Olivia is just amazing to work with, says Omar Nobil, senior director of women’s design at Banana Republic. Nobil would know, considering he worked closely with Olivia Palermo on her recently launched debut collection for the brand. She just loves fashion, he continues. That’s really contagious to be around, but she also loves classic style and investment pieces, so it was a very natural and organic partnership. According to Palermo, the feeling is mutual. Banana is one of the most iconic brands, so it really felt like the perfect fit, she says.
Curating key pieces as Banana Republic’s Global Style Ambassador since 2016, the style icon channeled her savvy and her skills into a 70-piece capsule collection for Fall 2017, featuring military-inspired coats, boho dresses and desk-to-dinner separates, complete with matching accessories.
We’re particularly fond of the maxi dresses featuring paisley print and a pretty tie-neck (below), and a fit-and-flare off-the-shoulder style with major ’70s vibes. But the floaty, boho feel of those pieces is balanced by sharp tailoring in the coats and jackets, such as a leather snake-print trench coat and well-cut tuxedo stripe pants.
What was really great about working with Olivia is that she thinks about everything as part of the entire outfit, says Nobil. I mean, we weren’t even intending to do any accessories, and we have a full range of scarves and belts.
Our customer has very similar values as Olivia when it comes to style and fashion, Nobil adds. They love classic pieces and they love quality and beautiful fabrics. They don’t want to buy throwaway fashion ” they want to buy investment pieces, but they also want to engage in fashion and look relevant in a way that isn’t overwhelming and doesn’t feel fashion victim-y.
In other words: for modern women, it’s a collaboration that hits the nail on the sartorial head.
