What began in 1978 as a quirky safari-themed store by Mel and Patricia Ziegler who loved traveling and collecting unique products for retail, was acquired by Gap Inc. in 1983, and transformed into a modern luxury retailer. Lately, the fashion brand has been re-envisioned with editorial campaigns that evoke luxury. The hand-drawn catalogue, the travelogues and the quirky tourist-oriented items have been phased out… today it is a global lifestyle luxury brand. However, the design team continues to mine the brand’s rich heritage as a travel brand to create a distinctive look that is rich in texture and style. Let’s check out some of the must-haves!
Aurelia linen blend mini dress
A Banana Republic favourite returns this season in a warm-weather ready fabric and a much shorter length. This charming mini dress is cut from a twill woven from silky viscose rayon and beautiful, breathable linen, the better to emphasise its flowing cape-like construction. The Trapeze fit of the Aurelia linen blend mini dress is perfectly cut for a flowing, A-line silhouette with no waist definition; crew neck with zip and hook-and-eye closure at the back; short sleeves; mini length; side pockets; and is unlined. Available in black, gold rattan, frosted celery green and blue city, the team advises consumers to care for the dress with machine wash line dry. Do not tumble dry.
Image: bananarepublic.gap.com
Cashmere- linen one- shoulder sweater top
Luxury fashion brand Banana Republic cut this luxurious Cashmere- linen one- shoulder sweater top accented with a pleated detail to emphasise its one-shoulder silhouette. For fabric, the team reached for a luxurious yarn spun form super soft cashmere and breathable linen—a fiber they loves for its ability to stay cool and crisp even in the heat and humidity. The cashmere that handcrafted this sweater top is produced according to the Good Cashmere Standard™, which aims to improve the welfare of the cashmere goats, protect natural resources and support local farmers. The subtly luxurious sweater top has a charming one-shoulder neckline, straight hem, single short sleeve, thigh-length and relaxed fit. The team recommends hand-wash.
Image: bananarepublic.gap.com
Ventana Italian linen blend suit jacket
This luxurious Ventana Italian linen blend suit jacket from Banana Republic is cut form a beautiful Italian fabric that blends breathable linen with silky soft viscose, for an elevated look with just a hint of shine. Here, the design team left the jacket unlined through the back for even better breathability. Crafted with Italy’s Lanificio Comatex, the suit jacket has a Tailored Slim Fit, which is more relaxed than the brand’s Slim Fit. This Italian cut style has a softer shoulder construction, notch lapel with two -button front, three exterior pockets, three interior pockets, underarm shields to reduce the need for frequent dry cleaning and lined sleeves, shoulders, and front body, unlined at back.
Image: bananarepublic.gap.com
European linen kaftan mini dress
Banana Republic cut this dress in their beautiful, breathable certified European linen, a fabric everyone loves for its ability to stay cool and crisp even in heat and humidity. Here, the design team opted for a relaxed silhouette with high slits at the sides, wide sleeves and a deep, kaftan-style notch neckline. Available in gold bronze, white and black, the European linen kaftan mini dress is perfect for relaxed luncheons or sun-downers with its relaxed fit, notch neckline and unlined silhouette.
Image: bananarepublic.gap.com
Viaggio Cashmere Sweater Polo
Timeless luxury, this classic Viaggio Cashmere Sweater Polo is made from Banana Republic’s incredible, 100 per cent cashmere for its exceptional softness and warmth, featuring a saddle-style shoulder seam and concealed placket detail for timeless appeal. Available in ecru, black, navy and camel, the cashmere for this sweater is produced according to the Good Cashmere Standard™, which aims to improve the welfare of the cashmere goats, protect natural resources, and support local farmers. So shop guilt-free and stand out in style with Viaggio Cashmere Sweater’s striking Polo collar, button placket and straight hem.
Image: bananarepublic.gap.com
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
