Can we talk about how good Banana Republic was in the early aughts? As J.Crew's more professional big sister, BR's staples got me through college (quite literally, I worked there) and helped me create my post-college interview wardrobe, e.g. a perfect black ankle pant, a fitted shift and a Blahnik-level made-in-Italy, pony hair flat.
I wasn't alone. Back then, everyone, their mother and their sister was heading to Banana to fill their sartorial quota. Need a minimal LBD for a funeral? Head to Banana! Looking for the perfect slightly-oversized cashmere sweater? BR's got you. In the market for some flat, strappy cognac sandals with gold hardware, but not J.Lo-grade gold hardware? Banana Republic has those exact sandals for $68. It was fashion democracy—consistent yet directional, affordable yet luxurious, on-trend and timeless.
Sadly, over the last few years, the brand's well-made basics have been replaced by hoards of coral linen drawstring pants, lavender crewneck cardigans and ruffle-topped trenches. It's an aesthetic I've dubbed Henrietta Poinsettia, read: dowdy, ill-fitting and asexual. It's not chic, it's not good quality and it's not what Banana’s core customer, always on the hunt for wear-to-work basics and affordable luxury, wants to wear.
The last several seasons have been riddled with ill-conceived collaborations, like 2011's Mad Men partnership, with its costumey Jackie O suiting, bow-necked blouses and upholstery fabric dresses. 2012 saw them pair with contemporary brand Milly, featuring dated prints and overly cute and preppy styling.
But Banana's newest collaboration has the potential to kill Henrietta Poinsettia image. On Monday, the brand announced a partnership with French-born, London-based designer Roland Mouret. It's a big deal not just for Banana Republic, but for the brand's doggedly loyal fans. For those not familiar with Mouret, the designer is famous for his universally-flattering, ultra-sleek dresses—think 40s-inspired, hourglass silhouettes, power shoulders and belted, nipped-waists. In a word: chic. His best-selling Galaxy dress is a favorite of Victoria Beckham, Naomi Watts and Sarah Jessica Parker and has been worn on body types ranging from bootylicious Beyoncé to waifish Keira Knightly. Mouret understands a women's body and a women's wardrobe.
The 25-piece collection, due out in August, is exactly what BR needs to be eveything it once was. With an emphasis on structure, cut and fit, Mouret’s classic blazers, pants and dresses anchor a women’s closet. They are her go-to, no-fail pieces for the “I feel fat” days, the “Crap, I overslept!” days and the “I hate everything in my closet!” days. They look just as effortless on a young professional as they do on her boss, her boss' boss and even her company's CEO.
And at $165 a dress, that's fashion democracy at its best.
Image: Courtesy of Banana Republic.
