Gant, the American sportswear brand, has come out with its first Lacrosse-inspired brand. The fashion collection was designed by Michael Bastian, the former Bergdorf mens fashion director turned luxury menswear designer.

The collection is being unveiled at New York Fall/Winter 2010 Fashion Week.
Bastian stated, “I discovered an article on lacrosse while flying and as soon as I got off the plane I knew I had found my inspiration for our first collaboration. Lacrosse is fascinating to me, and I love that it is this North American sport that may not be very well known around the world.”

According to a press release, the collection “mixes sporty and tailored elements fusing the rich heritage of GANT with the dressed-up washed-down American classics that Michael Bastian is known for.”

Key pieces include a washed moleskin military peacoat, down puffer jackets, and tailored blazers with soft unstructured shoulders and squaredoff elbow patches. Chunky hand-knit sweaters are mixed with jaquard and intarsia crew-necks. A broad selection of classic and multi-pocket woven shirts in oxford cloth, poplin and flannel complement fitted embroidered corduroys, destroyed denim and chinos. Sportier items include a lace-up rugby shirt, pique polos, graphic t-shirts, thermals, and mesh gym shorts.

Bastian continues, “I see my version of the GANT guy as the younger brother to the Michael Bastian guy. He’s more casual, and a little more athletic, but with a modern edge that feels both approachable and sophisticated.”

The collection will debut in key GANT markets worldwide. A multi-media campaign, recently shot in Washington, D.C., has been created to support the August 2010 launch across all platforms of print, on-line, and in-store environments.