Bassike. Spring 2020 - New York.

 (Images from the designer and the public domain. Credited to the photographer/company where applicable: BASSIKE)

Bassike, as an Australian brand, founded in 2006 have pushed hard to enter the American market.  And in 2015, brand owners Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan succeed in opening their first store on the famous Lincoln boulevard, Venice Beach.  Yet, since their move to Los Angeles the brand remains consistent with its defined cuts and styles, not shifting too far towards accessible designs, be that the temptation to pursue fast fashion aspects.  Seen specifically as a newer brand name, they have limited their collections to editorial and studio presentations, having their first runway show in Sydney For Resort 2020 for Mercedes Fashion Week.  Bassike is still trying to find its footing, which is understandable, the sleek and in lot of ways urbane styles, have been equally matched, at times, with the more risqué looks. As an observation, the designers Sams and Lou Ryan seem eager to break the shell of some of their more signature styles and take on a defined Avant garde approach, which, if they can, whilst maintaining the core aspect of their designs.  Would be an interesting take.  

Unlike their recent Resort showing, Bassike's Spring 2020 collection has edged back towards their Fall 2019 styles, adding a dark resonance to this newer collection, as mentioned it could be the designers looking at the Avant garde fashion styles of the last 15 years, within its rustic and futuristic concepts via an impression of dystopia settings.  In lieu of chief stalwart designers and experimental masters such as Rick Owens, the reconfiguring or deconstruction of fashion styles, imprinted heavily on the asymmetrical and draped looks, mostly sit within the achromatic rage of black and white.  The sombre and seriousness of the urban-goth styles may have had its day in the sun, yet, as it gradually fades back as an exclusive fashion trend.  The hallmarks of its impression on fashion will continue to inspire, particularly their use of linen, leather and other locally sourced fabrics.  And of course, the smaller Avant garde brands of the last decade, were creating artisan (slow) fashion before the current catch cries.

Exceptionally well crafted styles for their Spring collection, shaped beautifully on the models, heavy set linen on coats and pants, denim, silk and cotton blends. The color palette has stayed within the brands spectrum of washed out yellows, camel and browns. Despite what appears as a beginning in experimentation cuts and styles, there is the reliable Bassike modernist looks mixed with Moroccan Bedouin romanticism.