The Australian co-founders Mary Lou Ryan and Deborah Sams of Bassike see lots of parallels between Sydney, where the line began, and Venice, were they’ve just established the brand’s first stateside boutique. Sams says the California seaside town has a similar blend of “surf, skate, art, fashion, food and well being” to the line’s coastal hometown. As befits the weather and relaxed vibe of Venice, the Lincoln Boulevard shop, stocking both the men’s and women’s lines, has what Sams calls a relaxed floor plan. “Natural light streams in from skylights and entrances both on Lincoln and also from the Superba Food + Bread’s back garden,” she says. Oversized fitting rooms constructed in white oak feel like walk-in closets and designs sit on custom furniture pieces crafted from Calacatta marble. Ryan says the deconstructed fall 2015 women’s collection has a “strong Japanese influence,” but also “strong tailoring on a wide sleeve jacket as well as a pair of tuxedo pants.” Colors are neutral, echoing the natural fabrics used in the collection. The men’s fall looks—made in refined shapes with minimalist tailoring—have a palette of denim, sand, black, and navy. Everything is manufactured in Australia of natural fibers including linen wool and organic cotton jersey. In short, the line will be right at home, here in California.

By Elizabeth Varnell

Pictured: The new Bassike boutique in Venice.
Photo courtesy of Bassike

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