Issa London is about to launch a small capsule collection with Banana Republic on August 8th.
Can the WMM/J Crew collection be far behind? (once I ever decide what my bloody style is?)
You know Issa London - rocketed to fame when our own dear Kate wore an Issa dress to the announcement of her engagement to our man Wills, and likely the same designer my own daughter will wear to the announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry. Laugh all you like, but a MIL-to-be has got to be ready...
Anyway, Banana Republic is previewing the capsule collection here.
Some standouts:
Could you wear THE dress? Not me....And I know that Kate would not wear blue tights and sandals... Is this a new style look????
Oh Zebra I could do...
But I am afraid. I am afraid because Banana Republic, once the bastion of safaris and linen and cotton and English Patient chic, will do these dresses in....gasp...polyester....
I have to digress a moment - how spectacular was Kristen Scott Thomas in The English Patient?
For god's sakes, someone do me over so I look like that, STAT!
Okay, I am calm again... But remember the old days of Banana Republic?
Oh don't get me going, I could weep...
So I will look for sure on Thursday and see what I see, though I am holding out little hope for natural fibres. Are you planning to check out this collaboration?
Of course me being me, I began to think about what the WMM/Mickey Drexler collection might look like...
So here are the top ten things you will find in my designer collaboration with Mickey:
Now you know me - I am nothing if not generous! What other items would you like to see added to the Mickey/Wendy capsule collection? Do tell! We are open for business and raring to go!
Have the most happiest of Wednesdays and stay safe out there!
You know Issa London - rocketed to fame when our own dear Kate wore an Issa dress to the announcement of her engagement to our man Wills, and likely the same designer my own daughter will wear to the announcement of her engagement to Prince Harry. Laugh all you like, but a MIL-to-be has got to be ready...
Anyway, Banana Republic is previewing the capsule collection here.
Some standouts:
Could you wear THE dress? Not me....And I know that Kate would not wear blue tights and sandals... Is this a new style look????
Oh Zebra I could do...
But I am afraid. I am afraid because Banana Republic, once the bastion of safaris and linen and cotton and English Patient chic, will do these dresses in....gasp...polyester....
I have to digress a moment - how spectacular was Kristen Scott Thomas in The English Patient?
For god's sakes, someone do me over so I look like that, STAT!
Okay, I am calm again... But remember the old days of Banana Republic?
Oh don't get me going, I could weep...
So I will look for sure on Thursday and see what I see, though I am holding out little hope for natural fibres. Are you planning to check out this collaboration?
Of course me being me, I began to think about what the WMM/Mickey Drexler collection might look like...
So here are the top ten things you will find in my designer collaboration with Mickey:
- Silk dresses with silk linings in jewel tones and black and ecru. And the waist will be AT THE WAIST and it will be vneck but not a low vneck. Did I say we will go to size 16? We well will because I love everyone!
- Fancy pants, but in artist renderings - can't you imagine fancy pants with this Renoir painting on it for fall:
- Long cashmere open cardigans that do not pill
- Skirts that go to just-below-the-knee in gorgeous patterns and with silk or cotton linings
- thick white and black tshirts that hit right below the belly button and do not get holey, only holy, with more washings...
- Kiki ballets in Renoir-esque prints to match, as well as that lovely academy green and a dark pink velvet for the holidays
- A kitten heel in black suede
- A PLUSH crushed velvet blazer that hits mid-hip and comes in black, dark green, orange, icy blue, ivory and pink
- trouser jeans in black that have a lot of stretch and hide my muffin top
- And the cheeky "what-was-she-thinking-cause-she-doesn't-have-that-kind-of-life" tshirt, in a really soft cotton with this picture silk-screened on it:
Now you know me - I am nothing if not generous! What other items would you like to see added to the Mickey/Wendy capsule collection? Do tell! We are open for business and raring to go!
Have the most happiest of Wednesdays and stay safe out there!
Hmmm...interesting question, Wendy. I would for sure ask you and Mickey to bring back the Lexington and Bella in different colors for Fall, A-line skirts in royal colors made of wool and silk linings, beautiful coats with dressmaker details, and those cute shoes circa 2007-2008. If only....Anthropologie did an Archival Collection for their 20th anniversary and Frye boot company is doing a 150th anniversary collection that brings back some classics. I think it is a grand idea to bring back some much loved and coveted pieces from J. Crew.
ReplyDeleteI used to shop at Banana Republic back in high school and collected their Safari tee-shirts. The ones made of hefty cotton and some map or safari picture in the back. That was BR classic. Then the 90s came and no more safari-esque items. Everything was chic!
I remembered 'The English Patient' and Kristen Scott Thomas. That movie and her were fabulous! It is one of my top 10 all time favorite movies. The book was so different than the movie, though.
Please keep us posted on what you and Mickey decide! ;-)
Great post, Wendy.
Wendy - I am sure that Mickey and I can help you out! an archive collection would be awesome!
DeleteAgree with the archival collection for Jcrew as long as they don't cut corners on fabric and quality then sell then for 3X original price. I was able to get Anthro's archival Venice skirt and "pencil" pencil skirt. Both are divine and so well-made, priced loweer than some of Jcrew's tops.
DeleteI am about to try some anthro - so lovely and I think better quality?
DeleteI would like the collection to go down to P000 so that pants fit me in the hips and bum!
ReplyDeleteI would like cashmere that doesn't pill.
I would like pencil skirts in lovely prints.
I would like shoes with manageable heels, think 2" or so.
I would also love some basic shell tops in structured, machine washable cotton for summer.
I would like a money tree, too!!
p000? for you, I will do this, but I didn't know there was a size that teeny-tiny! ;-0
DeleteI think we have similar dreams!
Oh, this is too exciting, I want to buy your entire collection. And I am giddy thinking of what I'd want to request to be added ... I'll keep it simple by asking for just three things:
ReplyDeleteRe-release of Penelope mary janes or Valentinas but using a good last for comfort and done with fine leather uppers (of course), lining and soles like the good old days when I'd wonder if I could ever wear the shoes out in the streets as opposed to just admire them, the shoes were like works of art out of gorgeous, rich, and supple leather that caressed one's feet with every step.
A striped or patterned coat of premium wool and cashmere blend and silk lining with proper dressmaker details, neat stitching, symmetrical lapels and the pattern/stripes matching up across seams, pocket flaps, etc. and somehow naturally and permanently protected against those horrible wool eating moths.
The ultimate white trousers: with enough opacity for undies, linings, tucked-in blouses, etc. to not show through, magically tailored so your legs don't look 10 lbs. heavier as it seems all light colored pants seem to do and out of a blend of all natural fibers that feel wonderful while possessing the ability to stay neat looking with hardly any wrinkling and not get baggy in the bums and knees.
Three items, that's all I ask.
Tiffany Rose, you are a paragon of restraint!
Deletefine leather shoes - oooohhhhhh
I would like that coat,too!
and white trousers would be fine....
we may call this THE UNICORN COLLECTION - heehee!
But I think Mickey does care about the customer, so why not dream?
I am ordering the WMM capsule collection pronto, that I can see selling out. Nothing to add, for some reason I do not have the same enthusiasm for clothes that I used to have. I think I am sick, I don't like anything in any of the fall previews I've seen. I was in the JC flagship store last Monday and I did not even try a thing. The only interesting item was the double foulard dress but I don't have the lifestyle for it. Oh, you would love Cate Blanchett's wardrobe in Blue Jasmine. And can I say the movie is as good as what the critics are saying. Clinging to that Hermes bag as her life falls apart.... can't wait to discuss it with you.
ReplyDeleteOH I can't wait to see it!!! It will probably be so long getting to our backwater!
DeleteAll I dream of is simple clothes that actually fit my body... sigh...but I think my pants would be a big seller!
I am kind of with you - I have ordered one cardigan from lands end and finally ordered the navy maritime blazer in navy as I thought I could wear it in early fall. Am not excited at all thus far..
I think your collection would sell more than the issa one - I have to say i am a bit surprised that they would redo the blue dress - it is now so iconic that if anyone wore that it would be kate's dress instead of the person wearing it...Would be interesting to see how it sells. Issa seems to have restructured and no longer has a proper working relationship with Kate. But her dresses are flattering in general though
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a "real" Issa - but I am with you - I just feel like I was in a Kate costume or something!
DeleteI've got two, the long fuchsia dress on my blog ages ago was Issa, such comfy dresses. I like the BR blue version more than the original actually
DeleteWell you will be in luck as it will probably MUCH cheaper!
DeleteBR is another that is either hit or miss and besides a dress or two I haven't seen much at all this year. J Crew, please include pants that are not cropped, not skinny, not fancy, not cords, not jeans, that you can wear socks and shoes in the cold weather, and come in the same lovely colors that the men's line are in. Also, make the Tippi have a back cousin named the Wendy.
ReplyDeleteThat should be v-neck cousin...strange auto correct.
DeleteWell, I could be the backwoods cousin, so I was okay with that!!!!
DeleteI agree - would love vneck tippi!
I agree on your pants wish - give me half of the men's wear!
oh, I so miss the early days of BR. wonderful boots that you could get on and off without hurting yourself, shirts, sweaters, Out of Africa skirts...I just checked and was surprised to see that they were bought by Gap in 1983. I thought it was a little later, the clothes and "equipment" started to dumb down in 1984-85.
DeleteI just checked another factoid. Guess whose tenure at GP began in 1983?
maybe it's a coincidence.
Oh Fred - coincidence - I think not...
DeleteI am not sure Mickey will play along with me..
I am trailing behind in comments, cannot wait to have a computer back in my mitts.
ReplyDeleteI know! I can't even imagine what that is like!
DeleteHahaha I love this post, too funny. I would have to take measures to remove the shirts that to go just below the belly button, wouldn't those be cropped? Prince Harry will not go for Madonna crop tops, please add length! I would add fun shift dresses that go to just above the knee. Bring back the Juliet shoes. Make fun prints on 5" chino shorts. Please place my order for the silk-screened Wendy shirt!!
ReplyDeleteKristin Scott Thomas looked amazing in the English Patient!!
Done!
DeleteI will add your name to the waitlist for these most awesome tees! I could become the Iris Arpel - everyone would wonder - who is that woman and those ironic folks wearing her?
Wendy you are so funny but also spot on, your collection is fabulous! If Mickey is reading this he'll be getting you on speaker phone and ordering the whole lot for Holiday 2013, JCrew will be saved!
ReplyDeleteSOmehow, I don't think Mickey stops in here, but he should!!!
DeleteSomeone should send him the link lol.
DeleteI love your collection already! I would add some wrap dresses in heavy jersey, a tweed jacket that would be just one or two inches longer than your shirts/t-shirts and may be an A-line skirt in the matching tweed? Of course lining for the skirt and the jacket would be in silk or a cotton/silk mix. I would add also may be a roll neck cashmere sweater... I can't wait to see your collection :-)
ReplyDeleteOh good ones Steph! And let's have them all made in mills in North America for once, shall we...
DeleteYES!!! Absolutely!!!
DeleteThey really should have one of their loyal fans create a collection, wouldn't that be fabulous? Of course, we'd have to have a thick skin for the critics! Love your collection Wendy, I'd buy those Renoir shoes!
ReplyDeleteOh how I remember those old BR stores. Ours was literally made to look like you were in a jungle, and part of it was like a cave I think. I think they had jungle sounds? I loved all the cotton tees and wanted to collect them all. Would love if they did a vintage (archival!) collection of their safari tees. I bet they would sell out in a hot minute by nostalgic women like us!
Hi M! I loved going to the stores then - so swanky to my young eyes!!
DeleteOf course there are others more sartorial than I who could create the collection, but thee are definitely what I would want!
I loved the old BR, too. Those sweeping khaki skirts with white blouses-- wish I had mine back!
DeleteI know - makes you fell all Meryl Streep in out of Africa...
DeleteFYI - just got an email from BR with a sneak peak of the collection a day early (I think it is a coincidence!!!!)
ReplyDeletehttp://bananarepublic.gapcanada.ca/browse/category.do?cid=87919&departmentRedirect=true&tid=bcem000951&locale=en_CA&EV=BRCANRF2ENET08072013&DI=117944259&CD=BNC_BAC#department=136
I love your collection ideas. I miss she BR had extraordinary quality form around the world, and top notch leathergoods. I just read that the royal family is purportedly keeping their distance from Issa, because it was bought by a member of the Al Fayed family. So it is up to you and your daughter to find a new designer for her upcoming nuptials!
ReplyDeleteOh my, typing with bad tendonitis. Sorry about the spelling....
DeleteOh good to know Knityarns, I don't want to make the Queen upset...
DeleteI won't be checking out Banana but I'm interested to see what you think. I'd love to see your Mickey collab feature some of the ice cream pastel madras in a miniskirt and shorts that aren't patchwork. I would also love to see a non-tipped Lexington blazer in navy with the same soft double-serge wool and acetate lining as well as a Bella blazer in eggplant. That is all.
ReplyDeleteAs for blue tights and sandals - not new at all. Anthropologie had models wearing this in the 2009 catalog. I remember it clearly because I bought the sandals, but I didn't recreate the look.
Hi xoxo - I missed have missed that look! I am not a huge fan of it - I don't mind tights with peep toes, as I have to wear tights in the winter, but the sandal look is a bit much! Maybe I am getting stodgy? I never understand why they don't bring back the Bella - so many people love it!
Delete"They" will probably bring back the Bella eventually but it won't be the same. Now if "You" were bringing it back I would be much more inclined to buy it because you would make sure Mickey didn't cut any corners. ;^)
DeleteYou are right there! I want to stay on your good side if I am going to see that bella note bedding!
DeleteWhat a great topic, WMM! Sign me up for pre-order of your entire collection! I second (or third?) the knee-length A-line skirt request. I'd also like to add tall sizes please, since those are so hard to find in anything other than basic items, or maybe it should be the full gamut of sizing options/lengths is offered.
ReplyDeleteDoes your collection include jewelry? If so, could it be made to be both pretty and wearable at a reasonable price point, perhaps even offered in both silver and gold for those who have a preference? No crazy Lulu Frost stuff, please.
WA Shopper - no problem - customer is king (or queen!) in the Wendy/Mickey capsule collection!
DeleteI think we do need jewelry. I favour simple pieces and shapes and agree on the silver and gold options. I think the same is good for body types - maybe we'll have an APPLE section and a PEAR section with clothes designed exclusively for each...
Oh and I think I will also add a navy trench coat and a cape and long gloves...
I'll help with the pear part. Nothing like a good navy blazer.
Deletethe apples always want to be pears... one of the great tragedies of life..
DeleteCount me in Wendy. Ah the good old days.I use to buy t-shirts at Talbot"s and B.R.but have given up. All of my t-shirt have tiny holes.
ReplyDeleteSo frustrating . I almost ordered a cashmere on Crew's latest promo. But I came to my senses and will wait for Brora.
Thanks for letting me dream of long ago.
Oh Marsha - isn't it sad??? I have my eye on a tea rose Brora Cardigan and a black Brora Cardigan this winter. Too bad about Talbots - they used to have a little better quality...
DeleteHi WMM,
ReplyDeleteMy suggestions for your collection:
- Cashmere that doesn't pill
- Lined wool trousers that are not cropped
- A non-tipped Lexington in a lighter weight wool
- 100% cashmere winter coats lined in silk in good J Crew
colors (100% cashmere has become a rarity in outerwear;
I looked for months and ended up at Armani; I imagine
there would be a good market at a lower price point)
- Cashmere or heavyweight silk shawls & scarves in the
most popular prints of the season in limited quantities.
(As there is an established market for high-end scarves,
this could even attract new customers who will pay FP)
I will look at the Issa collaboration tomorrow, but probably not buy. At BR price points,I don't expect the best fabrics, but there is just too much polyester and rayon. BR should make better use of GAP Inc's buying power.
Muffy - good call on the lined wool trousers that are not cropped - they are getting impossible to find these days! Like your coat and shawl ideas too!
Delete