Narciso Rodriguez to advise Banana Republic

Just when it looked like there was no hope for Banana Republic… Narciso Rodriguez has taken an advisory role at Banana Republic. The CFDA award winning designer will work with Banana Republic’s current creative director Simon Kneen to guide the company’s design team. Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic, made it clear that advisory role was created specifically for Rodriguez and Kneen would remain as Executive Vice President of Design and Creative Director. “Narciso’s expertise will be a great complement to Simon’s strengths and to our incredible design team,” said Calhoun.

Once known for modern, stylish work wear Banana Republic and its parent company GAP have struggled in recent years with cut-throat competition from fast fashion retailers and lack luster design. Rodriguez, who is known for the modern, architectural silhouettes of his signature line should be a perfect fit for Banana Republic’s aesthetic.

Best known for his signature womenswear line, in 2005 Rodriguez introduced a well reviewed but short-lived menswear line that was design in-house and manufactured in the USA. Hopefully this partnership will give Rodriguez another opportunity to continue his exploration of menswear.