Banana Republic Marimekko Collection
Culture vultures and fans of fashion have reason to celebrate: Banana Republic and Finnish design house Marimekko are teaming up for a collab that is injecting workwear with a major dose of fun. The Banana Republic Marimekko Collection, which arrives in-store May 22, bring together the tailoring and workwear expertise of Banana Republic with Marimekko’s signature prints and irreverent take on fashion.
Banana Republic Marimekko Collection
“Marimekko’s unique design of pattern and color has always inspired me as a designer,” says Banana Republic Vice President of Women’s Design, Melloney Birkett. “With this summer capsule, we wanted to create a collection that marries Marimekko’s iconic prints with our signature silhouettes. We were inspired by Marimekko founder Armi Ratia’s motto of, ‘Stand out from the rest,’ and we designed a collection of must-have summer standouts.”
The 22-piece collection includes dresses, separates and accessories for women and will be available in petite sizes, too. Prices start at $39.50 and max out at $140. Back in 2008, Marimekko launched a capsule collection with Swedish fast fashion retailer H&M which focused on breezy summer staples, swim and loungewear, so the Banana Republic collection is a little more polished and a little more grown up than what you might expect. On-trend midi skirts and cropped skinny pants get the print treatment and devotees to Marimekko are sure to recognize the floral print as well as the brand’s signature “heroic” dot motif.
Banana Republic Marimekko Collection
“At Marimekko, we are inspired by emotions. Life springs from opposing forces, and the desire to contradict emotions – happy with sad, energetic with relaxed – is what makes our prints so unique,” says Marimekko Creative Director, Minna Kemell-Kutvonen. “It was a delight to know Banana Republic finds our designs as striking as we do. Each of the iconic prints selected has a wonderful, joyful story – and with Banana Republic we are excited to continue to bring that joy to countless people around the world.”
Each Banana Republic Marimekko Collection piece is designed to pop against things that you already have in your wardrobe. So add just a few select items and your go-to black pants will look fresh against a parade of polka dots and your navy blue blazer is sure to get new life over a bright floral collage print. You won’t have to get too daring, however, because the collection includes accessories such as bags and shoes so even the most timid can add a taste of Marimekko into their wardrobes without plunging into the prints head-first. The Marimekko collection is just the latest in a series of designer collaborations for Banana Republic. Past designers include the late L’Wrenn Scott, Milly, Trina Turk and Mad Men costume designer Janie Bryant. Later this year, the retailer will release a capsule collection with Parisian designer Roland Mouret.
For more information, visit www.bananarepublic.com.
Images courtesy Banana Republic
