BANANA REPUBLIC SPRING 2008 Collection by Gap Inc
New Fashion Label in Singapore

BANANA REPUBLIC SPRING 2008

With a nod to Banana Republic’s heritage, urban safari chic returns for spring. Khakis and military-inspired separates are tailored while timeless separates come with a modern, urban twist. Linen shorts are now cropped and rolled, blazers nip in at the waist, and the trench evolves into the season’s essential shirtdress. Crisp, cool lines are tempered by sultry asymmetrical shifts and a jolt of hot fuchsia. Shapes long considered sporty—including box-pleat skirts and racer-back shifts—become sculptural when rendered in voluminous cuts. Valise-like leather goods reference classic traveler accoutrements while exotic tribal prints and zebra accents—in rich silks and woven raffia—satisfy the city dweller’s sense of wanderlust.

The adventurous spirit of the ‘70s continues to play out in the city sophisticate wardrobe. High-impact pieces—fluid maxi skirts with oversize blooms, dramatic ¾-length coats, and knits in electric hues—offer a study in contrast when paired with sleekly subdued pieces. Distinctive Monogram suiting continues to play a major role in cosmopolitan attire. Refined materials are applied to shorter silhouettes in lean, youthful cuts including slim trousers and sharply-tailored jackets.

Meanwhile, classic leisure looks channel the elevated yet easy grace of athletic ensembles. Sporty essentials including nautical stripes, cropped anoraks, tennis-inspired Monogram V-necks and varsity sweaters are translated into clean, modern cuts. Crisp whites and tailored shorts—key components of the grass court uniform—conjure up images of lush Newport lawns while sunny ‘60s hues, bold florals, and sweeping graphic-print silk gowns seem plucked from a Palm Beach garden.

Streamlined accents balance the season’s many fluid shapes. Bold boxy clutches, the nude patent Vaughn stacked heel and wingtip oxfords complement the season’s most refined ensembles. With square cuts and silver hardware, the Kensington bag collection offers a refreshing, ‘70s-inspired polish. Effortless over-the-shoulder leather satchels, simple bangles, and all-purpose belts parallel the versatility of the ready-to-wear designs. The recently launched sunglass line expands to include the cheekily oversized Kacey frame as well as the unisex Kelsey and Kellen styles, which come with a fresh and subtle flash of neon.

About Gap Inc.

Gap Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer offering clothing, accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime brand names. Fiscal 2006 sales were $15.9 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than 3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland and Japan. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com

About F J Benjamin (www.fjbenjamin.com)

F J Benjamin Holdings Ltd. is a leader in building brands and in developing retail and distribution networks for international luxury and lifestyle labels across Asia. Its portfolio includes Banana Republic, Celine, Gap, Guess?, La Senza, Paint 8, Raoul, Sheridan, Valentino and timepiece brands such as Bell & Ross, Girard-Perregaux, JeanRichard, Marc Ecko, Nautica, Nike and Victorinox Swiss Army. It also has an interest in the award-winning St. James Power Station.

Edited by Eugene Tang. Photographs Courtesy of FJ Benjamin. All Rights reserved.