IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTOPHER BASTIN
interview by SAMO ŠAJN
Christopher Bastin, Creative Director at GANT, brings to life the brand's rich heritage rooted in American sportswear. From its Ivy League beginnings to its worldwide influence, GANT’s evolution reflects a perfect blend of timeless elegance and contemporary style.
Your journey in the fashion world has been remarkable. Could you highlight some key moments that have defined your career.
I believe some of the key moments in my career began with my very first job in the industry. I started working in a store, and that experience sparked my initial interest, particularly in denim and vintage denim. I found myself paying close attention to and even collecting various pieces. Another defining moment was when I took on the role of product developer and buyer’s assistant at H&M. That position opened an entirely new side of the industry for me, broadening my understanding of fashion. And, of course, the most defining moment was when I became the creative director for GANT. That truly shaped the course of my career.
Can you share the story of how you joined GANT and what attracted you to the brand?
GANT was always a part of my life growing up. My dad, along with many people around me, wore it frequently, so I was always aware of the brand’s presence. It’s quite popular in Sweden, and I had a familiarity with it from an early age. When I decided to apply for a position at GANT, I honestly didn’t think I’d get it. There were many other applicants, and at that point, I didn’t have much formal education or experience in design.
As GANT’s Creative Director, how do you maintain the brand's heritage while incorporating modern, innovative touches?
When a brand has a rich heritage and legacy like GANT, it’s important to be very respectful of that history. It all starts with educating people, also internally, to ensure that everyone understands the brand’s roots. With such a legacy comes responsibility, and my role involves applying that knowledge to preserve its identity. Over the past two years, we've focused more on silhouettes than on fashion trends. By taking iconic pieces from our archives, we find the right silhouettes and blend them with modern touches, creating a perfect balance between tradition and innovation.
If you had the opportunity to dress anyone, who would it be and what makes them your choice?
I would have loved the chance to dress Alain Delon, that would have been incredible. Another choice would be Barack Obama; he has always had great style and carries himself with such confidence in whatever he wears. And also James Dean—it would be iconic to see him in a GANT Harrington jacket!
You've expressed a love for vintage denim. How has this passion influenced your design approach at GANT?
Working with denim can be a bit tricky, especially with a brand like GANT that isn’t traditionally linked to denim. However, denim plays a significant role in the preppy, Ivy League aesthetic. I’ve built up quite a large collection of vintage denim pieces over the years, and I often bring them to the office for inspiration. I think having these pieces on hand has really helped shape and influence my design approach at GANT.
What excites you most about the future of fashion, and how do you see GANT playing a part in that future?
This is a really exciting time for fashion, though it’s also quite unpredictable. Everything seems to be happening all at once, and the pace of change is very fast. What I enjoy is stepping back and taking GANT out of the context, not comparing it to other brands. The preppy, Ivy League look is timeless, and I believe there will always be a place for a brand like GANT in the future.
