NEW YORK – In a quirky example of the power of television, clothing retailer Banana Republic said Wednesday that it has developed a new collection inspired by the AMC award-winning show Mad Men.
Designed by the Banana Republic unit of Gap Inc. in collaboration with the series’ costume designer Janie Bryant, the line will be available in Banana Republic’s North American stores and on-line beginning August 11, 2011, as well as featured in the retailer’s fall advertising campaign.
The 65 piece Mad Men line “offers a modern take on the cool polish and panache of the 1960s era through the Banana Republic lens of affordable luxury and noticeable quality”, reads the press release.
The men’s collection includes “chunky-meets-streamlined” knit sweaters, tailored suit separates and fitted trousers, as well as accessories such as a money clip, cotton pocket squares, silk ties, tie bars and fedora hats. The women’s pieces are “modern yet lady-like” and will include chic trench coats, tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts, silk tie-neck blouses and accessories like print scarves and leopard print pump heels.
In celebration of the collection’s launch, AMC and Banana Republic will reprise its ‘Mad About Style’ webisodes, to be shown on the cable network’s website and on Banana Republic’s Facebook page, that will document the making of the collection. The two companies will also repeat their co-sponsored contest where customers can enter to win a walk-on role on the program and a $1,000 Banana Republic shopping spree. Nearly 10,000 people entered the contest last year and more than 7 million votes were cast to determine the finalists.
Mad Men returns for a fifth season in early 2012.
