Photography by Danielle Levitt
Two days before the fashion world was shaken up by industry veteran Bethann Hardison's critique of the consistent lack of models of color on the runway, Bastian opened his menswear collection at New York Fashion Week with a stunning, suited-up black model. Conscious or otherwise, it was a bold move that speaks to Bastian's instincts as a designer, a quiet rebel who, instead of getting trapped by the East Coast "preppy" stamp attached to his first steps in menswear, has been able to explore increasingly ambitious concepts, always executed with the utmost charm and just the right amount of eccentricity. Five nominations for CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year (he took home the prize in 2011) are clear signs that the industry approves.
Photographed at his home in New York City on July 23, 2013
