The Republic: Banana Republic from the Inside Out

For our Summer 2012 and Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection photoshoots, finding the right location was a crucial detail. Fortunately, we were able to photograph both campaigns at the famous Kaufmann Desert House in Palm Springs. We can’t think of any other place we’d rather be this summer.

Designed by Richard Neutra and built in 1946, the home gained fame for its mid-century architecture when it was photographed by Julius Shulman in 1947. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom house was built as a desert retreat for Kaufmann, and features large sliding-glass doors that open the home’s interior to outdoor patios that emphasize a connection to the desert landscape.

Kaufmann House photos by Julius Shulman, Juergen Nogai and Tim Street-Porter. Source.

We’re beyond smitten with Coco Rocha. She’s one of our favorite models and the star of our Summer 2012 and Banana Republic Trina Turk Collection campaigns. When she recently gave us a shout out on her popular tumblr, we thought it the perfect time to catch up.

Banana Republic: Are you still shocked/excited when you see yourself on a billboard?
Coco: It’s still a really unique and bizarre feeling to see myself—or even any of my friends—on a billboard. When a campaign first comes out, I’ll usually do the obligatory “picture in front of the picture” tweet and that gets really awkward when people on the street realize I’m posing in front of my own campaign. That happened the other week in San Francisco with the Trina Turk for Banana Republic ads. I ended up having to pose for some passersby, as well!

BR: You were amazing in our Summer 2012 campaign. What are your top 5 summer essentials?
Coco: 1. A good book for a lazy day by the pool. Right now I’m reading “North And South” by Elizabeth Gaskel. I’ve watched the movie every year of my life but never read the book before.
2. Sunscreen, especially for pasty white girls like me! If I even look at the sun, I break out in freckles.
3. A barbecue! I actually just bought my first for my new house and grilled up a bunch of amazing veggies and steak last week. A BBQ meal always lets you (and your jealous neighbors) know it’s summer.
4. A colored lip! Summer is THE time for some color in your life. Bubblegum pink and candy orange are my current favorites.
5. Margaritas! My new favorite drink. When done right there is nothing better on a hot summer day.

BR: Describe your style in 3 words?
Coco: Romantic. Quirky. Bold.

Keep up with Coco by following her on tumblr.

Photo via Coco Rocha

5 signature prints. 60 modern pieces. 100% summertime chic.
Our new collection created exclusively in collaboration with designer Trina Turk is a match made in summer—where colorful prints and clean lines come together in one covet-worthy wardrobe of dresses, swimwear, shorts and accessories.

Click read more below to see the entire campaign with model Coco Rocha. Photographed by Carter Smith.

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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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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.