>> Banana Republic is going country for Fall 2011: Creative director Simon Kneen unveiled a collection of herringbone blazers, knee-high riding boots, and jodphur-like zipper pants last night at the Bowery Hotel. In a collection heavy on texture, which lent itself to the intimate show setting — "We wanted everyone to see it up closer than usual—more 3-D than 2-D," Kneen explained. The standout look was a nubby-cream heritage sweater paired with a white pencil skirt.
For Fall '10, Banana Republic heightened the fashion quotient on its signature utilitarian aesthetic. The brand's creative director, Simon Kneen, succinctly describes the collection as a "remix of the modern wardrobe." We can't stop lusting over the array of olive green silk dresses, chunky cable knit cardis, and slick cargo pants. More to mull over were trenches, tailored wool coats, blazers, and waxed cotton jackets. In fact, I have a very similar version of that black waxed belted coat (right) — it's still one of my Fall essentials — circa Banana Republic '03. Keep on for more fantastically affordable fashions . . .
With the help of its newly appointed creative director, Simon Kneen, Banana Republic has thrown out its buttoned up style for a cool, modern look. “The structure [of the clothes] was looking a bit dated,” Kneen said. “We’re trying to get things loosened up.” His debut Spring collection for the retailer is filled with sustainable fabrics and fashion-forward silhouettes — we love it all.
The collection boasts Keen's view on Banana's classic staples. Trench coats have been updated in silky fabrics while dresses stay loose and fluid. The color palette has been revamped with light hues of khaki, slate gray, ivory, and white. What a refreshing way to look at Spring. What say you?
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Women's Wear Daily has a preview of Banana Republic's Spring 2009 collection showing tonight at Cedar Lake. The collection is the first full line designed by Simon Kneen and according to WWD and he’s been busy modernizing silhouettes, upgrading fabrics and refining the customer experience in stores, including testing new services. If this preview is any indication we are going to love tonight's collection which will staying true to the brand's iconic color palette of khaki, gray, and whites has integrated a host of "California hues" that evoke David Hockney's pool blues, Wayne Thiebauld's pastel pastry paintings, and of course Elizabeth Peyton's jewel tone colors. Banana Republic is the global sponsor of the artist’s first survey, “Live Forever: Elizabeth Peyton,” at the New Museum in Manhattan.
