June 2012
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Meet Digby
Speaking of going to the dogs, how cute is this photo from our Summer 2012 collection featuring the new Digby Brogue?
In sandy suede, or full-grain leather (black or camel) this oxford has become a favorite of the men in our office this season. Call it puppy love.
May 2012
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Prints Unleashed
The Dog Days of Summer are upon us. Our cure? Man’s best friend and a playful print! That’s why we teamed up with the ASPCA for our Trina Turk Collection launch video. (If this doesn’t brighten your day, nothing will.)
The Banana Republic Train Turk Collection launches June 7th in-store and online.
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Our Spring/Summer 2012 Presentation
Sharing some beautiful photographs of our Spring/Summer 2012 presentation via From Me To You.
fromme-toyou:
At a presentation on Manhattan’s West Side, Banana Republic showcased their range of looks for spring and summer. From dapper suits and sweet summer dresses to safari looking day wear, they have us covered from date night to globe trotting…
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Taylor Stitch x Banana Republic
It’s a match made in San Francisco—Banana Republic and local clothier Taylor Stitch have come together to create one ultra-cool custom-shirting collaboration.
Made in the USA, this limited-edition collection is exclusively available at our San Francisco Grant Street Flagship. Ready to play designer? It’s quick and easy—just choose your fabric, collar, buttons and pockets, etc. and create your...
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Sneak Peek: Trina Turk & Banana Republic
No doubt by now you’ve heard the news, Banana Republic and Trina Turk have collaborated for an amazing Summer 2012 capsule collection! Get ready to cool off in a mix of colorful prints and modern classics this June.
While we can’t show you everything just yet, we thought a little tease wouldn’t hurt. Check out just one of the looks from our upcoming collection below. Ready to...
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Take a Piqué
Summer essential — we’ve reenginered our Signature Polo for the season and made it the must-have item for every guy’s closet.
Updated with a longer, slimmer fit and in our softest piqué cotton, this seasonal staple is available in 21 colors for maximum versatility. Featuring our signature elephant logo, side vents and sporty stripe detailing, it’s the perfect piece for...
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Summer 2012: Summer Hours
Days are brighter. Nights are beyond cool. And summer style is perfectly polished — from lunch hour to happy hour. Linen rules, patio dresses play in fresh color and pattern for women and blazers work (and play) for men.
Click read more below to see our entire Summer Hours campaign with models Coco Rocha and David Gandy, photographed by Carter Smith.
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Our bright...
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Behind the Scenes: Summer Hours. Summer 2012
Summer is on the horizon and with our new collection about to launch we thought it was a great time to share some behind-the-scenes shots of our new campaign. Take a sneak peek at some of our hot new looks with models Coco Rocha and David Gandy, on set with photographer Carter Smith.
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The No. 1 Pencil Skirt
Whether with a cropped cardigan at Sunday Brunch or a long trench for work, the versatile pencil skirt always looks sharp.
Our favorite way to make a point for spring and summer? Sporting pencils in fresh patterns and prints. Go wild in Ikat, demure in basketweave and utterly chic in citrus-colored florals.
April 2012
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The Khaki Utility Blazer
One jacket. Four pockets. All sorts of useful. Dressed up or down, freshly pressed or a last-minute layer, this is your new staple.
You may not immediately think office sleek but you’ll command all the right kind of attention when you pair this military-inspired jacket with a crisp white shirt and tie. After 5? Ditch the knot, throw on a crewneck and head directly to happy hour....
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Behind the Scenes: Accessories Styling
Earlier this week we posted about some of our favorite accessories for the season. While we’re on the subject, we thought it was a good time to catch up with stylist Nissa Quanstrom who helped make our April pieces pop. Check out the Q&A below (along with some behind-the-scenes photos) and get Nissa’s take on styling, inspiration, and this summer’s must haves!
Banana...
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Strong Accents
Spring’s big safari statement calls for accent pieces that pop. Go for the summer gold with winners like our Sleek Midas Cuff and Cut-Out Bracelet (below).
Score a 10 by piling on your gold with other metals and materials —wood, leather, resin—for a textured look that’s unexpected and polished.
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Think Outside the (Light) Box
We were so charmed by this video promoting Google in Japan that we couldn’t help but share.
Fashion Show with Google from Robbin Waldemar on Vimeo.
We love the idea of taking something from the everyday and rethinking creative and fun new uses for it. Now anyone have a light projector they can loan us for the weekend?
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The New Sateen Suit
Mix, match and smile — we’ve redefined the three-piece suit, in our favorite stretch sateen. Mix and match the blazer, pant, pencil skirt and shorts for endless outfits. Perfection on the clock — and off.
The Sateen Jacket is versatile with a capital V. Polished perfection paired with any matching bottom—and utterly modern as a cover to your favorite tees and denim. Super fresh for the season,...
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Behind the Scenes: Fall/Holiday 2012 Collection
Our upcoming Fall/Holiday 2012 Collection previewed to a great response earlier this week in New York. A packed house filled with fashion editors, bloggers and media took in the new collection with its sophisticated leather offerings and equestrian inspiration. Lively pops of color and plush tactile finishes combined with clean multitasking separates balance the charm of the country with the...
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The Essential Spring Blazer
Whether it’s the job, the lady, or just a healthy dose of confidence you’re after, a properly fitting blazer is key. Sure, size matters.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Shoulders should not extend more than 1/2” past your shoulder. Cuffs should end 1/2” to 3/4” before hitting your hand. Length should hit at the point where your fingertips fall when standing naturally.
Herringbone...
March 2012
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Citrus Chic
On trend for spring — lemon. Lime. A burst of orange. Citrus is always refreshing. We like ours with a twist of khaki. The result? A sophisticated pallette that’s 100 percent fresh.
1. Adding a pop of citrus is a cinch — just buckle into the bright Lizard Skinny Belt. 2. The Sleeveless Safari Blouse in chartreuse is a super cool hue and pairs to perfection with the floral Mirabelle Blooms...
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Spring 2012: Desktop Safari
Welcome to the jungle. This season’s strongest suits? Polished pieces that walk on the wild side. Instead of workwear, think: what works? Introducing a collection of versatile, safari inspired pieces — classically refined, creatively redefined. We dare you to mix, not match, for endless texture, contrast and style (oh my!)
Let the hunt begin. The Spring 2012 Desktop Safari collection —...
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Accessories in Bloom
Spring and summer are on the horizon and bringing with them fresh new trends for one of our favorite accessories — jewelry. We caught up with our senior merchandise manager Robin S. to get her philosophy on accessories, favorite picks from the new collection and a sneak peek at what’s in store for fall.
Banana Republic: What are the top jewelry trends for spring and summer? Robin S.: We...
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Lucky You
The local letterpress legends of Hello!Lucky are just one of the San Francisco based small businesses participating the latest SF Made pop-up shop. Being such big fans, we thought we’d press the issue to find out what goes into making such stunning stationery.
Banana Republic: How have you enjoyed being part of Banana Republic’s SFMade pop-up shop? Hello!Lucky: We love being a part...
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High-Flying Fashion
Riding high on the success of our new spring Mad Men Collection, we wondered how much higher we could get? How about 35,000 ft! We partnered with Virgin America for a surprise, pop-up fashion show on a JFK to LAX flight. Check out the surprised and excited passengers of Flight 407 as they experience this once-in-a-lifetime in-flight experience.
Now departing — destination fabulous.
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Cataloging Our History
While exploring the Banana Republic archives recently, Jason B. from our social media team put together a brilliant collection of ephemera from our past. Check out these classic catalog pages from 1988, as we take a moment to reflect on our heritage.
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A Lesson in Denim
Recently, we came across a series of web videos featuring vintage clothing connoisseur Christian Quaglia in his Stockholm shop, Herr Judit. Here, Christian discusses caring for denim coupled with an interesting background story on the origins of the word itself.
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Behind the Scenes: Mad Men Spring 2012
Earlier this week, we shared our favorite images from the new Banana Republic Mad Men® campaign — now take a look behind the scenes with models David Gandy and Shalom Harlow, on set with photographer Tom Munro, to see how we went about capturing this stylish collection on film.
1. Shalom and David with photographer Tom Munro. 2. Shalom primped to perfection with master hair stylistDidier...
February 2012
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Mad for Spring
Introducing our mad new collection. Designed exclusively by Banana Republic in collaboration with Mad Men® costume designer Janie Bryant. Inspired by the feminine silhouettes of 1960s style, reinterpreted for today — and refreshed for the season.
Click read more below to see photos from the entire campaign with models David Gandy and Shalom Harlow. Photographed by Tom Munro. The 40-piece...
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Meet the New Monogram Suiting
Well suited — our new Monogram collection is in stores now… and it means business. This collection of fine men’s suits is made of 100% Italian fabrics, with a focus on razor-sharp tailoring and elevated details. To get the finer points on all things Monogram, we sat down with Sharon K. from our merchandising department.
BR: What are the key features of the new Monogram suiting?...
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SFMade, Again
Popping up again — SFMade unveiled its second pop-up shop last week in our Grant Avenue flagship store. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with SFMade once again to help support local businesses from San Francisco (just like us!)
This time around, the shop is selling chic products including scentsational florals and succulents (By Madeline Trait, Lila B.), as well as handcrafted...
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Around the Office: Plaid Pumps
Spotted — We couldn’t help but stop and take notice of these eye-catching plaid pumps worn by Stephanie S. from our marketing department.
Talk about kicking up your heels!
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Spring 2012: New Work
Our new spring collection? Workwear-inspired, office not required. With smart tailoring and fresh colors, this is versatile style that always works — meetings to martinis, overtime to time off. Finally, a wardrobe that answers the call of duty — then goes beyond.
Click read more below to see the entire campaign with models Shalom Harlow and David Gandy, photographed by Carter Smith.
...
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Springing Up Soon
Ready to get mad? Back by popular demand, our mad new Mad Men® collection, refreshed for spring.
While we can’t show you everything just yet, we can give you a little tease with three looks from the 40-piece country club-inspired collection coming March 1.
On her: Rose-Print Cardi Pretty petals in 100% combed cotton with ¾ length sleeve and grosgrain ribbon placket. Cigarette Pant...
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March Madness
While not launching until March 1, we thought we’d give you another tease of the upcoming Spring 2012 Mad Men collection with this beautiful sketch by our creative director Simon Kneen.
We’re counting down the days with you.
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Spring Is In the Air
Fresh for spring! Our new fragrance, Wildbloom Vert, launched last week as a sister scent to the popular Wildbloom. We sat down with merchandise manager JoEllen D. to find out what inspired this fresh new fragrance and what the future holds for the Wildbloom line.
BR: How would you describe the scent of Wildbloom Vert? Inspirations? Main notes? JoEllen: Wildbloom Vert is a very fresh and...
January 2012
10 posts
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Bonjour Paris
We recently opened our first store in Paris on the famed Avenue des Champs Élysées, no less. Of course, we threw a magnificent fete with full-on red carpet to celebrate our French debut. Ooh la la!
The most fashionable Parisians, including the mayor, top fashion editors and celebrities, toasted our arrival, enjoyed a Banana Republic fashion show and shopped the night away. By closing time, 5200...
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Classically Inspired
While catching up with a favorite film this weekend — the Hitchcock classic, To Catch a Thief — we couldn’t help but notice how great those nautical stripes look on Mr. Grant (and how on trend they are for spring)!
We got to wondering what other classic icons we could find wearing this timeless look. Here are a few images we came across. If inspiration were a crime, we’d gladly be...
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Five Easy Lessons
While this post has been going around for a bit, it’s always nice to have a refresher in good manners, gentlemen (especially if, like us, you plan on cutting loose this weekend)!
Tom Ford’s five easy lessons on how to be a modern gentleman:
1. You should put on the best version of yourself when you go out in the world because that is a show of respect to the other people around ...
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A Gem of an Idea
Running out of motivation on those New Year’s resolutions? (Us too.) So when we came across this charming solution via A Pair & A Spare on how to conquer that mess of tangled earrings, chains and bracelets that winds up on our nightstands every week, we were thrilled. The best part? It’s DIY!
Think bowls, cake stands, simple corkboard and more. We love the idea of your...
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Just Wrapped: Summer 2012 Photoshoot
All this week our team has been painstakingly putting together the hottest summer ever during the cold New York winter (we’re from California — 42º is chilly to us!)
Of course, we wouldn’t leave you guessing. Take a peek at what went on behind the scenes and let the countdown to summer style begin.
1. Photographer Andreas bends over backwards to get the shot. 2. Anouck is...
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Get Keen on Kneen
Men’s Health magazine recently caught up with our creative director Simon Kneen to pick his brain about everything from where he gets his design inspiration to what’s on his playlist and his biggest styling pet peeves for men. Check out the Q&A for all this—plus a lot more fun Simon facts.
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Tie One On
As we head into the weekend, just wanted to share a little something for the fellas. Think dapper done easy with this fun and simple to follow instructional guide on how to tie a bow tie we happened to “tumblr” across.
Illustration by Conor Whelan for 2011 Trinity Ball Magazine.
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Modern Nautical Rules
Classic styles with a nod to nautical are what every guy needs in his closet right now. Think straight-up stripes, sweaters that pay homage to the coolest of captains and iconic peacoats with military detailing. Mix and match neutrals with bold color and a range of textures for looks that are undeniably modern.
Our see-worthy new collection, now available.
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Spotted Everywhere: Stripes.
Modern stripes, dots and bold pops of color. Give your wardrobe a new lease on chic — with key pieces every girl needs on her way to spring.
Our bold new collection, now available.
December 2011
8 posts
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See You Next Year
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Holiday Intermission
With the holidays on the horizon, we set about our offices to ask a few people for recommendations on films worth catching up on during our down time.
Geoff W. Graphic Designer Bill Cunningham: New York
“Bill Cunningham pioneered the ‘on the street’ fashion photography we see so many places today. It’s truly inspiring listening to him talk about his many years of...
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On the Set with a Top (Dog) Model
We recently chatted up the star of our Holiday gift card campaign, Lily. She graciously agreed to answer a few questions about her photoshoot in San Francisco. Check out our Q&A and behind-the-scenes photos below.
BR: How did you enjoy shooting with Banana Republic? Lily: It was doggone amazing. I enjoyed meeting everyone and working with such a fantastic team. They were very good at giving...
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WHOWHATWEAR GOES BANANA(S) FOR ONE OF OUR OWN
And we can’t blame them … Tara McCollum, our Director of Public Relations, is one talented, multi-tasking chic lady. WhoWhatWear and our friends at the COVETEUR caught up with Tara in her colorful, seriously stylish (and, yes, covetable) NYC work digs for the most recent installment of the fab Fashion Office feature.
We asked Tara what it was like being on the other side of the camera....
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Make Merry Go Round With The Holly Jolly Wish List
Look no further for the gifts you can’t wait to give— or get. InStyle magazine’s style ambassador Annabel Tollman has chosen her favorite sparkly, cozy and colorful pieces from the Banana Republic Holiday Collection. The result? A very merry, easy-to-shop gift guide for all the (naughty and nice) guys and girls on your list. Ready, set, G-I-F-T.
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A Festive (and Early) New Year's Eve Celebration
Sparkly holiday dresses, fantastic wine, chic company— and, yum, fresh popcorn. Who says you need a Times Square countdown for a rocking December 31st? Clearly not our favorite bloggers and editors who partied the night away in NYC, at our private, advanced screening of the new movie New Year’s Eve.
Get inspired to ring in 2012 in high (wattage) style. 10, 9, 8, 7….
1. Kelly of The...
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The Most Wonderful Time of the Year—With Karen...
‘Tis the season … to chat with our favorite redheaded muse, model and star of the Banana Republic Holiday 2011 campaign. Thank you, Karen Elson for giving us your take on the most festive time of year. You always make our spirits bright—in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Check out the Q&A below. BR: What are your must-haves this holiday? KE: Hermes blanket, Serge Lutens perfume,...