Banana Republic is unveiling their Spring 2011 campaign entitled “Journey in Style.” The brand’s history is rooted in exploration and adventure, and their latest collection acknowledges those elements. The film created for this collection successfully showcases the brand’s spirit amidst the breathtaking Vasquez Rocks of Southern California. The modern tailoring allows for the looks to transition to any time of day or location. Upon looking at these images, you’ll notice the nods to different themes such as “Classic American,” “Safari,” or “Romanticism,” but there exists a common reference that is signature Banana Republic and makes this collection very cohesive.
Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen, shares some of his thoughts on this collection, his personal style and the process of shooting the campaign. See below to view the “Journey in Style” film trailer, as well as images from their Spring 2011 show.
Simon Kneen, Banana Republic Creative Director & EVP Design
1. What are your spring must-haves this season?
A printed shirt, grey dessert boots and a light-weight cotton/silk sweater.
2. What’s in your bag when you travel?
I tend to over-pack and believe that travelling with more than one bag is not necessarily a bad thing. I pack with a color palette in mind which I let my destination inspire. – Khakis for the desert, grays for the city and so on.
3. Do you have any travel plans for Spring?
LA, Hong Kong, London, Paris and Caymans to visit family.
4. How would you describe your individual style?
Put together and I follow the rules of never too much of anything and avoid matching anything.
5. Tell me about your experience shooting today…any reflections, funny stories, favorite moments, etc
What an amazing location – I am so totally inspired. I sat on a rock in a moment of pause and listened to the sounds and watched the colors and felt so lucky to have that moment. Fresh ice-cream in the middle of the desert is something you should try once in your life too!
