Banana Republic teaming up with Milly designer

Fashion label Banana Republic has announced that it is collaborating with Milly designer Michelle Smith on a limited edition 60-piece capsule collection for summer 2013. The Banana Republic Milly collection will feature women’s

apparel and accessories, as well as menswear, which marks Smith’s first foray into designing menswear. Launching at select Banana Republic locations worldwide and online from late May, the collection marries the retailer’s sense of modern style with Milly’s signature vintage-inspired prints and patterns.

Inspired by summer sophistication of the Hamptons, the collection features original designs that incorporate a new print created exclusively for the line, as well as six signature Milly prints that have been updated for the collaborative designs.

Highlights from the women’s range, includes feminine pieces such as maxi dress, miniskirts, and shorts in lime, coral and navy colours. Whereas for men the collection is all about tailored separates in bold prints, featuring bright polos, woven tees and shorts.

Commenting on the collaboration, Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen, said: "We wanted to focus on the vibrant colours and optimistic patterns that highlight the inspiring, fun-loving summer season."

"Michelle's keen sense of colour, 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."

Smith added, "I've always been a fan of Banana Republic, and when I met Simon we had an immediate and lasting connection. 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 colours and patterns really capture the modern spirit of summer."

Image: Sketch of the Banana Republic Milly collection