Inspiration Behind GANT Rugger's Team Americano

GANT Rugger's Spring Season debuted last week in Italy and the preppy pale hues have never looked so sexy.

Creative director Christopher Bastin has dubbed the look "Team Americano," referring to the American writers and photographers--writer Sean Hotchkiss, writer, photographer and adventurer Zeph Colombatto, writer and social media professional Gabe Alonso, photographer Noah Emrich, editor and author Lawrence Schlossman, and photographer Justin Chung--who attended the menswear market in Pitti Uomo, Florence, Italy. And he hosted a rooftop event in Manhattan last week at Skylight at the McKittrick Hotel, a new rooftop experience where it feels like perpetual summer, with the crew and a select group of invitees.

"Everyone tries to be chill about it, but Pitti is really menswear's moment, its ultimate clubhouse," Bastin said. "Guys put their best well-heeled foot forward. There are muses all along the promenade. This season I wanted to capture that feeling, but through an American lens. There are American bloggers and photographers that I know that nail that look in Pitti. I call them Team Americano."

The new takes on classic American designs is what GANT is known for, but this collection signals its move to Italy, both literally and aesthetically. A sureness in the wardrobe makes styling seem easy, yet spot on while still retaining a European comfortable zeal.

The seven men (pictured above with Bastin) who served as the inspiration for the collection were also featured in a short film Bastin previewed at the event.

So don't donate your summer pastels yet. Soft, feminine color palettes are matched with the strict structure of American couture. And you'll be seeing more of it soon enough.

SLIDESHOW: See GANT Rugger Spring/Summer 2013 Looks