FASHION Magazine

See the Banana Republic Mad Men Spring 2013 collection »

On Tuesday, Banana Republic’s latest Mad Men collaboration (available online now!) was launched at The Grove in sunny Los Angeles. Canadian supermodel Coca Rocha, who starred in the collection’s latest campaign, was on hand to chat and offer her take on the line at the Banana Republic “Mod Pod,” a repurposed glammed up trailer that was set up on the lawn and offering complimentary hair and makeup touchups (and a mini bottle of champagne!) to attendees. Guests previewed the line, which is comprised of classic silhouettes with modern accents, bright and beautifully patterned dresses, and an assortment of fun accessories.

Event goers were lucky enough to take home a piece from the collection, and I chose a very Megan Draper-esque shift dress with oversized pinstripes and a cut out at the back. FASHION also had the chance to chance to chat with Rocha and hear her thoughts on the line, what she misses most about Canada, and being a role model:

See the Banana Republic Mad Men ads starring Coco Rocha »

If the Spring 2013 runways were any indication, the 1960s are trendier than ever—a fact which can at least in some part be attributed to the ever growing popularity of Mad Men.

Capitalizing on this, as well as the popularity of its last two collaborative collections, Banana Republic is set to launch the third installment of Banana Republic Mad Men next Wednesday February 27.

The latest Banana Republic Mad Men collection is inspired by the series’ newest heroine, Megan Draper (played by Canadian actress, Jessica Paré) as well as the series’ newest phase in time: the late 1960s. Bright colours and bold prints dominate the collection and have us singing “Zou Bisou Bisou” all over again. The just-released ads starring Coco Rocha couldn’t say it better. Gone are the ultra-feminine Betty Draper-inspired full skirts of collections past and hello op-art prints and slim silhouettes!

Canadian Thanksgiving falls in early October and is more about the pies and the turkeys than anything else. For Americans, Thanksgiving also translates to over-eating and pie, but also comes with a side of super sales— both online and in-store. Black Friday 2012, which falls on November 23 this year, is a day that has […]

The post Black Friday 2012: Our constantly updated guide to the in-store and online sales you need to know about appeared first on FASHION Magazine.

View all of our Christmas
gift ideas for women »

Somehow, shopping for the leading ladies in our lives often proves to be the hardest. The challenge for Christmas gift ideas is to be creative, on trend, and meaningful—not the easiest task, but a necessary one. If you’re shopping for your girlfriend, wife, sister or mother, it’s essential to make the gift matter and worth every penny spent.

For Christmas 2012, we’ve dreamt of all things lavish and luxe that can double as a satisfaction to a women’s fashion craving as well as functional piece in her every day life and they are anything but traditional. We know that diamonds have been declared a girl’s best friend, but this year we’re thinking outside of the little blue box and selecting gifts that show creativity. We’ve opted for lush fur pieces that will keep her warm all winter, geometric shaped cuffs that will reinvent the arm party, and even a onsesie that just begs to be taken to a ski resort. These are the pieces that will win a woman’s heart.

See all 13 looks from the Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection »

In July, we were offered a taste of the Anna Karenina-inspired collection for Banana Republic and now that it’s October we have the full meal deal. The line is ready to launch in stores on October 31, meaning it’s ready to go for the holiday party circuit.

The collection—which is exclusively all-black, save for one red low-back dress—features faux fur wraps, hats, scarves, and vests. It’s easily an accurate depiction of the Russian inspiration from the film (and book) while simple-yet-elegant fitted dresses offer a modern touch. The pieces are ideal for a Canadian winter with cape coats, military-inspired double-breasted wool jackets, and classic leather driving gloves. For those just looking to amp up their current cocktail attire, sparkling statement jewellery and clutches play a leading role in the collection.

After spending the summer wrapping up a line for Kohl’s, relaunching his shoe line and sitting at the helm of his own fashion label, you’d think Narciso Rodriguez would want to take a little breather for a day or two. Instead, Banana Republic has just announced that the busy-bee designer will be starting a specially created advisory role with the retailer this Monday. The new position will have Rodriguez collaborating with Banana Republic creative director and executive VP of design Simon Kneen.

The upcoming release of Anna Karenina has generated some major buzz, particularly with the release of the film’s trailer, which showcases stunning costumes from the silver screen adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s famed romantic tragedy. As if that weren’t amazing enough, Banana Republic has announced their upcoming Anna Karenina-inspired holiday capsule collection, which will stores and online at the end of October.

They’re at the post! Sunday marks the 153rd running of the Queen’s Plate horse race, the first of three races in Canada’s Triple Crown stakes. Basically, it’s our version of the Kentucky Derby but with regal roots: Queen Victoria founded the race in 1860 and members of the royal family have attended over a dozen times. Unfortunately, Queen Elizabeth won’t be cheering from the stands this weekend (she’s a little busy with her Diamond Jubilee celebrations) but that doesn’t make the day any less prestigious.

Which brings us to the question of what to wear? The all-day festivities require an outfit that will take you from the garden party in the walking ring to cheering in the sun-drenched grandstands. We may not have a Chanel-owned racehorse running, but our bets are on Sunday being quite the to-do. As such, here are our top picks for what to wear. (Also, we’ll put in our official request now for Will and Kate to attend next year!)

And they’re off! Check out our Queen’s Plate picks! »

This one is for all you designer diehards out there—the ones who would risk their rent on the latest Riccardo Tisci masterpiece. You know what it’s like to go without the many, only to behold the fashionable few. But how do you justify that one outlandish designer purchase? We’re here to help. We’ve done the math, and come up with enough affordable outfits to justify that one gotta-have-it-now item.

Case in point: Proenza Schouler’s latest PS1. Despite the designers’ intention to create just the opposite, Jack and Laz created a beast of a must-have in the classic style back in ’08, and its Spring 2012 iteration has us seeing stars (or rather, tropical flowers). At a cool $1,125 for the Pochette model, we figure you’ve gotta wear this guy quite a few times to make it work, and being bright yellow, that ain’t an easy feat. Working out to just under $113 a wear, we’ve styled 10 full and unique looks on Marta that make the PS1 proud.

Have a peek. Foam at the mouth. And then be happy that no other single item in the gallery costs anywhere close to $1,125.

JUMP TO A LOOK:

“Cocktails beside the pool” was the creative direction behind the first-ever Trina Turk for Banana Republic collaboration, and since patio season is here, we were happy to hear it.  The capsule collection features classic Trina Turk paisley prints in fun colours like turquoise, lemon, lime and au courant orange.  The collaboration—which includes cute enamel accessories, dresses, shorts and swimwear—stays true to the Palm Springs esthetic that runs through Turk’s namesake line, while also staying true to the Banana Republic price point.  The most expensive item costs $185, roughly half a pair of Trina Turk pants.  More money for mojitos and cute sunglasses; we like.

The Trina Turk for Banana Republic collection will be available June 7 in Banana Republic stores across Canada and online at bananarepublic.ca. Prices range from $45–$185.

View the collection »

The spectrum’s sunniest shade made its appearance not once, but thrice on the red carpet at last night’s Met Gala—full-lengthed and peplumed a la January Jones‘ Versace and Solange Knowles‘ Rachel Roy numbers respectively—and thoroughly modernized in the form of Coco Rocha‘s vintage Givenchy jumpsuit, a proud purchase from the estate of none other than Elizabeth Taylor (NBD)! Today, we’re showing you how to get the look for near-bottom basement prices. Get inspired!

Shop the looks »

Spring’s retro-chic day dresses, head scarves and pleated skirts usher in a new wave of ladylike polish. Check out our May issue photo shoot taken on the tropical Miami streets.

View the photo shoot now »