Last week Thursday marked the launch of the brand new Banana Republic store in Sandton City. However, as many of you might not know, this is the San Francisco brands’ second store in the country. I know right – apparently there’s one in Cavendish Square in Claremont? How is that going to help us Joburgers, hey?
It is so fantastic that South Africa is now becoming a part of the fashion world with the inclusion of top international brands in our stores. Banana Republic, being one of these brands, holds an approach to style, living and a state of mind that separates it from the crowd.
You have to check out the new Banana Republic Spring 2014 campaign. The brand’s campaign is a heartfelt nod to the modern day adventurer who appreciates the journey, not just the destination – and is obviously perfectly dressed every step of the way. This campaign was inspired by the spirit of it’s San Francisco roots and celebrates pure authenticity in it’s core qualities that define Banana Republic.
According to the Banana Republic global president, Jack Calhoun;
“We’ve been outfitters since our days on safari, and today we outfit people for their modern lives – for all those things that make up day to day life, and especially those big and small moments that matter most.”
The beautifully spacious and EXTREMELY clean store represents the imagery, look, feel and range of the Banana Republic brand. If it wasn’t for the Stuttafords group, this store would be something us mere South Africans could only dream about – or simply go online to check out. Whichever.
Many celebrities attended the event including Rolene Strauss, Ross Jack, Simba Mhere and Maps Maponyane but because this was a Banana Republic affair I decided to focus on those celebs who were dressed in Banana Republic from head to toe. Here, Isidingo star Michaella Russell and singer Leanne Dlamini were styled by fashion bloggers Ththi Nteta and Neil Doveton in the Banana Republic California Collection. This collection holds an effortless blend of laid back comfort and easy chic and is grounded in fresh, Sonoran desert neutrals. The palette for the collection ranges from soft white to cantaloupe and cognac accessories, with rich textures and design woven throughout.
Top Billing Presenter, Jonathan Boynton-Lee, shows this blend of comfort and chic in the Banana Republic’s iconic fashion piece – the chinos. I absolutely love the neutral colours on him and before our eyes start wondering over his sexy body – we are brought back to reality by those statement shoes. Thank goodness for the shoes!
The Binnelanders actress, Amalia Uys, displays where function and style meet in the California Collection. Here, she is wearing the must-have chic Sloan pants with a pattern and depending on her top, these pants are able to take her from day to night. I love the monochromatic trend and Amalia, with her gorgeous red bangs, makes this look so classy.
The new flagship store in Sandton City will showcase new and additional season trends, and concepts – the first store in Gauteng to offer the full Banana Republic shopping experience under one roof. The new store will offer modern apparel, footwear, and accessories including handbags, scarves and belts.
As previously stated the Spring 2014 campaign portrays true relationships, true style, and true emotions, illustrating life’s most precious and authentic moments shared between loved ones. Watch the Spring 2014 campaign advertisement, as you can see, real-life couples and families wearing their favourite brand.
Here’s what the Elite TV girls wore to the event;
Social butterfly, Candy Harris, wore a loosely knitted jersey in peach from Witchery, plain black TOPSHOP leggings and matched that with some Steve Madden nude heels to complete the look. The stunning, Sheena D, wore an olive green, sweetheart shaped cocktail dress from YDE and added a black heel from Sissy Boy. I wore a sexy, yet sophisticated V Mesh peplum top from YDE and added some street style in the form of my TOPSHOP leather leggings. To add some flavor to my monochromatic look I wore TOPSHOP beige ankle boots.
Keep it Fashion Fab.
LJ ❤
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Lauren Jenae 
