NEW YORK, May 25, 2013/ FW/ — Entitled ‘Michelle Smith discusses the Milly Capsule Collection for Banana Republic’, the renown designer, Michelle Smith of Milly is launching a limited-edition Summer capsule collection for Banana Republic that will be sold exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online on May 30, 2013.
The Banana Republic Milly Collection consists of 60 playful pieces for men and women, including feminine silhouettes in splashes of neon for her and tailored separates in bold prints for him. The collection was inspired by the sophistication of the Hamptons and evokes the iconic Banana Republic sense of modern style with Milly’s signature vintage-inspired prints and patterns.
Fashion Windows catches up with the talented designer, Michelle Smith to discuss her Milly capsule collection for Banana Republic.
Fashion Windows: What aspects of the Hamptons inspired you for your Banana Republic Milly Collection?
Michelle Smith: The Hamptons has an easy sophistication which I really wanted to emulate for this collaboration.
FW: What were your favorite fabrics and hues that you used in the The Banana Republic Milly Collection?
MS: I love color and print-it was fun to work with some archive prints and imagine them in a whole new way for this collection.
FW: What is your favorite look out of the collection? Favorite accessory?
MS: The colorblock maxi dress is one of my favorites; I also love the elephant print shorts with the medallion print blouse.
The elephant print tote is my favorite accessory – it’s great for the beach.
FW: With branching out to menswear with this collection for Banana Republic, what was your favorite menswear piece to design?
MS: The men’s pieces stay true to the Milly aesthetic of playful, effortlessly chic looks portrayed through colors and patterns reflective of the carefree season.
FW: Will you be designing more menswear collections in the future?
MS: At this time, the Banana Republic Milly Collection is the only menswear I’ve designed, but I’m always open to new challenges!
FW: What was your favorite aspect of partnering with Banana Republic to design a Milly summer capsule collection?
MS: Collaborating with Simon was so much fun.
FW: What’s next for the Milly brand?
MS: I’m looking forward to opening my first-ever pop-up shop in East Hampton! I’ve personally selected each piece that will be featured in the shop–the beachy, minimalist space is the perfect complement for my collection.
[DARBY RADCLIFF] Photos Courtesy of LaForce + Stevens