Banana Republic Launches "Mad Men" Clothing Range
by Catherine Lawson
posted Jun 22nd 2011


The launch of Banana Republic's "Mad Men" clothing collection was originally supposed to coincide with the Season 5 premiere in August, but the protracted contract negotiations between the studio and Weiner pushed the new season's start date back to early 2012.

However, Banana Republic execs and Janie Bryant -- the Emmy Award-winning "Mad Men" costume designer, who is working with them on the collection -- said they did not believe the long hiatus between seasons would dampen interest in the clothes.






Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic, told The New York Times that, "It's not that big of a deal ... 'Mad Men' continues to be relevant whether it's on the air or not."

Brand consultant and style expert Tom Julian concurred: "People know what you mean when you say 'the "Mad Men" look': A two-button, trim suit, a crisp shirt and a pocket square, the mod look of the '60s."

Bryant said she's been "getting messages on Facebook and Twitter that say, 'We're so excited about Season 5, but we're watching all the seasons before Season 5 again.'"

Until the show returns, "they can get their fix with the clothing," she joked.






There will be 65 items in the capsule collection, which will carry co-branded labels bearing the "Mad Men" and Banana Republic logos.

Although the suits, dresses, ties, sweaters, hats, skirts, coats and blouses are inspired by "Mad Men", they are intended to reflect the sensibilities -- and size -- of contemporary shoppers.

http://www.aoltv.com/2011/06/22/mad-men-star-jon-hamm-signs-new-contract-banana-republic-laun/

I love Jon Hamm, so I love hearing that he's sticking with Mad Men for a while. Kind of hard to think of Banana Republic selling Mad Men type clothes. I always think of safari clothes when I think of Banana Republic!

Banana Republic's "Mad Men" Collection Renewed for Next Season
2/2/12
by Merle Ginsberg


A good idea is a good idea. Banana Republic is going to revive its "Mad Men" capsule collection for sale on March 1, just in time for the show's long anticipated comeback on March 25 on AMC.

Call it an "encore installment" — of both!





It's a second coming of the limited edition of stylized clothes for work for men and women, made in conjunction with the popular retail brand and "Mad Men" Emmy-winning costume designer Janie Bryant. There are 40 pieces of apparel and jewelry that embody, in this case, the panache of the mid to late 1960s.

"It's been a fantastic experience working with Janie again on this new spring capsule," says Simon Kneen, creative director of Banana Republic.

"We continually find fresh ways to reimagine stylish work wear for our customers. Spring delivers a whole new palette and gave us an excuse to draw from different scenes and wardrobe from the show as inspiration."





The menswear collection features:

- dapper dressing separates, including bright polos
- bold checked woven shirts
- argyle vests
- sporty spring-weight navy blazers



The women's collection offers:

- sophisticated dresses in graphic florals and solids
(including a cap-sleeve dress with reversible waist sash in lush cream and a cheery pink nip-waist dress)
- cardigans and feminine lace shell blouses
- chic coral cropped capris





The capsule is featured in Banana Republic's March advertising campaign, which will appear in print, outdoor, online, direct mail and in store. In addition, Banana Republic cardholders will gain access to a presale of the full collection at 5 p.m. Feb. 29 before doors open to others an hour later.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/fash-track/banana-republic-mad-men-collection-amc-286713