Thirty years ago Barneys New York had a private label collection called Basco, which is an acronym for Barneys (American) Sportswear Company. Recently Tom Kalenderian and Jay Bell from the Barneys men’s team worked to relaunch the private label collection with an updated look. The collection is utilitarian inspired with a tight offering of jackets, shirts, pants and a few leather accessories. The collection mixed some bits of an American aesthetic with a clean continental vibe – which I think works well and seems to be the way things in menswear are moving forward.
While I haven’t seen the original Basco clothing from 30 years ago, I’m guessing from the name the collection was much more of collection of a line of basics. This iteration seems more like American MHL than a collection of true basics. After stopping by the Barneys flagship on Madison Avenue yesterday to see the reincarnated Basco, I can certainly wrap my head around the new line and expect to wear some of this stuff sooner rather than later.
The prices range from $165 for the leather belts, to $245-$295 for the shirts and the jackets will be offered at $995. Everything is made in Italy using either European or Japanese fabrics. While these prices aren’t for everyone, I wouldn’t expect the Barneys customer to do much flinching. It seems to me that this new Basco endeavor (like all private label) offers a lot of value for money. Similar clothing with a comparable make and fabric would likely cost much more from a “designer” label.
If you are feeling this stuff, the good news is you won’t have to wait long. Everything shown here will be on the floor at nearly all of the Barneys stores this week, and Barneys e-com already has it.
Bags and belts are made by Emil Erwin (Nashville, Tn).
What’s with the sh#tkicker” shoes?
How can you do an article on Basco without mentioning Lance Keresh, the guy who designed it in the first place? Lance did great stuff. I still treasure his t-shirts, now falling apart. Lance Keresh–awesome.
I suppose because I am too young to know any better. Thanks for making me aware Mr. O’Brien.
FYI, Also apart of the collection are leather bags and belts made in Nashville by Emil Erwin. (Belts are pictured here, the bag are not.) Not sure why Barney’s left him and them off the press release.
A guy could do worse than to be politely corrected by Glenn O’Brien. = )
Got some split-toe pebble grain shoes from Basco that I picked up around 20 years ago. It was good stuff and also Italian made. I think then as it appears now, Basco was a bit more fashion-forward than the “Barneys New York” line.
It looks good, but it’s too bad that it’s so expensive. The original BASCO was much sportier and originally meant to be kind of an entry-level private label for Barneys —before it became a standalone company. It was kind of an early vintage/classic line. I’m looking forward to seeing the new version in the store.
I still have a few of the original items stored away that came from our first store. It was a retro inspired line of contempory items of the time. There was always a nod to the past or to a particular group.I will be interested to see the new take and how,if at all, it relates to the previous incarnation. Lance was very good at his craft.
I would like to know if there is a way to post short stories, and ongoing episodes for a story online and that it gets legitimate copyright on a site. I want to avoid sending my material to get copyright each time I make an update to my stories. The bottom line is that I want to enjoy getting online feedback and not get stolen from..
It’s also worth noting that had they done this before May, it could have been called BUEASCO.
*It’s also worth noting that had they done this before May, it could have been called BUAESCO.
Too bad these pieces are NOTHING like the original BASCO( Barneys All- American Sportswear Company.) It was owned by the Pressman brothers and Lance Karesh- head designer. It was easily identifiable with it’s retro- modern looks for men and women. It wasn’t a private label line. It was a highly sought after collection carried by high end specialty retailers throughout the country.
I bought pieces of the collection of BASCO at Saks many years ago. They were really well constructed as I recall. Wish I hadn’t sold them at a second hand store..My bad!
Somewhere in my memory and my closet was a 1985 vintage fair isle sweater BASCO made. It was cotton and probably cost around $45 and was purchased at Barney’s in Chelsea. Their clothing was so good back then.