Fashion always seems to be looking back to another, oft-considered “better” time. In 2014, the ’70s were everywhere; in 2017, it was the ’60s. And this year it was about time the ’90s made a resurgence!
Lately, a few designers have taken a different tack to mining the past and it is not just the high-fashion brands such as Dior and Balenciaga digging in the treasure troves. High-street veterans have also been hard at work forging their path by digging through archives to find inspiration from decades ago.
With fashion in a constant state of flux, it’s no wonder apparel brands across the board are less than assiduous when it comes to keeping company histories. But the heritage movement has given brands the impetus to better chronicle and curate their personal histories. Case in point: Gant. The company, which was founded in New Haven in 1949 and is currently owned by a Swiss firm, has been slowly rebuilding its clothing archives under the direction of designer Christopher Bastin.
Today the archive holds numerous examples of our classic stripes, classic Madras shirts, checks and original qualities. It is a reminder of GANT’s true heritage and serves as a never-ending source of daily inspiration. “Having a legacy is something that sets you apart and gives you authenticity and credibility. And, most importantly, it gives you a platform and security as a brand,” says Bastin.
And this Spring-Summer 2021 is a true representation of how heritage is blended with the latest trends. GANT has reclaimed the preppy style, a look it pioneered 70 years ago. Taking inspiration from the angular, geometric shapes found in Brutalist architecture and the boldly colored coastal-inspired garments from the brand’s archive, GANT has created a collection that reinvents the iconic preppy look from the 1980s and 1990s for today’s streets. The result is a collection that showcases the retro preppy heritage, think bucket hats, striped sports-inspired cardigans, checked-trenches in bold primary hues and painterly pleated skirts in bright yellow, bold red, crisp white and jet black.