New York, NY (June 29, 2012) – Banana Republic, in partnership with Focus Features, is proud to announce the Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection – a special holiday capsule styled and curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran. Designed by Banana Republic, the capsule takes its inspiration from the 19th Century fashions featured in this fall’s boldly theatrical new movie vision of the epic love story, re-imagined through a modern fashion lens. The Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection launches exclusively at Banana Republic North America retail locations and online this October, building up to the much-anticipated movie’s U.S. debut this November. Anna Karenina reteams Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley, starring in the title role, with acclaimed director Joe Wright (Pride & Prejudice, Atonement).
Encouraging a return to elegance evocative of the era of Anna Karenina, the capsule features modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her and tailored styles for him. Reflective of the film’s high-society period, the capsule presents a modern-day collection including alluring embellishments, luxe fabrics, and romantic styles.
“As we began designing this Holiday collection, we found ourselves very inspired by the elegance typical of the Anna Karenina time period,” said Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen. “With Jacqueline’s clear expertise and extensive knowledge of the era, it was a dream to have her as part of the styling and editing process, which allowed us to curate a capsule that embodies the film’s mood. Working with Jacqueline has been an incredible experience. Her understanding and passion for the project added a genuine dimension to the capsule.”
The Banana Republic Anna Karenina collection includes statement accessories and apparel fashioned with velvet, faux fur, lace, and a touch of sparkle that embody the style of the era. Working alongside Kneen, Durran pulled a selection of her favorites from the collection, which would become the capsule. These looks were most reflective of the film’s aesthetic, whether representative of a specific character personality or a modern translation of one of the film’s elegant costume pieces.
“Working with Banana Republic and Simon to curate and style a capsule collection inspired by looks from Anna Karenina was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” says Durran. “I was given the unique chance to apply my passion for period styles to a collection that translates to fashion today.”
The capsule will be featured in Banana Republic’s November advertising campaign which will appear in select print, outdoor, online, direct mail and in store. Join the conversation at #BRAnnaK.
ABOUT BANANA REPUBLIC
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers modern, soulful and effortless style. Banana Republic’s lifestyle collections are characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices. Banana Republic collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), can be found at over 600 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Italy, and France, BananaRepublic.com, BananaRepublic.ca, BananaRepublic.eu, or (888) BR-STYLE. In addition, Banana Republic is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/BananaRepublic. Follow BR on Twitter, @BananaRepublic.
ABOUT ANNA KARENINA
Story: The third collaboration of Academy Award nominee Keira Knightley with acclaimed director Joe Wright, following the award-winning box office successes “Pride & Prejudice” and “Atonement,” is a bold, theatrical new vision of the epic story of love, adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s timeless novel by Academy Award winner Tom Stoppard (“Shakespeare in Love”). The story powerfully explores the capacity for love that surges through the human heart. As Anna (Ms. Knightley) questions her happiness and marriage, change comes to all around her.
Director: Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “Hanna”)
Writer: Tom Stoppard (“Shakespeare in Love”); Based on the novel by Leo Tolstoy
Cast: Keira Knightley, Jude Law, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Kelly Macdonald, Matthew Macfadyen, Ruth Wilson, Alicia Vikander, Domhnall Gleeson, Olivia Williams, Emily Watson
U.S. Release Date: November 2012
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