Gap x GQ 2016: Michael Bastian, Steve Alan, John Elliot, & Saturdays NYC
GQ has been naming their list of “best new menswear designers in America” for ten years now. And the subsequent partnership with GAP, in order to celebrate/focus on/sell some stuff by these people, is now half a decade old. And for this 5th edition? They’re taking an all-star approach.
All of these guys have made the list before. And some of these names (Bastian, especially for his collaboration with UNIQLO on polos) might sound familiar. What’s also familiar is the end result of this partnership. Namely, designs that lean a little more risky than GAP classics, starting prices that are higher than most GAP customers would like to see, and a lengthy span of time where this stuff will be excluded from codes and deals. But if past is prologue, eventually, some of it (whatever’s left) will make it to a sale section here and there. Just don’t hold your breath. Quick, first impressions of what might be worth a look are below.
#8. Gap x GQ Michael Bastian Skinny Fit Moleskin Pants – $98.00
Almost a hundred bucks to start. Yikes. And “skinny” fit is gonna drive a lot of guys away. (Even those who like slim fit pants. Slim and skinny are not the same thing.) But the dense, moleskin fabric will be perfect for the colder temperatures, and navy moleskin pants aren’t something you see every day. Neither is that utility/military pocket styling. Just not sure about that extra stitching at the knees. You might end up looking like a backup dancer for O-Town. Also. The rear end. Um. Hm. Bit of a blast-radius thing going on there. Did you have the chili for lunch?
#7. Gap x GQ Steven Alan Weekender Bag – $178.00
The minimalist, modern, black on black is pretty slick. It’s the heavy price that’s just tough to endure, especially when you get something from the uber-transparent Everlane, for $115. Also, if the dimensions are correct, that means it’s only about 1400 cubic inches. That’s… not big. Fire up the spacebags honey!
#6. Gap x GQ Saturdays New York City Waffle Tee – $49.95
Seems like something GAP would release under their own name (without the collaboration tag) charge $39.95 for, and could then be had for $24 when 40% off. These on the other hand will be excluded from codes for a good long while.
#5. Gap x GQ Saturdays New York City Quilted Bomber Jacket – $160
Not just synthetic, but instead, a cotton/poly/nylon blend. Insulated with primaloft as well. Black on black. Better have a real substantial feel to it in person, otherwise, some might go look for an inexpensive alternative somewhere else.
#4. Gap x GQ Saturdays New York City Camel Topcoat – $249.00
Hard not to love a good camel topcoat. Looks great on the model. Only issue is that it looks pretty boxy on a hanger (but, that can happen with coats, and remember, you have got to be able to layer, comfortably, under a coat.) 60% Wool, 25% Polyester, 10% Nylon, 5% Other. Like the rest of the collection, up there in price. But at least it certainly appears to be quilted, and thus, will be much warmer when compared to, say, UNIQLO’s alternative.
#3. Gap x GQ Steven Alan Wool Blend Coat – $249.00
Now we’re getting somewhere. 70% wool / 30% Nylon blend with an easy to wear with anything herringbone pattern. Description does say the body is lined in a cotton twill, which is better than a cheap polyester. Might have to check it out for the annual best outerwear roundup. Mid thigh length looks great (rule of 3rds!) as well as protects your suit jacket or sportcoat tails with room to spare.
#2. Gap x GQ Steven Alan Washed Cord Blazer – $128
A deep, blue corduroy blazer is a terrific thing to have on hand for the fall/holiday season. Dashing for sure, without going full velvet dandy. Much easier to wear than a velvet sportcoat. It’s just a question of whether or not the sleeve cuff buttons are functional, and how short the tail is. Looks kinda short in some of the online shots. Yet, Old Navy isn’t chopping their blazers anymore? Meanwhile, is the model wearing the J. Crew Timex Andros? Sure looks like it? That’d be odd being since, well, it’s a GAP shot.
#1. Gap x GQ Michael Bastian Tweed Blazer – $150.00
First place on this particular list, and well deserved. Now, again, if the tail is chopped and the sleeves run long w/ functioning sleeve buttons, then some of us will sadly put it back on the rack. But if the proportions are at least close to normal? Then… awesome. Nice to see Mr. Bastian is still putting his rectangular elbow patches on sportcoats (he’s done it in the past) and here, he uses corduroy instead of, say, a cheap faux leather. Just half lined in the back. Ticket pocket. 90% Wool, 8% Nylon, 2% Spandex herringbone fabric.
This Gap x GQ collection is available now, online, and in select stores worldwide. Key Word = Select. Also, expect these items to be excluded from promos and codes for the foreseeable future.
