Michael Bastian looked to his own college days in Boston—specifically to a trio of close friends: a mod girl, her boxer beau and himself—for inspiration for this Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, hoping to crystallize that time (the ’80s) and place. Among some other period films, Pretty In Pink was projected during the unveiling at Exit Art in Manhattan, and there’s definitely a sophisticated Ducky vibe running through the looks.

We always count on GANT for gently updated American sportswear, and Bastian’s clean capture of a specific point in the past serves that aim well. These wares are creative and sometimes daring without being freaky or intimidating to GANT devotees (we assume there are some of you out there). While we are in no hurry to rock any of these complete looks (some of them for fear of looking like a total Steff), there are lots of fetching (or should we say “fetch”) pieces to choose from.

More looks in our gallery…

We’ll be honest: the name of the new GANT Rugger collection or campaign sounds a bit forced. “Nouveau Prep” is meant to describe their new take on the prep look, so why not just call it “New Prep.” This is an American brand, right? Luckily, we can put aside the descriptors used in the campaign (which also include ‘dressy but messy’) and focus on the garments which do indeed offer more fitting cuts. The collection moves further along from the casual with the inclusion of oxfords (their standard), cut-off chinos, silk scarves and more. Inspiration comes from various ends including “downtown hipsters” and 60’s prep.

“Nouveau Prep” aside, we welcome the new direction from GANT Rugger. Available online.

Update: Rugger’s designer, Christopher Bastin, wanted to clarify the choice in the collection’s name. Here are his words:

The name “Nouveau Prep” actually has a nice story behind it. A blog (I believe it was the Bengal Stripe) referred to GANT Rugger as “Nouveau Prep” and it just stuck. I didn’t really think about it much until we began working on spring 12. Once I started getting the theme and ideas together, it really felt like a fresh take on things. Since I genuinely hate the phrase “preppy with a twist”, and, let’s be honest, anything with a bit of French in it is always kind of savvy, it became a natural name for the theme. Since then, I always refer to Gant Rugger as Nouveau Prep, and everyone seems to get it straight away. When vintage starts feeling cool again in like 8 years, perhaps we will call it “Prep Ancienne.”

More looks in our gallery…

GANT prepares the launch of their first fragrance available today exclusively at GANT stores throughout the world. GANT worked with perfumer Pierre Wulff and bottle designer Pierre Dinand on the scent and bottle which is inspired by the sailing and coastal living of New England. The scent is described as “[the] freshness of the sea and the woody aroma of boats. Tar, ocean and wood scents blend with notes of lemon, coriander and lavender, resulting in a remarkably fresh and masculine scent.”

Check the inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection from GANT by Michael Bastian. He’s pulling from Hawaii and The Brady Bunch tv show. Did they mean the The Brady Bunch “Hawaii Bound” episode from season four? I hope so!

Here’s one of the many GANT by Michael Bastian timepieces hitting the market this season. This silver crown watch is a clean take and well prices within your budget. Choose from three different strap options to keep it real on the wrist. Park & Bond has it.

More looks after the click.

More options in the eyewear game. Here are some looks from the GANT Michael Bastian works. These photos show you how the models chilling on the front stoop do it. We’d like to see you rocking your shades in more dangerous locales. I threw in some looks from the women’s side as well. Beauty for all.

More looks after the click.

“Learn more about Michael Bastian’s “Tales From a Northern Country”, and the inspiration behind his F/W 2011 collection for GANT, captured during New York Fashion Week on February 15, 2011.”

Set for release in Autumn 2011, the MB-1 and MB-2 are the first watches designed by Michael Bastian for GANT. Each will be produced in a limited edition of 1949 – referencing the year of Gant’s corporate birth – and comes with two strap options.

The watches will launch at Barney’s and retail at $395.

This weekend the GANT by Michael Bastian Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection was presented during New York Fashion Week. The designer continues to present his preppy American look, presenting beautiful blazers, a nice set of camouflage items and just overall nice details in his collection.

Photography: Jacob Breinholt for Selectism.com

Check out the full GANT by Michael Bastian Autumn/Winter 2011 Collection Presentation after the jump.

Slick animation from the folks at Gant. A preview site of the Gant by Michael Bastian autumn/winter has just launched today.