Inspired by the rich textures and colors of the spice markets and history of the artisans in Morocco
Banana Republic brings eccentric and modern designs to its new Spring Summer 2016 Collection. Held at the Highline Studios, the presentation showcased in a circular stone platform with potted evergreens and colors of muted grey and marble, capturing the essence of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. Sophistication and leisure meet in the women’s line with menswear inspired garments tied together with feminine prints, vibrant wines, and chambrays. The looks included interesting blends of fabrics such as soft leather and lace. Highlights included a suede trench with striped boatneck tee with a light wash soft denim gaucho and a chevron coat with laced stitched polo and coral cropped pants. Also featured were five looks in collaboration with Timo Weiland that included tie-waist crop tops and blazers; floral pleated dresses; and lace heeled sandals.
In addition, Banana Republic also debuted their men’s collection with 15 looks that complemented the sophisticated aesthetic of the women’s line. Asymmetrical lines and patterns were distinctive and bold in the simple and casual looks. Some notable pieces included a 2-in-1 nylon blazer, off-white safari jacket, and monogram daisy print shirt.
Backstage, we were able to capture all the behind-the-scenes action with Hair&Makeup. Lead artists led by Stila Cosmetics Canada and Tresemme were able to talk and walk us through the looks and inspirations for the Banana presentation:
Jeanie Syfu, lead hairstylist for Tresemme
“So there’s two different looks, they’re just very classic Banana hairstyles. One of them, we’re creating a deep side part, and just a really nice loose texture through the lengths of the hair and the second look is a natural high pony with lots of baby hairs just framing the face. We’re prepping the hair with Tre Mousse, blow drying it with a round brush and then creating these deep side parts on the left side and a panel that’s about two and a half inches wide and then fastening underneath with an elastic for a little control and then just setting all of the lengths of the hair with a really large curling iron, brushing it out very lightly. For the ponytails, we’re using the same product but we’re brushing the hair back into a high pony just at the crown and wrapping a little bit of hair around the face and then pulling little hairs out to frame the neck.”
Sarah Lucero, lead makeup artist for Stila Cosmetics
“So the look is called Flower Fusion and we’re kind of doing a peaches and cream makeup, a lot of coral and water color blush. Super healthy, creamy dewy skin but it’s all about that see-through aqua color blush and then that coral lip. So it’s kind of like the same color for cheeks and lip, and then the eyes are more of a very bright and matte peachy, beige eye. It’s more of brightening, curling and mascara top and bottom. The girls look very healthy and fresh, a little bit like Grace Kelly, very classic beauty makeup look and it looks so well with the collection. The monochromatic makeup is very modern and very balanced beauty which is what Stila is known for and we’re really known for really celebrating skin to making it the best feature – whether a nude, peach, or beige lip, it’s going to really pop and look beautiful and never wash anybody out.”
