We can't say enough about a basic white tank, and lately all the great ones seem to be coming from Down Under. The most recent line to pop up on our radar is Bassike [5], a collection of organic cotton staples created by the twosome of Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan. The line follows in the footsteps of other Aussie designers who have tapped into the market's need for luxury basics, such as Chronicles of Never [6], Mesop [7] and Ksubi [8]—where, coincidentally enough, the two both used to work.

The main idea behind Bassike was to create a line that was both eco-conscious and eco-chic. So far, the slouchy tanks, long sleeve henleys and balloon-like leggings succeed in being perfect stand-alone and layering pieces. But the label isn't all shirts and singlets, as evidenced by options like a men's cardigan edged with a tuxedo-esque tiered panel or a women's cardi that comes in only one size, extra long. Now entering its second year, Bassike is also expanding its range to include pieces in wool jersey and denim, and even some leather skirts. But it's good to see that the loose structure of the design will stay the same, as will its place of production—Australia, of course.

—Meredith Fisher [9]