Banana Republic (Q3827)
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American clothing and accessories retailer
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Banana Republic |
American clothing and accessories retailer |
Statements
Some ofBanana Republic’s production is based in India, and after jetting off to Paris last Fall, this season the mega-brand, headed up by Senior VP of Design Michael Anderson, took a closer look at the lush visual vocabulary of places like Mumbai. Anderson and his team were particularly taken with the intersection of old world and new technologies in India, applying that concept to designs in some nice ways. Take paisleys and woodblock-inspired prints, the latter gorgeous in a cobalt gown whose pleated skirt bore an up-to-there slit; there was also an off-shoulder top and skirt in steely blue whose liberal use of laser-cutting was inspired by traditional tilework. The Indian influence felt especially winning where palette was concerned: shades of rust and coral, peachy pinks, scarlet, and electric blue. Wisely, the cultural homages here were largely nonliteral; guys got a goodly dose of madras, and a one-shouldered red and white striped bias-cut dress nodded quietly to sari silhouettes—one of the best looks of the collection. New for Spring, BR is nearly doubling the size of its see-now-buy-now program launched last season, with a capsule of pieces curated by Olivia Palermo available to scoop up now.
11 September 2016
French girls. There—we said it. The unrelenting fascination of designers—and everyone else—with Gallic gals continues apace, most recently at a presentation ofBanana Republic’s Fall lineup. With Marissa Webb out last October at the retailer after just 18 months (she’s continuing on in the capacity of a creative adviser), senior VP of design Michael Anderson took the lead this season, presenting to press the new collection of styles that promised a bit of that famous French je ne sais quoi.Anderson took his team on a research jaunt to Lyon, Provence, and Paris, observing the way those cities’ men and women dressed day-to-day, and riffing on them in ways approachable to BR’s broad consumer base. Menswear found suiting worn in sportif ways, over pullovers and marinière-striped turtlenecks. For girls, there were Breton tops and a sweet, ankle-grazing sailor skirt, cropped trenches, and yes, even a beret. Crimson suiting had a nice, Catroux-esque appeal: The collection would have been served well by a hair more of its verve, its joie de vivre. With this presentation the brand also became the latest voice in the direct-to-consumer conversation, debuting a selection of styles available for instant purchase.
15 February 2016
Creative directorMarissa Webbis pushingBanana Republicin a new direction, meaning revamped patterns and new textures for both womenswear and menswear. In another important switch-up for the label, this collection also represented BR’s first partnership with the CFDA, via a collaboration with New York designerTimo Weilandand partners Alan Eckstein and Donna Kang.All the changes were noticeable. For womenswear, Webb refreshingly shook up her pattern palette with a polished cream jumpsuit, which came in a blotted, watercolor floral print. A pair of wide-leg trousers striped in white and aqua offered a subdued cool. There was also a look in biting pink scale hues that caught the eye—a striped salmon topper thrown over a lavender pleated frock. But it was Webb’s focus on suiting that packed an understated and chic punch without a deliberate, changed-up feel. An off-white slouchy jacket and trouser set, as well as a jacket that was rendered into a vest, were both casual enough to be worn as separates with jeans—something that Webb was also aiming for.Likewise, suiting received a makeover when it came to menswear. A manicured downtown approach was seen in a dandy-style shorts suit with a fitted double-breasted jacket that included a pocket square. For a more relaxed look, there was also a suede jacket paired with knee-skimming shorts.One of the most refreshing additions came with Weiland’s work. There was an uptown elevation and a glossy take on prep that could translate for BR consumers outside of Weiland’s metropolitan home base. His riff on cocktail wear was great: a high-waisted, wide-pleated salmon skirt paired with a cropped tank and a sharp chambray shift dress. It was a good way for BR to infuse a dose of authentic city-side cool while also introducing new talent to the traditional customer.
13 September 2015
Despite glacial temperatures and snow, last night a hefty line formed outside the Soho space where Banana Republic was, for the first time, presenting as part of the New York fashion week lineup. Per designer Marissa Webb, "We are a fashion brand, and it's important that that come through." Indeed, that mission has been at the core of Webb's tenure with the label so far (her first official collection was for Summer). She aims to establish Banana Republic as not only a fashion brand but a fashionable brand, without compromising its appeal in places far from the fashion capitals.Here was a collection of cautious steps toward that end. Eclectic layering was a means to lend flair to more conservative pieces, though the styles themselves were no great departure from what you might have found on the racks of BR a year ago. Webb and her team doubled up blazers and threw those over a silk shirt with cropped jeans, layered a dress with denim, and styled other dresses (like a bubblegum pink number—admittedlysomethingof a 180 for the brand) over turtlenecks.Menswear, styling aside, was even more static: peacoats, camel coats, slim trousers. The bigger bets paid off, like a wool blazer pieced together in blue plaid and gray wool. If not earth-shattering, the message here was sporty, simple, and no doubt eminently salable to Banana Republic's existing customer.
15 February 2015
Banana Republic's Spring M.O.? Gray, blush, denim, and playful layering, where its women's offering was concerned. Vice president of women’s design, Melloney Birkett, embraced a sportier-than-usual aesthetic this season. A biker jacket in neoprene came with a bonded knit exterior that peeked through at the seams. Also nice was a cream moto style with a subtle cocoon silhouette. Tops and skirts alike featured softly scooped hemlines echoing those often seen on athletic shorts. Tougher (a navy Perfecto-style number) and more utilitarian (a parka) pieces were tempered by feminine ones, like blush-hued button-downs or short-sleeve sweaters.Menswear strayed less from Banana's established approach, but had plenty of strong propositions nonetheless. Vice president of men's design, Michael Anderson, honed in on indigo. One of the strongest pieces between both sexes was a denim peacoat that had the pleasing heft of a pricier item or, even more covetable, a prized vintage find.Since taking over as Banana Republic's creative director this past April, Marissa Webb has been doing her part to recast the brand in an edgier, more fashion-forward light. Some of the items here even had a certain kinship to those she showed in her eponymous label's Spring collection. Only time will tell whether these pieces will have the same resounding success as J.Crew's under Jenna Lyons (Webb herself is an alum of that institution), but the clothes felt like a prudent, savvy step in the right direction.
21 October 2014
Banana Republic was founded in San Francisco, and the new Spring lineup, entitled True California, took the brand back to its West Coast heritage. Instead of repackaging the season's major trends, this collection focused on classic American sportswear, which was the foundation of BR, and the result was authentically fresh. At the Spring presentation, acting head of women's design Melloney Birkett explained that she wanted to play up textures by working in a neutral color palette with "Sonoran desert shades—sand, oatmeal, and hints of grounding coral." A clean ivory bomber that combined nubby linen and cotton piqué was paired with a tonal basket-weave sweater and flattering fluted skirt. Meanwhile, a perforated white leather shift dress layered underneath a crisp trench looked modern and versatile. The pant silhouettes were easy and relaxed. Soft, borrowed-from-the-boyfriend chinos cuffed just above the ankle were well suited to both BR's signature safari jacket and a simple button-up. And styled with a casual navy V-neck pullover and accessorized with an on-trend bucket bag, braided bangle bracelet, and chic cognac leather ankle-strap sandals, a pair of wide-legged "framed" trousers in color-blocked tuxedo stripes stood out. On the menswear side, tailored khaki suits, light wash jeans, and sharp peacoats hit a similar note. Ultimately, uncomplicated wardrobe staples are what Banana Republic does best, and the label was smart to emphasize them here.
17 October 2013
Staged about a month after the Paris collections end, a Banana Republic presentation is typically a crib sheet of the season's major trends translated for the masses. The new Fall collection, however, bucked of-the-moment fads in favor of clean and classic building blocks for a modern wardrobe. "Banana Republic dresses America," said Narciso Rodriguez, who recently took on an advisory role at the company. While the designer's imprint on the lineup was decidedly faint, there was a renewed emphasis on back-to-basics sportswear here, evident in the bold red cap-sleeve sheaths, as well as a cluster of Yves Klein-blue suiting separates and toppers. Tailored double-breasted brass-button jackets, crisp button-ups, leather T-shirts, and pencil skirts also articulated a pared-down approach.Despite sidestepping most current fashion crazes, BR creative director Simon Kneen couldn't resist leavening the mix with menswear fabrics, which were a common sight on the latest runways. He showed slim windowpane trousers and gave a girlish spin to the Prince of Wales checks on a trench by accenting the plaid with a bright pink color. Statement-making costume jewelry and fun accessories, including faux-mink stoles and quilted cross-body bags, kept the overall look polished yet playful. The offerings on the boys' side were equally on-point, particularly in the outerwear category. We especially liked the quilted Barbour-esque utility jackets, the Fair Isle knits, and the camouflage puffers.
11 April 2013
The dominant theme at the Spring shows was a return to simplicity following a Fall season of opulent brocades and printed suits. Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen tapped into the cleaned-up mood with his new collection for the brand. Guests at today's presentation were greeted by models in graphic striped patio dresses that hinted at the French Riviera, worn with mid-heel stacked leather sandals. The IAC building's atrium was divided into four different tableaux, and it was the "fifty shades of white—or rather, one hundred shades of white"—moment, as Kneen put it, that felt the freshest. Noteworthy here was a sharp, single-button tuxedo vest paired with pleated trousers, piled up with chunky gold chain necklaces. There was also a vibrant monochromatic section that incorporated what Kneen called "colors from my salad," like heirloom tomato red, spring mix green, and bell pepper orange and yellow. For the boys, tailored shorts suits and chambray jackets offered updates for the wardrobe, emphasizing basics with a twist.
22 October 2012
Day-to-evening dressing is hardly an original concept, but it's one that is particularly relevant for Banana Republic's practical yet polished customer who needs multitasking separates. At the Fall presentation last night, creative director Simon Kneen described the season as the time of year when women are perhaps returning from holidays and diving back into the hustle and bustle of their busy work and social schedules. They don't necessarily have the time or interest to decipher what's fashionable, so BR eliminates the guesswork, effectively repackaging the latest trends (the label has the big advantage of showing a month after the final Paris runways)."It's all about the cropped trouser," Kneen said, gesturing toward the ankles on display. The best look included those cigarette pants, a slim turtleneck, and a double-face wool wrap coat—all done in au courant crimson. The label gets bonus points for the monochromatic color scheme. Other highlights included a selection of smart capelets trimmed in leather as well as faux fur pieces like a chubby vest cinched with a wide belt. Styled with tasseled clutches and broguish booties, the collection had an equestrian undertone. For the men, double-breasted car coats, shawl-collar sweaters, and tailored suits in heritage tweed and herringbone delivered a dapper message. All in all, it'll be difficult to go wrong with most of this lineup.
3 April 2012
Banana Republic presented its collection, per usual, a few weeks after the Paris shows ended—enough time for those fresh trends to really sink in. The new lineup touched on a handful of Spring's biggies: fifties-inspired silhouettes in the form of wasp-waist circle skirts, "explosional florals," as creative director Simon Kneen described the prints, and polished safari separates that played into BR's khaki-heavy heritage.The presentation was split into three vignettes, with the safari section being the high point. Noteworthy looks here included a crisp shirtdress layered over a brassy gold sequined pencil skirt, and a sharp linen jacket with epaulet accents. The ladylike, fifties-ish corner of the room featured tailored floral sheaths, peplum lace tops, and beaded ombré clutches, while the "Rio Romance" grouping included halter maxi dresses in bright coral shades or tribal prints. The menswear had a a similar vibe with madras jackets, full linen suits, and updated Dusty Bucks shoes. It was vibrant and fun, but overall Kneen is at his best when he sticks to the brand's utilitarian roots.
25 October 2011
What with the velvet sofas, sunshine streaming in through the windows, and live folksy music by A Fine Frenzy, yesterday's Banana Republic show at the Bowery Hotel was quite intimate. According to creative director Simon Kneen, that was intentional: "The collection has so much texture. We wanted everyone to see it up closer than usual—more 3-D than 2-D."The designer captured quite a few Fall trends. There were tissue-thin cotton turtlenecks (like the ones we saw a month back at Celine) layered under tunic blouses; classic plaid and herringbone patterns in charcoal shades, which looked best on a slim pair of jodhpur-y pants; and "Dunaway-esque" cloches and brogue heels to finish the looks. As for the texture Kneen was eager to highlight, it came across most clearly in a nubby heritage sweater worn with a winter white brocade pencil skirt. A camel, double-face wool topcoat, which the creative director described as a deconstructed take on the trench, was a standout. And while it could've been the Alana Zimmer factor, we wanted to nab the model's simple, dove gray leather bomber with shearling collar and slouchy Lurex beanie.On the boys' side, it was about toughened-up tailoring. A double-breasted suit jacket or leather peacoat worked well with comfortable yet polished wool drawstring trousers. To top it all off: "bad boy" fedoras. Like a lot of other pieces in this show, we've seen them elsewhere before, but they still have street-style cred.
10 April 2011
Spring found many designers rejecting "heritage" (the buzzword of early 2010) for a more freewheeling approach. But not Simon Kneen at Banana Republic, who's sticking with the winsome, utilitarian look he's established at the retail chain these last few years. Yesterday's runway show took us on a cross-continental safari. Backstage, he described the inspirational journey as "starting out in the dry deserts of Africa and ending up in a tropical rain forest, picking up exotic pieces along the way and mixing them with what you already have."That meant tossing a drab anorak over a punchy, floribunda-patterned maxi dress à la Dries Van Noten, or pairing a denim Mao jacket with sweatpants. Kneen kept the pants' silhouette relaxed, showing silk cargos and comfortable slub leggings. And eclectic accessories like burnished pendants and colorful market scarves added a bit of flair to updated standbys like a stone leather trench. The collection hit on some of Spring's biggest trends—below-the-knee hems; head-to-toe, airy white looks—while offering wardrobe foundations that are refreshingly accessible.On the men's side, the story was the same. Lots of chinos and safari jackets in that same military drab palette, and in place of oversize florals, bold madras plaids.
25 October 2010
With military influences remaining such a strong trend both on and off the runway (every other person on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg sports a green army jacket these days), it's no surprise Banana Republic's Fall 2010 collection was heavy on utility pieces. The retailer certainly knows a thing or two about the style—it originally peddled safari vests and field coats before being acquired and rebranded by Gap.Creative director Simon Kneen turned out twill miniskirts, an olive-drab wool dress, and slim cargo pants, which he paired with washed silk frocks and great cardigans tailored to resemble ladylike jackets. "It's all about the modern mix," he said backstage. "Formalwear mixed with casual attire and sportswear." The mostly neutral procession of looks wasn't the most exciting big-brand collection we've seen, but Kneen's mix-it-up message speaks to the approach these companies must take now: "It's about the individual, rather than a uniformed look."
21 April 2010
Style.com did not review the Fall 2010 menswear collections. Please enjoy the photos, and stay tuned for our complete coverage of the Spring 2011 collections, including reviews of each show by Tim Blanks.
21 April 2010