BANANA REPUBLIC TO DEBUT MEN’S CAPSULE COLLECTION WITH GREG LAUREN

Greg Lauren Banana Republic
by Stephen Garner
Greg Lauren Banana Republic
Michael Anderson and Greg Lauren

Banana Republic has partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) for the launch of a limited-edition capsule collection with artist and designer Greg Lauren.

The CFDA and Banana Republic first worked together for a special collaboration in spring 2016, launching a women’s capsule collection created with New York-based design trio, Timo Weiland. For the second installment of their partnership, Banana Republic and the CFDA have teamed with Lauren to debut a menswear collection that is designed, cut and sewn in Los Angeles. The capsule will include 16 pieces, which marry Lauren’s iconic utilitarian style with Banana Republic’s classic American sportswear aesthetic.

Greg Lauren Banana RepublicThe Greg Lauren for Banana Republic collection consists of a variety of unexpected essentials, including lounge pants in knit and wool; outerwear like a relaxed flight jacket, mixed media jackets, a luxe cashmere top coat; as well as a casual tuxedo jacket and pant with linen tuxedo shirt. The assortment also includes effortlessly cool layering pieces like a cotton sweatshirt and henley long-sleeve shirts. The capsule leverages Banana Republic base fabrics, like cotton twill, to offer a unique blend of Lauren’s craftsmanship with Banana Republic’s modern versatility and retails from $178 on select shirts to $3,000 for a cashmere overcoat.

“Our partnership with Banana Republic has allowed two designers the opportunity to grow and expand their consumer and production capacities in ways that otherwise may not have been possible,” said Steven Kolb, president and chief executive officer of the CFDA. “We are happy to be able to work with an iconic American brand like Banana Republic and look forward to debuting the Greg Lauren for Banana Republic collection this holiday.”

Greg Lauren Banana Republic“We’re thrilled to continue our work with the CFDA to support emerging designers by helping them scale their business and broaden their visibility,” said Michael Anderson, senior vice president of design at Banana Republic. “Greg is a true artist who puts his heart and soul into every piece he creates. We share a passion for the details and had a great time playing with ways to marry our signature styles through his artistic approach.”

“Banana Republic is an iconic American retailer and I’m excited to be collaborating with them as I continue to expand my business,” added Lauren. “This collaboration is helping me explore new ways to extend my production capacity and test new ways of working while still maintaining a very hands-on approach to my craft.”

The Greg Lauren for Banana Republic menswear collection debuts at select Banana Republic stores beginning December 6.