Monthly Archives: March 2011

Travel. Discover. Explore. This forward moving energy informs the spring and summer collections as endless versatility, effortless shapes and tactile finishes lend a palpable air of discovery to each piece. With a focus on adaptability and uncomplicated ease—key Banana Republic signatures—all make fitting additions to a modern wayfarer’s valise.

A survey of the season’s new neutrals starts with a range of airy whites. Evolving like light and shadow at midday, the subdued gradient sweeps from warm ivory to cool ecru, and on into a handful of quiet prints. Silhouettes are equally as relaxed: dropwaist dresses, breezy maxi skirts and liquid like sheaths form her indispensible wardrobe while drawstring linen pants, washed leather blazers, and tailored knits round out his.

The subtle washes of color crest and break into a series of oceanic hues from watery blue to slate grays, where authentic textures pervade. Slub cotton leggings are topped off with a denim military blazer and boxy parachute blouses fit with trim tulip skirts, creating a clever sense of whimsy. Menswear echoes this lighthearted exchange as chambray oxfords loosen up patch?pocket safari jackets while streamlined exteriors in salty gray hues add polish to heather sweatshirts.

Utilitarian classics—each as easy to wear as it is to build upon—provide the perfect foundation for a leisurely tour through summer’s lush rainforest prints and exotic patterns. Fresh combinations of texture and proportion are explored with a sense of romantic wanderlust: a batik midi skirt warms up a short trench dress, cargo pants become sophisticated when rendered in liquid like tencel, while floral blooms put a distinctly feminine spin on tailored safari jackets. And with a wedge heel and sculptural straps, the neutral Belmont heel is well suited for any excursion.

Likewise, his adventurous separates—such as the slim cargo pant, patch?pocket shirts, walking shorts and suede Clarks desert boots—make transitions easy to navigate. A palette of muted spice tones acts as the harmonious underpinning to the contemporary Continental essentials including madras shirting, inviting Henley knits and heritage army jackets in cool khaki or olive drab—even a witty flash of paisley. 

The journey continues through floribunda territory as graceful bloom-covered dresses, ranging from dainty hand-drawn florals to exuberant watercolors, add the final punctuation to a season of artful statements. Distinctive embellishments culled along the way—market scarves, supple leather totes, burnished pendants, wood bead clutches and soft-brim hats—recall the treasured mementos from a traveler’s diary.

Banana Republic is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists, Inc. (CCSI), a subsidiary of Stores Specialists, Inc., and is available at Greenbelt 5 and Rustan’s Department store Makati

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