East meets west in fashion line Baisap. Created by Santof and Mateo, two stylists from Toulouse, France going by first names only, Baisap infuses European men’s streetwear with Asian influences, particularly prints from India, where the line is produced. A relatively new line, Baisap is preparing its third collection for spring 2012.
Meeting 15 years ago, the designers collaborated as friends on several projects, bringing together their technical knowledge of fashion with artistic sensibilities. Baisap, then, came about as an exclusive yet affordable line of menswear, debuting with a private sale in Toulouse. Since that point, the designers have collaborated with jewelers, photographers, ceramicists, and other artists, and new collections are now displayed at an annual event on a house boat. Aside from these events, Baisap style can be found at various stores on the French western coast and the Riviera, as well as online.
How do the designers bridge the stylistic gap? In an interview, those behind Baisap said: “Based on a lifestyle, party and beach orientated, we propose casual but stylish clothes. Afghani pants that can be worn as easily with a tank, or a suit jacket. A reinterpretation of tradition.”
Baisap’s third collection encompasses a larger variety of items and will be revealed at the brand’s next event in Toulouse, scheduled for April 21 and 22. Aside from this, Baisap is getting additional exposure through other venues. Their unique shirts will be on display at multidisciplinary gallery Maria Clara Art Point in Brussels from April 19 to June 13. The new collection will be further marketed at various European summer festivals, including Festival Couleur Café, in Belgium, Fusion Festival in Germany, Chalon dans la Rue, and Aurillac festival in France.
Another part of tapping into new markets is redesigning their website, Baisap.com. In the future, the two designers hope to break into the U.S.
Although a large portion of Baisap’s future plans include greater exposure, Santof and Mateo plan to collaborate with more artists and are going to Nepal to explore fabric possibilities and designing techniques. Along the same line, the two are looking into a new photography style for taking pictures in India, one that better reinterprets eastern traditions.
For more information on Baisap visit, www.baisap.com