Michael Bastian Men’s RTW Spring 2016

Although the inspiration was Southern California, Michael Bastian’s spring collection still offered up his signature uptown preppy aesthetic. The use of a banana leaf camouflage print throughout added a twist of newness to the classics. The print worked best as the element on the pants in suit separates paired with a navy blazer, as well as on a safari jacket paired with denim short shorts and as graphic elements in intarsia sweaters.

In addition to his standard casual offering, Bastian also branched out in a darker direction.

“We’re not really a black brand, but black for summer felt really nice,” Bastian said.

The show also marked Bastian’s entry into women’s wear. In explaining his decision to launch a women’s collection last month, the designer called it “a nice logical extension” of his men’s line. Indeed, the camo shorts, cashmere crewnecks — one with a cupcake motif on the chest — boot-cut jeans and tuxedo shirts were the feminized version of Bastian’s flamboyant preppy American man. There was nothing offensive about the women’s clothes, but nothing particularly compelling either. Bastian spoke of the “need” for such women’s clothes to WWD last month, but it’s hard to imagine a world where this tony, preppy look is in short supply.