Banana Republic Gets Preppier

Apr 02, 2008 @ 9:00am

Banana Republic Today, we learned that Banana Republic was launching a new sub-label at their stores.


It's called "monogram" and it's described by Banana Republic as "our signature label collection defined by remarkably rich fabrics, distinctive details and a modern, leaner fit for the most eloquent expression of style. Available in limited quantities.

Translation?

Lots of navy blue.

Interestingly, the collection isn't priced any differently from the rest of BR's offerings, the way J. Crew has a special suiting section in stores, or Forever 21 has their "upscale line," and yes, we were trying hard not to laugh while typing that.

Maybe the Monogram label isn't a higher end thing at all, but a reassurance to customers that as J. Crew and Club Monaco get increasingly trend-oriented, Banana will always have classic (predictable?) looks?

Comments

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posted by guest

Apr 02, 2008 12:24PM

I spot snooty tone when you guys talk about F21. Despite your contempt, whenever you talk about F21, you're promoting the store. It's true at least in my case. I never shopped there before but I found the posts 'Adventures in Copyright' so intriguing and hilarious I had to check it out. I happen to work on 34th street so it's easy to stop there during the lunch break. And I have to say, it's not bad at all. I bought cotton T-shirts for my yoga class and some other tops to wear in my classes (the classroom is usually very warm with irons & steamers and no point wearing anything nice - but I still want something 'cute'). And actually people compliment on my F21 outfit!

posted by perpetuallysarah

Apr 02, 2008 1:16PM

J.Crew trend-oriented? I was just commenting the other night on how their store front has looked the same for the past four years.

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posted by Mango

Apr 02, 2008 1:30PM

I agree with the same-same J.Crew comment.

Also, Banana's been doing the Monogram Collection thing since last year. I don't really get the concept other than appealing to Stateside urbanites who might fancy themselves "edgy" Europhiles (with the slimmer cuts and Italian fabrication). Prices are whack, in my opinion. Not a fan.

But here's a short but interesting article on the BR Monogram, if anyone's interested: http://washington.bizjournals.com/washington/othercities/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/03/24/story11.html?b=1206331200%5E1608411.

posted by Cynthia C

Apr 02, 2008 2:24PM

It's not BR's higher-end line, it's their preppier line for guys.

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posted by guest

Apr 02, 2008 2:31PM

Isn't there a way to discuss Forever 21 without being overtly snobby?

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posted by guest

Apr 02, 2008 2:57PM

I work at Banana and Monogram is our elevated collection, better fabrics, more fashion forward looks and definitely a price hike. I will say that if you check out the womens line at Club Monaco, there are similarities in the use of stripe in the cardigans for men. To some of our customers, BR was becoming same old price point wise, these ladies and gents can afford anything, so Monogram is more their level. But to say we are getting more preppy? nah. We're just taking up a different range, fashion forward, trendy, classic... and Monogram.

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posted by guest

Apr 02, 2008 5:52PM

wow; give that woman BR employee of the year! I can just hear the dreamy voice looking over a field of polo players in the hamptons . . . trendy, classic . . . and Monogram.

that said, i don't quite understand the increasing price points of stores like j. crew, etc. why wouldn't i just go buy marc by marc jacobs or some younger designers instead of the mass marketed stuff that costs almost the same?

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posted by guest

Apr 04, 2008 4:28AM

to guest @ 2:31: No.

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posted by guest

Apr 04, 2008 3:33PM

to 5:52....maybe because not everyone works in fahsion and media. If I wore Marc to work I would be fired. Banana makes decent work outfits.

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