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Banana Republic has a lot up its sleeves for the second half of 2011. Yesterday we popped by The Lion to preview the company's holiday 2011 collection, which will arrive in stores this November. For the guys there were chunky sweaters, striped scarves, and duffel coats. The ladies' collection was filled with jewel-tones, faux fur, satin, and, of cours,e what would the joyous season be without that sparkle of sequin.
Also for holiday—we can't forget that it's gift giving season too. Of note were the Banana Republic + Smith ski googles ($49) and the Banana Republic + Clos du Bois wines ($16-$19) which has special labels sketched by Banana's EVP/Creative Director Simon Kneen.
BR also announced that the company will be doing a collection inspired by AMC's hit show Mad Men. The brand has done marketing campaigns with the television seriesin the past, but this is the first time it's partnering with the show's Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant to create a separate capsule collection that be available in mid-August.
The near-65-piece apparel and accessories collection for men and women will be featured in the brand's fall 2011 advertising campaign—and will embody that 1960s chic that Mad Men watchers have come to know and love. Prices will range from $45 for a cotton lace shirt to $198 for a leopard trench for women and from $64.50 for a cotton sweater to $450 for suiting separates for men. Accessory pieces will include silk scarves ($39.50), cotton pocket squares ($10), silk ties ($59.50), and even handbags—a haircalf satchel for $250.
With this exciting retro collaboration under its belt, what's in the cards for Banana Republic collabs-of-the-future? Glamour editor Tracey Lomrantz caught up with Kneen at yesterday's presentation and he told her:
"We talk about it all the time and we're very open to the idea," he said, "but the right ones haven't really come along. That's the challenge. We cover so many areas that it would have to be someone that would really add to our core business. "I have a list as long as my arm," Simon told me. "I've always loved Paul Smith. He's an English gentleman and a great designer and I'd love to do something in menswear with him." And womenswear? "I've had a chance to work with Junya Watanabe and I think he's just brilliant. I'd give him a pair of our chinos and just see what he comes up with."
Junya Watanabe for Banana Republic? Where do we sign up?
· Banana Republic's Simon Kneen tells us his dream designer collaborators [Glamour]
· Banana Republic Reaches Back to the ’60s for That ‘Mad Men’ Look [NYT]
· Banana Republic [Official Site]