's to late. On my last trip to Miami I made sure to go to the pool and try out my new swim trunks from T.Christopher. They're a more tailored fit than board shorts made them look and feel custom-made. I partnered them with a t-shirt, slip-ons and sunglasses I was set to go around town once I was done at the pool. My trip would definitely had not been the same with out that moment in the water. How will you savor the last bit of summer?

El verano esta por acabarse, así que toma el tiempo de ir a la playa o a la piscina antes que se haga demasiado tarde. En mi ultimo viaje a Miami fui a la piscina para estrenar mi nuevo traje de baño de T.Christopher. El estilo es mas corto que otros trajes de baño pero me sirve como si fueran hechos espacialmente para mi, me encantan. Al ponermelos con una camiseta, zapatos sin cordones y gafas de sol estaba listo para la piscina y para salar por ahi. No lo pienses tanto y disfruta lo que falta del verano!

How To Balance Out A Bold Pattern

Polo- Uniqlo x Michael Bastian | Chinos- JCrew | Sneakers- Sperry (similar)  | Bracelet- Hearts

Bold patterns are a big trend right now. For someone whose never worn a bold pattern that can be a very daunting and even scary thought, at least it was for me. When I looked at the huge array of colors, styles and patterns available at the Uniqlo by Michael Bastian collection ( Note- There are only a few left!) I was confronted with a tough question, do I go bold? I got out of my comfort zone and chose the navy polo with the white pattern. I love it. I paired it here with chinos to tone down the pattern so there is nothing competing for attention in my look. If you wear a bold patterned shirt, polo, or T-shirt pair it with jeans or chinos in neutral colors- khaki, gray, navy, black and white. Guys, don't be afraid to go bold.

Unas de las tendencias del momento son patrones llamativos. Para alguien que nunca sea puesto un diseño llamativo eso puede ser algo nuevo que traiga in poco de ansiedad, por lo menos no lo fue para mi. Cuando vi los diferentes estilos, colores, y patrones disponibles en la colección de Uniqlo por Michael Bastian ( ojo- quedan pocas cantidades) me pregunte a mi mismo, "escojo el patrón llamativo?" Decidí que si y me encanta! Me puse el polo con unos chinos color kaki para que nada este en competencia para llamar la atención. Si te vas a poner una camisa, polo, o camiseta con un patrón/ diseño llamativo ponte jeans o chinos de un color neutral- kaki, gris, azul marino, negro o blanco. Caballeros, no hay que tenerle miedo a los patrones llamativos. 

3- Ways To Wear The Army Shirt

In this installment of the 3-Ways to Wear series it's all shot Selfie style. This past week my vintage German army shirt has been my go-to item. I ended up using it as a light jacket and never regretted it. How many pieces do you own that are this versatile? I found this one Polo Ralph Lauren  and Michael Bastian to be great options.

If you want something more authentic like mine check out an army surplus store near you. In NYC the best place is Kaufman's Army and Navy.

Classic American Sunglasses Michael Bastian Style

Randolph Engineering by Michael Bastian

Having lived in SoCal for a couple of years my appreciation for sunglasses has quadrupled. So when I was invited to the Randolph Engineering by Michael Bastian Spring/Summer 2013 eyewear launch I felt like two of my favorite things finally came together. I had a few minutes to talk to the man of the hour, Michael Bastian about his eyewear collection. He explained that he went in to the archives and updated and tweaked some of their classic designs by using different materials or shapes but still keeping true to the Randolph Engineering spirit but with the MB touch. As you can see the end product speaks for itself, these designs are timeless and both men and women will love to wear them.

Después de haber vivido en el sur de California por par de años mi apreciación por gafas de sol a aumentado grandemente. Así que cuando fui invitado al lanzamiento de la colección de primavera/verano 2013 de Randolph Engineering por Michael Bastian senti que finalmente dos de mis cosas favoritas se unieron. Tuvo la oportunidad de hablar con el hombre del momento y me explicó que él entró a los archivos y actualizo y ajusto algunos de sus diseños clásicos pero manteniendose fiel a la esencia de Randolph Engineering pero con el toque MB. Como se puede ver el producto final habla por sí mismo, estos diseños son atemporales y los hombres y las mujeres les encantaran usarlos.

In addition to showcasing the eyewear collection, the Michael Bastian's Spring/Summer 2013 collection was also shown.

Ademas de presentar la colección de lentes y gafas de sol también presentaron la colección de primavera/verano 2013 de Michael Bastian. 

Michael Bastian F/W 2013

Tobias/ great fitting cord cargos

R.L. / This long navy peacoat.

Hao/ Yes, to this shearling motorcycle jacket

Sebastian/ Great styling and combination of colors.

Eduardo/ So many great details in this look.

Michael Bastian

The mood was being set as soon as you entered the venue for the Michael Bastian Fall Winter 2013 show with the smell of incense that filled the air. Once all the guests took their seats the music started blaring and the models walked out showing a darker and might I add Badass collection. The collection included brushed tweed, cotton canvas, corduroy, leather, and heavy shearling. I especially loved the colors that were used- black, olive, indigo, violet combined with rich hunter orange and raincoat yellow. Not only was the collection impressive the accessories were noteworthy including the sunglasses by Randolph Engineering x Michael Bastian, watches by Audemars Piguet, hats by Mr. Kim by Eugenia Kim and jewelry by G. Frost and G. Frost x Michael Bastian. Definitely one of the collections I'm looking forward to most this fall.

El ambiente se estaba creando con el olor a incienso que llenaba el aire tan pronto como entre al salon donde el show de Michael Bastian Otoño/Invierno 2013. Una vez que todos los invitados se sentaron comenzó la música a todo volumen y los modelos fueron mostrando una colección más oscura y en mi opinion bien "Badass." La colección incluye tweed, tela de algodón, pana, cuero y piel de oveja. En especial me encantaron los colores que se utilizaron, negro, oliva, índigo, violeta combinado con  naranja y amarillo. No sólo fue la colección impresionante tambien los accesorios se destacaron como las gafas de sol por Randolph ingeniería x Michael Bastian, relojes de Audemars Piguet, sombreros del Mr. Kim por Eugenia Kim y joyas por G. Frost G. Frost x Michael Bastian. Sin duda esta es una de las colecciones que estoy anelando más para este otoño.

Red Details

Get out of that rut of always reaching out for your black coat or black anything for that matter. This Saturdays NYC parka will go perfectly with everything in your closet and will help you stick out in the crowd in a good way. While you're at it get some pieces with red details like this GANT by Michael Bastian sweater, Todd Snyder plaid shirt and some cool Beats by Dr.Dre headphones. Bring it all together by wearing some raw denim jeans like these from the GAP. You see, you can stay warm look good and not have to wear black to do it.

Para de siempre usar el mismo abrigo negro oh vestir solo de negro. Este abrigo por Saturdays NYC combinara con todo en tu armario y te ayudara llamar la atención en una manera positiva. Ya que estamos en este tema, consiguete algunas piezas de ropa con detalles rojos como este suéter de GANT por Michael Bastian, esta camisa de cuadros de Todd Snyder, y estos audífonos de Beats por Dr.Dre. Para completar el look ponte unos jeans como estos de GAP.

Year-End Thank Yous

Looking back on 2012, I'm filled with gratitude for the experiences and people I've met along the way. I'd like to make this post a thank you letter to my family, friends, to all who contributed and of course you, the reader!

A big thank you to the amazing interviewees model Akin Akman, actor Ryan Vigilant, director Vincent LaCrocq and leather goods maker Noah Marion. Thank you for taking the time to share what makes you passionate about your craft.

It was a great year for collaborations on Adentro Style with photographers and writers like Renee Rouleau, Alex Burkhuch, and Nathan Tran.

Some great adventures were had this year especially my trip to New York Fashion Week where I attended about dozen shows. Also, I was able to meet some of my favorite menswear designers like Michael Bastian, Carlos Campos and Luis Fernandez.

Another highlight of the year was the opportunity to become a men's style contributor on Rue La La's blog!

As you can see this year was filled with a lot of new types of posts like What I Wore, Favorite Four, and even gift guides. One that sticks out is my first music review for Two Lights Band.

Lastly, the most touching experiences was collecting shoes and hand delivering them to an orphanage in Mexico. Going there personally and handing out the shoes to each child was a very humbling moment I will never forget and will be forever thankful.

Thank you for visiting and I wish you all a safe and happy new year!

Pensando en este año estoy lleno de gratitude por las experiencias y personas que pude conocer. Quisiera dedicar este post con mucho agradecimiento a mi familia, amigos, todos los que contribuyeron, y especialmente y ti el lector.

Muchas gracias a las personas que entreviste este año como el modelo Akin Akman, el actor Ryan Vigilant, director Vincent LaCrocq, y Noah Marion.

Fue un buen año con tantos contribuyentes incluyendo Renee Rouleau, Alex Burkhuch, y Nathan Tran.

Unas de mis aventuras este año fue de asistir a New York Fashion Week a donde vi mas de una docena de desfiles de moda. Ademas pude conocer algunos de mi diseñadores de ropa masculina favoritos, Michael Bastian, Carlos Campos, y Luis Fernandez!

Otro acontecimento importante fue que Rue La La me invito a contribuir a su blog!

Como pueden ver este año empece a escribir nuevos tipos de posts como Que Me Puse Hoy, Mis Cuatro Favoritos, y Guías para Regalos. El que resalta en mi mente es el primer comentario de música del grupo Two Lights Band.

Por ultimo, una da las experiencias mas especiales fue de comprar zapatos y llevarlos personalmente a un orfanato en Mexico. Al ir y entregar a cada niño un par de zapatos fue algo bien lindo y nunca me olvidare.

Gracias por visitar el blog y les deseo un Feliz Año Nuevo!

Men's Gifts for Under 50 Dollars

Here are six great gifts for under 50 dollars for the sporty, funny, classy, or gun slinging guy or for yourself. Note- There are only 13 more days until Christmas eve and Hanukkah is well on its way.

1- Noah Marion, slimline card case $45.00

2- Express, merino wool vest $29.95

3- Push Culture, hit and roll shirt $50.00

4- IMM Living, duello gun bookends $38.00

5- Topman, moustache straws $10.00

6- Retrofit, poller men's sweater $34.99

Need more gift ideas check out these gift guides:

FOR HIM

FOR HER

Men's Gift Guide 2012

Adentro Style's Men's Gift Guide 2012

One of my favorite things is to buy gifts. One of my least favorite things is the time it takes to do so. This guide was put together for inspiration and to help you find what he or maybe what you might like to have.

1- Michael Bastian double clothed houndstooth top coat

2- Club Room shirt, slim fit

3- John Varvatos USA v-neck sweater

4- Bonobos Game Day chinos

5- A.P.C New standard straight-leg selvedge-denim jeans

6- Gant by Michael Bastian windbreaker

7- Clark's desert boots

8-The Ivy League book

9- J.Crew Abingdon duffel

Happy Gifting!

GANT by Michael Bastian Fall 2012

GANT by Michael Bastian Fall/Winter 2012

Photographer- Oscar Falk

Models- Sam Homan at Red, Danny Beauchamp at Select Models, Dace Burkevica

This is what I call a great juxtaposition of styles and genres that create a modern look. The preppy influence on the ties, bow ties and rugby shirt along with the fedoras and vans are so rad and lets not forget all the cool sunglasses. You can find GANT by Michael Bastian at Nordstrom, Barneys, and Saks 5th Ave. images via TheFashionisto.

Esto es lo que yo llamo una yuxtaposición exitosa de estilos y géneros que crean una apariencia moderna. La influencia preppy en los lazos, corbatas de pajarita y camisa de rugby, junto con los sombreros y los tenis vans son tan rad y no nos olvidemos de todas las gafas de sol.