Banana Republic: Spring 2010

The Banana Republic unveiled  the looks that will be hitting its stores everywhere next year. Thankfully, unlike the spring runways during fashion week, all of these models were wearing bottoms.

The focus of this collection is on the idea of classic American sportswear -- the quintessential wardrobe pieces. As Creative Director Simon Kneen told FWD: "This all about optimism and timeless American classic."

The emphasis of the first section of the collection centered on the ultimate American item: blue jeans. Everything was cast in a denim light -- from blue silky pants to navy anoraks to blue-and-white watercolor dresses (along with a fair chunk of actual jeans, of course). The music selection of "Blue Jean" by David Bowie made things a little, well, obvious, but at least it gave the section a cohesiveness.

The second portion was likely the strongest, centering on neutral basics -- the perfect crinkled chino blazer, a cream-colored leather bomber jacket, cropped pants, and cargo-inspired basics. Along with workday basics, it's this perfectly crisp-yet-adventurous vibe that really exudes Banana Republic, and remains its strongest design aesthetic. As Kneen put it: "It's not about one or two hot trendy pieces, it's more about a certain style and approach to dressing."

The closing mix of formalwear and more retail-focused separates -- a hot pink cowl neck dress and satchel bag here, a sequin tank and tan leather bomber jacket there -- seemed kind of a nod to Ralph Lauren and seemed to have a bit less to do with the rest of the overall concept (broad as it is), but again, these are sure to be big sellers for the store.

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