Banana Republic Taps Narciso Rodriguez

[pinksatin]

I found this on GapWeb a few days ago and there was an internal email about it earlier, but I've also seen it mentioned on several public sites now so it's all fair game to share. Personally I'm excited for this! I don't think anything but good can come of it.

Banana Republic Taps Narciso Rodriguez
Designer is taking an advisory role.

Aug. 14, 2012
Editor's Note: The following release was originally published on gapinc.com.

New York, NY (August 14, 2012) – American designer, Narciso Rodriguez, will begin an advisory role on August 20 with Banana Republic in partnership with its Executive Vice President of Design and Creative Director, Simon Kneen, beginning with the Fall 2013 collection. In an effort to build upon the strengths of the brand, Banana Republic has created this advisory role specifically for Rodriguez, whose modern aesthetic and passion for great American sportswear is consistent with that of Banana Republic.

"At Banana Republic, we are committed to delivering modern, stylish work wear to our customers," said Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic. "Narciso's expertise will be a great complement to Simon’s strengths and to our incredible design team."

As an advisor, Rodriguez’s relationship will allow for a top industry talent to contribute to an already strong design and product development team. Rodriguez will add a fresh and unique perspective to further Banana Republic’s stylishly relevant positioning.

 

[softgrey]

are there any pics out of this?
was there a presentation during fashion week?

 

[Crying Diamonds]

I don't see the brand as particularly modern or stylish, but I think inviting Narciso into the group could help achieve this. I'm not expecting design wonders to come out of this but I think he will suggest subtle changes to the cut of the clothes that do make them more modern and stylish and desirable.

 

[lucy92]

nope. gapinc tends to do their fashion shows closer to the actual season at "off" times.

 

[softgrey]

nope. gapinc tends to do their fashion shows closer to the actual season at "off" times.

Thx lu...

i thought i had missed something...

 

[Littleathquakes]

I like Banana Republic. It's really boring by HF standards but I think their clothes make everyday people way more stylish than Zara's, which tend to be very gimmicky with the way they try to run parallel with HF trends. BR has more of an everyday closet feel that I much rather prefer over something from Zara's.

 

[Deleted member 7575]

This set up reeks of desperation all around. Not sure what Narciso's minimalist/modernist/sporty point-of-view is expected to do for BR except delay the inevitable.

 

[arlekindearrabal]

Kind of agree with you Mutterlein. I don't understand why Narciso would choose to associate with the brand, except, you know, for the money. I bet it's good money.