Marissa Webb Unveils the New Banana Republic

Marissa Webb at the Banana Republic Summer 2015 Presentation

Marissa Webb at the Banana Republic Summer 2015 Presentation

Last summer, there was already a strong push from Banana Republic on social media for its new Creative Director, Marissa Webb. #thenewBR was all over their Instagram feed as well as Webb’s own and while the brand’s followers were given peeks here and there of what was in store for the brand’s future, it wasn’t until today that we all got a full look at what #thenewBR would be when it hit shelves next summer. Webb, who was wearing a cobalt blue short suit and her signature sky-high stilettos, presented a collection that’s sure to bring Banana Repbulic a few new customers and give the line’s loyalists a few cool pieces to add to their closets come summer.

A look from the Banana Republic Summer 2014 collection

A look from the Banana Republic Summer 2014 collection

Webb was cognizant of Banana Republic’s core customer, so there wasn’t a total re-working of the line’s bread and butter. Work-appropriate suiting and shirting is still available and will continue to be a large portion of the line, but Webb’s injected plenty of new ideas for tried and true Banana shoppers. Case in point: pants were a bit wider, maybe a little shorter and neutral colors still present, but given a little bit of life with bold colors in the accessories department. Webb’s own style was evident with the addition of moto vests and plenty of layered looks and her tenure at J. Crew might have peeked through with the addition of a matte orange lip on many of the models.

Another way that Banana Republic is shifting its focus is with its return to heritage. Webb took that as a chance to add patch pockets and a few army green looks to the mix, which fit in perfectly with the urban professional looks peppered throughout the presentation. Trench coats and slouchy skirts and pants also fit into that ethos.

A look from the Banana Republic Summer 2014 collection

A look from the Banana Republic Summer 2014 collection

Fans of Webb’s own look will also appreciate the mix of fancy and casual, which she honed at J. Crew and also her own line. Think eyelet lace paired with distressed denim and leather pieces paired with slouchy staples. There are also overblown florals and bold technicolor hues to play off the white, black and khaki. Webb has been working with Banana Republic stores as well, adding experimental rooms inside stores in San Francisco and New York with lifestyle items and cool touches such as chandeliers made of repurposed materials and chalkboard walls. It’s a small peek into the lifestyle brand that Banana Republic will be striving to create in the coming seasons and with looks like these on the racks, it seems as if Webb is steering this ship in the right direction.

For more information, visit www.bananarepublic.com.

Images courtesy Getty

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Author:Christopher Luu

Christopher Luu is a Fashion Trends Daily Senior Writer and Menswear Editor.