Frill-Free Spring ... Banana Republic SS09

The bad economic season has already begun. Here and there, everyone is taking extreme measures to cut costs of everything, from the living basics to buying Christmas presents.

With tough days coming ahead, everyone is busy preparing for the worst as everything has started to dwindle down. Therefore, it won’t be a great surprise for me should I stumbled upon some filthy rich socialites travelling with their LV monogrammed trunks in coach class rather than Business or First, or perhaps, no-frills airlines.

Moreover, I also would not be surprised if I encounter more Birkin-toting fashionistas hording the high street brand stores (think ZARA, the most obvious one) compared to their usual haunts like Hermes or Prada. Now, talking about high street, accessible luxury purveyor Banana Republic has recently showcased its upcoming spring/summer 2009 ready-to-wear and accessories for both men and women.

Held in New York, a month post New York Fashion Week, the new collection by Creative Director Simon Kneel focuses on the importance of being minimalist, easy and breezy. Probably being influenced by the current economic situation, the new collection boasts pared-down styles and silhouettes with lightness and simplicity taken into account. The opening womenswear ensemble – a pair of cuffed shiny three quarter pants paired with a simple grey tank top and trilby hat – says it all.

The maxi dress, which harks back to the glorified disco days of Studio 54 and Chez Regine, also has been inducted into the collection by Kneel. To give it a modern approach, Kneel has shortened its hem to make it more ultra feminine. Apart from that, glorious Grecian goddess silhouette too comes alive in the form of draped mini dress with wide neck. Featuring shortened hem, the graceful flow and soft falling undulations truly brings forth the classic beauty of this contemporary evening cocktail dress.

But if you are not a skirt girl but still prefers the easiness of wearing one-piece, then other choices available may also include a plethora of jumpsuits in a profusion of serious and fun colours such as slate, white, and oasis green.

As for women’s sportswear enthusiasts, you may be glad to know that Kneel has also thrown in a couple of chic yet sporty ensembles such as V-neck tee shirts, mini ‘A’ line skirt, and cardigans. Oh, before I forget, some of these pieces are conceived from soft eco fabrics such as silk and also the most innovative of them all, soy!

On the menswear section, cheerful colours dominates the collection with lots of attention were given on impeccable tailoring. Short trench coats, flamingo pink shorts, striped or plain shirts, as well as smart suits make the bulk of Banana Republic men’s wardrobe next season.

Banana Republic’s spring/summer 2009 womenswear and menswear collection will be debut at your nearest Banana Republic stores early next year.

*Photos courtesy of Yahoo!/Fashion Wire Daily.

Banana Republic - Lot 2.48.00 - 2.49.00, Level 2, Pavilion KL, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur; Lot 101A & 101B, Level 1, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur; Lot F223-F225A, First Floor, The Gradens Mid Valley, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.