Edition by Banana Republic: Stylish New Line To Be Launched

Banana Republic will open an exclusive store in San Francisco next month as part of the launch of its new brand concept, Edition by Banana Republic. The limited edition line features luxury jewelry, handbags and accessories. The intent of this new concept is to provide fashionable shoppers with both style and value in a deliberate response to this shaky economy.

"For our customers today, affordability is paramount and being fashionable is always in style. We are proud to offer San Francisco's modern women a one-stop destination of our best accessories," said Jack Calhoun, President of Banana Republic. "Especially in today's economy, Edition is the perfect place for women to update their wardrobe with exquisite, limited edition and affordable accessories."

I'll admit that I was a little hesitant when I first heard about the concept. It's been a long time since Gap, Inc., Banana Republic's parent company, has led in mainstream fashion. With that said, I must admit I was convinced. Edition will be offering a line that is exquisitely divine, bold, fun and overall within a price point reasonable to the wallet. As a fashion stylist, I embrace mixing affordable pieces with haute couture. You don't need to break your checking account in order to look fabulously fashionable. Edition delivers a lot of potential to create new, bold, stylish looks.

I had the privilege of a personal viewing of the collection and was stunned. It is to die for. For the price you will be paying the new limited edition is offering semi precious gemstones and handcrafted metalwork in gold and silver: absolutely divine!!! San Francisco's fashionistas are going to have a leg up on the fashion world. The creative minds from Banana Republic have delivered a compelling and innovative response to the current economic turmoil by designing an alternative that is beautiful, limited and accessible to the shopper seeking style and value.

I have placed an order for the most exquisite necklace; it could easily be called "off the runway...silver and gold handcrafted with Grecian-inspired design and a price tag a little over $100. The image doesn't do it justice. It's a true work of art.

The idea behind this new concept is to maintain an exclusive and limited production of pieces, no more than 50-100 available worldwide, with the majority priced under $100 and none more than $400. The collection will be sold exclusively at the Edition Boutique and not online or at any Banana Republic stores.

Fashionistas save the date!!!! Edition by Banana Republic is slated to open in the prestigiousWestfield San Francisco Centre on Market Street on May 15, 2009.