Banana Republic, has never looked better. And we’re not just talking fashion. Last week, the brand launched BR Home, a premium assortment of rugs, bedding, and décor.
“Our expanded Home collection is central to our vision to be the premier lifestyle brand that positions BR as an experiential and cultural cornerstone in our customers’ lives,” said Sandra Stangl, president and CEO of Banana Republic in an official press release. “Banana Republic is a destination for discovery, adventure, and imagination.”
There’s a wanderlust feel to the collection — a “destination in every detail,” touts the website.
The design process involved global travel and conversations with craftsmen.
“We reached out to artisans in the U.S. and around the world whose techniques, artistry, and use of natural materials we wanted to celebrate,” Stangl added.
Highlights include a robust assortment of authentic, intricately patterned rugs. Hand-knotted berbers, for example, are crafted in the Middle Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Modern flatweaves are made of hand-spun, undyed 100 percent New Zealand wool.
Throws also sport an artisanal vibe. Merino blankets are hand-carded—a specialized process akin to combing out fibers before they’re spun into yarn—creating lush, irregular dimension. Other standouts include fringed cashmere and Italian alpaca bouclé.
Bedding and linens lean more to the classic. A soothing neutral palette features elevated fabrics — think washed linens, cotton cashmere silks, and fine cotton sateen.
Pillows and candles round out the collection. In the former, choose from dimensional wools and sleek European linens; in the latter, lush scents capture the essence of a specific place and time.
“Discovery and self-expression are an integral part of our customers’ lives at home, work, and away,” said Aaron Rose, head of commerce and experience. “We know our customers care deeply about great style, design, and quality in all aspects of their lives, and we are excited for BR Home to be a central part of their personal lifestyle.”
Prices range from impulse buy ($40) to major investment piece ($7,550). Subsequent offerings are already in the works. “We plan to incorporate home products as part of our future seasonal collections,” said Stangl.
Travel is also the inspiration for Zara Home’s spring collaboration with interiors publication Cabana.
For the uninitiated, the beloved Spanish fashion brand’s home goods are available stateside via the company’s website.
According to the official press release, the dining collection is designed to reflect Cabana’s “elegant, bohemian spirit.” Shoppers will discover a garden variety of patterned tablecloths, embroidered linens, and colorful glassware. Plates and pitchers sport a cheery floral motif.
Mix-and-matchable pieces look far more expensive than their $13 to $289 price tags.
Innovative creative — a hallmark of the Zara brand — adds to the allure. Vibrant imagery, shot on location at Villa Ronche, a 17th-century villa just outside of Venice, sets the scene for scintillating dinner parties we want to be invited to. Buon appetito.
