Photo of designer Michael Bastian and model CJ Richards visiting Norman Rockwell Museum in April 2013 for a photo shoot around Bastian’s “Stockbridge” clothing line for Gant, inspired by the work of Norman Rockwell. Photo ©Norman Rockwell Museum. All rights reserved.
With its bucolic setting, Norman Rockwell Museum is well-accustomed to having its picture taken. However this past Sunday we took things to a whole other level, welcoming a full-blown, fashion photo shoot.
The event in question was a visit from fashion designer Michael Bastian, who was here to photograph his Fall 2013 Gant collection in Norman Rockwell’s studio. This seemed like a natural choice, since his “Stockbridge” line was influenced by the illustrations of the late artist.
Bastian told The Boston Globe last month that he was initially inspired by the memory of visiting the Museum (then the Old Corner House) back in the 1970s; “We went back to the paintings and what we found, without many exceptions, is that what guys were wearing the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, are kind of the same things that guys are wearing now in the teens.”
Discussing the preppy/athletic/military fashion mashup displayed on the central figure in Rockwell’s Freedom of Speech (part of the Museum’s permanent collection), Bastian adds: “that guy looked like a guy you could see walking down the street right now.”
Next Fall this notion will become a reality, as Bastian’s line includes a jacket and shirt fashioned after the iconic 1943 image. In addition, Norman Rockwell Museum will offer limited editions of these fashions in its own Store, and during our special gala auction this June 8, 2013 (with proceeds benefitting the Museum, courtesy of Gant).
Apparently both designer and crew were blown away by their visit, impressed by the details found in both Rockwell’s studio and the paintings on display in the galleries. Describing the Berkshires as “beautiful,” they also found time to do a little shopping of their own in the Museum’s Store, with Bastian being particularly impressed by Rockwell’s Willie Gillis series. So fashionistas, will we also be seeing “Willie Wear” in the not-too-distant future?
Related Links:
“Designer Michael Bastian finds inspiration in Norman Rockwell,” Boston Globe, March 6, 2013.