RUNWAY: Michael Bastian SS16

Michael Bastian needed some time off. The designer has had a whirlwind last few years, from his multi-season collaboration with Gant (now over) to suspending his line for a year to find new factories to manufacture his designs to some internal reshuffling and ultimately to his new collaborations, like the polo and tee collection with Japanese fast fashion retailer Uniqlo.

It was off to California for the New York-native. The swanky neighborhood of Bel Air, in Los Angeles, was where he found his inspiration. Though Will Smith did not make a cameo, the collection was considerably lighter, livelier and fresher than previous outings. This could be attributed to the more laid back atmosphere in Los Angeles, where suits and ties are for special occasions and a sharply tailored pant and a cool polo are all one needs. The essence of the Michael Bastian man did not disappear, however, there were still plenty of Americana to be seen and Bastian's signature kitsch (like a cupcake appliquee sweater or 'Eureka' loafers) also popped up. A trip to the other coast might have been exactly what the doctor ordered because Bastian offered one of his strongest showings to date.