SPRING SUMMER 2008 With a nod to Banana Republic’s heritage, urban safari chic returns for spring. Khakis and military-inspired separates are tailored while timeless separates come with a modern, urban twist. Linen shorts are now cropped and rolled, blazers nip in at the waist, and the trench evolves into the season’s essential shirtdress. Crisp, cool lines are tempered by sultry asymmetrical shifts and a jolt of hot fuchsia. Shapes long considered sporty—including box-pleat skirts and racer-back shifts—become sculptural when rendered in voluminous cuts. Valise-like leather goods reference classic traveler accoutrements while exotic tribal prints and zebra accents—in rich silks and woven raffia—satisfy the city dweller’s sense of wanderlust. The adventurous spirit of the ‘70s continues to play out in the city sophisticate wardrobe. High-impact pieces—fluid maxi skirts with oversize blooms, dramatic _-length coats, and knits in electric hues—offer a study in contrast when paired with sleekly subdued pieces. Distinctive Monogram suiting continues to play a major role in cosmopolitan attire. Refined materials are applied to shorter silhouettes in lean, youthful cuts including slim trousers and sharply-tailored jackets. Meanwhile, classic leisure looks channel the elevated yet easy grace of athletic ensembles. Sporty essentials including nautical stripes, cropped anoraks, tennis-inspired Monogram V-necks and varsity sweaters are translated into clean, modern cuts. Crisp whites and tailored shorts—key components of the grass court uniform—conjure up images of lush Newport lawns while sunny ‘60s hues, bold florals, and sweeping graphic-print silk gowns seem plucked from a Palm Beach garden. Streamlined accents balance the season’s many fluid shapes. Bold boxy clutches, the nude patent Vaughn stacked heel and wingtip oxfords complement the season’s most refined ensembles. With square cuts and silver hardware, the Kensington bag collection offers a refreshing, ‘70s-inspired polish. Effortless over-the-shoulder leather satchels, simple bangles, and all-purpose belts parallel the versatility of the ready-to-wear designs. The recently launched sunglass line expands to include the cheekily oversized Kacey frame as well as the unisex Kelsey and Kellen styles, which come with a fresh and subtle flash of neon.