Bluestar Alliance has acquired a "significant" interest in the Michael Bastian menswear brand for an undisclosed sum, creating a new joint venture, MB Brand Holdings, that aims to expand the brand's footprint.

“Michael Bastian is a natural fit within Bluestar’s current portfolio of luxury designer brands and rounds out the men’s side of our business,” says Joseph Gabbay, chief executive officer, Bluestar Alliance. "There is a tremendous void in the market for a true American men’s designer brand. By working with him to develop a new mid-level department store tier to his business, we will be able to offer his unique American point of view at affordable luxury price points. The first two classifications to roll out will be sportswear and tailored clothing with several category expansions to be announced in the coming weeks. Michael will be working hand-in-hand with our licensing partners to ensure the design aesthetic of the Michael Bastian brand that he is so well known for carries throughout all product lines."