A favourite of high-street shoppers in the US, Banana Republic is finally launching in the UK
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It’s 25 years since Gap acquired Banana Republic when it was a small safari and travel clothing company with two shops. Now a multi-billion dollar retail giant (it grossed $2.5 billion in net sales last year), with 575 stores around the world, it has become synonymous with grown-up, understated clothes in neutral tones. Wearable? Yes. Cutting-edge? No.
It is finally launching in the UK, with a 17,000 sq ft store on Regent Street opening this Thursday. Those who stocked up on the label when across the pond can now access its staples on West End shopping jaunts. For men there are fine-knit V-necks, military shirts, neutral-toned cords and tan cardigans. For women it’s much the same, via sleeveless trench dresses and a few bright summer frocks in more racy shades of lime or tangerine. Also worth a riffle is Monogram, the new limited-edition range of luxurious separates. The accessories are strong too – the leather bags are almost chic enough to rival Mulberry’s – particularly the roomy Greenwich tote in tan (£165), which is bound to become a best-seller. All in all, khaki has never looked so hot.
Best buy Women’s slouchy white tailored trousers with a cuff, £65.
Banana Republic, 224 Regent St, W1 (020 7758 3550/www.bananarepublic.eu) Oxford Circus tube. Open Mon-Wed 10am-8pm, Thur 10am-9pm, Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 9am-8pm, Sun 12noon-6pm.
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2 comments
As per your article, it is khaki given a new look.... but it is definately not worth the price tag. Sorry I would not go shop in BR until they reflect the dollar exchange rates
Banana Republic,
Well one of my favourite shops in the state and somewhere i raved about when i got back to the UK. I was so excited when i heard it was opening on Regents Street.
Upon visiting Banana Republic though just last weekend, i noticed that they had in fact mirrored the prices in the UK for like to like with the US so somethign that would have cost $50 in the US was costing £50!! A suit in Banana Republic was going to cost in excess of £300. I couldnt believe my eyes. When are they going to learn that its cheaper to fly to the US and buy clothes there than it is to go shopping on Regents Street.
Its just such a shame, as i thought BR would have such a long and fulfilled future on the British High Street, but at this rate, they are only competing with the likes of Reiss when they should be competing with River Island and in doing so have completly priced themselves out of the market, not only that ruined thier possible one shot at becoming a household name in the UK.
BR wake up, we all know how much your clothes cost in the states, why do you think we should be ripped off on our own turf?
Rebecca