We're mad for "Mad Men." It’s not the boozy drama, burgeoning cultural self-awareness or heady, pre-hippy confidence that has us wild for AMC’s critically-acclaimed, ever-popular show; it’s not even the (stellar) acting. It’s the fashion. You, too? We're in luck.
Banana Republic is launching its first-ever "Mad Men"-inspired capsule collection on Aug. 11. -- an ode to those tailored, form-fitting, chic and well-appointed early-1960s styles.
The 65-piece, limited-edition line is a collaboration between Banana Republic’s design team, helmed by creative director and executive vice president of design Simon Kneen, and "Mad Men"'s Emmy-award-winning designer Janie Bryant. The collection was inspired by both the era and the rich personal style of the characters themselves.
“The tailoring and fit of the suits on the alluring Don Draper, and Betty Draper’s elegant, yet lively dresses, are reflected in the collection as seen through the tailoring, patterns, and style," Kneen explains. “We had a lot of fun drawing inspiration from Janie Bryant's arsenal of vintage pieces, from which we developed the collection in collaboration with her.”
The collection includes casual, dressy and always workplace-appropriate items for men and women, in Banana Republic’s reliable, on-trend, polished style -- a sort of "Mad Men" vintage appeal meets modern accessibility. “The updated colors and prints in the collection easily modernize the classic looks,” says Kneen. “The women’s leopard trench, for example, adds excitement and flair to a timeless piece.”
Key pieces from the women’s collection include that updated classic trench coat in leopard print ($198); sexy secretarial silk tie-necked blouses ($79.50); straight-laced voluminous high-waisted skirts ($98); voluptuous, yet tailored dresses ($175); curve-enhancing cardigans ($89.50); a pretty floral dress for hosting cocktail parties ($140) and statement-making patterned pumps ($120).
Standout pieces for men include studious shawl-collared sweaters straight from the art department ($150), dinner jackets for fancy meals with gorgeous airline attendants ($450) and a waistcoat, or vest ($64.50), and skinny pinstripe trousers ($150) for junior associates.
All the requisite accessories to complete the look are available as well, including silk ties ($59.50), fedoras ($49.50), silk scarves ($49.50), pearl necklaces ($39.50) and the perfect handbag ($250).
This collection hits stores on Thursday, Aug. 11, when shoppers are invited to attend a Mad Style cocktail party at both the downtown and Bellevue Square locations, and shop the collection while sipping a complementary cocktail. We'll drink to that.