The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Banana Republic Spring 2011 Campaign

Posted by
Dianna Baros



Banana Republic recently unveiled their Spring 2011 campaign dubbed "Journey in Style." Inspired by the brand's "heritage of discovery," the spring campaign features a film trailer starring models Angela Lindvall and Jamie Dornan shot against the backdrop of the Vasquez Rocks in Southern California.

I think the clothes are fine (love the olive green shirtdress) but the cliche roadtrip of gorgeous models from diverse ethnic backgrounds seems a little phony to me, and slanted a bit young for BR shoppers. I'd expect to see something like this from a brand like American Eagle, but that's just me. Click through for more photos and to watch the trailer. If you're a loyal Banana Republic shopper, does this campaign influence you one way or the other?







Photos courtesy of Banana Republic

Comments (10)

Posted in: Banana Republic, Spring 2011 Lookbooks

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Comments
I am really underwhelmed with Banana Republic the past year or so. They seem to have lost their way and this spring campaign confirms it. I used to shop there all the time, haven't bought anything in so many seasons because of poor fit, weird color stories, overpriced for quality, and lines that don't mix & match and seem to go in 50 different style directions.
#1 Allie (Homepage) on 2011-02-22 13:08 (Reply)
I think you're spot on with your comments about the feeling of the campaign. I think it's a very overdone and cliche concept. I have mixed feelings about BR; I've always viewed them as a great place to stock up on "work basics," but I feel as though their style and offerings vary as the wind blows in a different direction sometimes!
#2 Emily (Homepage) on 2011-02-22 15:25 (Reply)
Agreed. BR has bored me for awhile now. Ann Taylor has become my new BR.
#3 Fiona on 2011-02-22 16:05 (Reply)
So true. I used to love BR but this ad just seems like they're trying too hard. Ann Taylor is a better bet right now.
#3.1 Tara on 2011-03-08 23:22 (Reply)
"diverse ethnic backgrounds?" i see one black guy and one asian girl. the rest appear to be white people. what's diverse about that? i'd call that "token ethnic."
#4 jane (Homepage) on 2011-02-23 03:52 (Reply)
@jane: I was being facetious, Banana Republic thinks they're showing diversity when in fact, as you said, they are just showing the "token ethnic" models.

:-)
#4.1 The Budget Babe on 2011-02-23 10:11 (Reply)
I agree with Allie 100%. I have been completely underwhelmed by BR's clothes in the past 9-12 months. Even more frustrating is that I have about $250 in gift cards from them, which I can't even spend because every time I go in there I can't find anything I like. It's gotten to the point where I'll probably just end up using the gift cards on clothes for my husband instead.

That said, I do agree that this ad campaign seems cliche. It doesn't make me want to run out and get any of the outfits featured. And while that olive shirtdress is cute, you can get an almost identical one by Mossimo at Target (for a lot less $$).
#5 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2011-02-23 09:59 (Reply)
For those interested, you can see the Mossimo for Target utility dress mentioned by Target-Addict here:

http://www.thebudgetbabe.com/archives/3564-Mossimo-for-Target-Spring-2011-Lookbook.html
#5.1 The Budget Babe on 2011-02-23 10:09 (Reply)
Isn't this about the same campaign they had last year, too? I'm a huge BR fan, but it seems a lot like last year's collection to me. Now of course, I'm sure I'll buy a few pieces, but only when they are on sale. And they will probably be the staple pieces I didn't pick up last year when they were in the store. :-)
#6 Emily on 2011-02-23 10:07 (Reply)
COMPLETELY agree with all the comments on this page. This past year for BR has truly been disappointing. I have turned to Ann Taylor Loft as well. AND Target is coming up with great, budget friendly and at times better alternatives to BR. The campaign does not make a difference to me...I would like to see better collections!
#7 Millie on 2011-02-25 09:02 (Reply)
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