Banana Republic Announces Milly Collection for Women and Men

Milly for Banana Republic Sketches

Exciting news for fans of designer Michelle Smith the genius behind fashion line Milly.  A new, lower priced Milly line is coming to Banana Republic this spring and will include fashions for both men and women.  Here at The Recessionista, we love us some Milly and we are always searching for it on sale. The Banana Republic Milly Collection will be a limited-edition capsule inspired by the summer sophistication of the Hamptons. The women’s collection is a natural extension for Milly, with the men’s styles representing Smith’s first foray into designing menswear – a unique innovation for the design partnership. The capsule launches exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online in late May 2013.

“We wanted to focus on the vibrant colors and optimistic patterns that highlight the inspiring, fun-loving summer season,” says Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen. “Michelle’s keen sense of color, print and pattern are the perfect complement to Banana Republic, and her Hamptons-chic style is a new take on aspirational summer dressing for our consumers.”

The more than 60-piece collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories features original designs that incorporate a new print created exclusively for the capsule as well as six beloved Milly prints that have been updated specifically for these collaborative designs. Women’s pieces will range from maxi dresses, mini-skirts, and shorts in a rainbow of on-trend colors, including lime, coral, and navy, to versatile poolside totes and summer scarves. The menswear collection will feature a lineup of striped and patterned separates, including bright polos, woven tees and shorts. Apparel pieces range in price from $45 – $175 (women) and $24.50 – $64.50 (men); jewelry and accessory pieces range from $39.50 (jewelry) – $130 (tote).

“I’ve always been a fan of Banana Republic, and when I met Simon we had an immediate and lasting connection,” says Michelle Smith, Founder and Designer, Milly by Michelle Smith. “This was my first experience designing menswear, which was a cinch with Simon’s expertise. It’s a very positive, happy collection and I think the colors and patterns really capture the modern spirit of summer.”

Look for the  Banana Republic Milly Collection to be featured in Banana Republic’s June advertising campaign. Follow the social buzz around the new line Twitter with hashtag #BRMilly.