New brand to debut at Banana Republic

Shoppers looking for apparel inspired by the summer sophistication of the Hamptons will want to head to the Banana Republic this spring.

The Banana Republic division of Gap has teamed up with designer Michelle Smith to introduce a 60 piece collection of her signature Milly brand that includes women’s apparel and Smith’s first foray into the menswear category. Beginning in May, the products will be available in an unidentified number of Banana Republic’s 600 stores and online. The products will be featured in June promotional materials.

According to the company, the Milly products marry the iconic Banana Republic sense of modern style with Milly’s signature vintage-inspired prints and patterns for a collection that feels equal parts sophisticated and playful. The collection includes pieces for women and men, such as feminine silhouettes in splashes of neon for her and tailored separates in bold prints for him.　　

"We wanted to focus on the vibrant colors and optimistic patterns that highlight the inspiring, fun-loving summer season," said Banana Republic creative director and design EVP 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 women’s and men’s apparel and accessories features original designs that incorporate a new print created exclusively for the collection as well as updated versions of six of the Milly brand’s more familiar prints.

Women’s pieces 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 features a lineup of striped and patterned separates, including bright polos, woven tees and shorts. Apparel pieces range in price from $45 to $175 for women and $24.50 to $64.50 for men with jewelry and accessory pieces ranging in price from $39.50 to $130.

"I’ve always been a fan of Banana Republic, and when I met Simon (Kneen) we had an immediate and lasting connection," said Milly designer and founder 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."

Smith created the brand in 2001.