GANT Rugger Clothing: Pre-Spring 2014 Collection

Article By Ivan Yaskey on 7th August 2013

GANT Rugger – Pre-Spring 2014

If one image embodies the GANT Rugger pre-spring 2014 collection, it’s that of a youthful American traveller exploring Europe in sophisticated pragmatism.

Essentially, that appears to be what the New Haven-originating brand set out to do, based on the preview that surfaced via Youtube last month. Although fitted denim and a moderate military influence give off a utilitarian character, stylistic polish comes in the form of animal print and plaid blazers.

Within the frame of GANT’s signature timeless aesthetic, lead designer Christopher Bastin merges ‘Italian flamboyance’ with ‘Scandinavian simplicity’, adding just a touch of 1920s art deco – but don’t call it Gatsby inspired. The Travelling the Orient theme, then, emerges through intricate paisley fabric and clean-cut lines juxtaposed with elegant ruggedness. It’s as if the clothing beckons you to pack your durable yet stylish casual wear to spend a month exploring fashion and culture via European rail.

Contradictory pairings, theme aside, pervade part of the collection. A print of tan and black zebras on blue adds a pop to a seemingly ordinary olive military jacket, whilst a hoodie takes a long navy blue coat and patterned pants pairing down a notch. The blazer and shorts combination – a staple of many spring 2012 collections – remains, as do plaid blazers and coats.

GANT’s heritage surfaces through the versatile and practical cuts. For those that don’t know, the brand pushed the European button-down shirt in the United States and, over time, added now classic features, like the box pleat.

Bright patterns aside, the nearly-omnipresent form-fitting aesthetic has enduring appeal – one equally apt for GANT Rugger’s college-age gentleman of the mid-20th century and of the 2010s. Pants and jackets skim over the frame without revealing too much, unlike present day skinny jeans, whilst a tailored quality elevates even the most casual, loose-fitting items.

For travelling in style, the look of comfortable yet fitted jeans paired with a crisp shirt and distinctive blazer has developed into the go-to ensemble for SS13.