Banana Republic, in partnership with designer Charles Harbison, has launched a new collection: BR X Harbsion. Size inclusive going from sizes 0 to 20 and featuring all skin tones of black model, we stan! Great vibrant colors, clean lines and lots of nods to the 70s, this collection speaks to the retro diva inside me. Everything from bell bottoms and safari jackets to fun mini dresses and color blocking. No aggressive florals or cold shoulders for the plus size ladies, a rare occurrence. In the words of Jeb Bush, “Please clap!”
The Designer
Designer Charles Harbison credits his design aesthetic to the Sunday finery of the strong women in his life. No stranger to strong women in his professional life as well, he’s dressed Beyonce, Michelle Pfeiffer and Ava Duvernay. When asked to expound on his influences, Harbison told Banana Republic’s The Journal:
“And then, as I kind of grew in loving art and loving design, one of the most inspiring processes I saw, was dressing and it was something that was really rooted in the women in this family, namely, mom first, my grandmother, my aunt and their cousins. And I saw this happen every weekend. It was such an exciting ceremony of getting dressed for church, particularly because we grew up in a working class, poor community where everyone was a blue collar worker for the most part or working in factories in administration roles. So the day-to-day life was utilitarian.”
Many of us remember the smell of the hot comb on greased hair, the dresses with full petticoats we wore as little girls and our grandmothers in vibrant suits with matching hats. There were rules of course, surrounding lengths and layers of under garments. My mother still frowns if I don’t wear hosiery to church 😂. But there was freedom in the vibrancy of colors and patterns, the shapes of the hats and jewelry. I love that kinship between those memories and this design aesthetic.
The Looks
My favorite piece hands down is the Balloon-Sleeve Mini Dress, price tag $169. Those of you that know me know I love a dramatic sleeve. I also love color blocking pink and red. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s bold in a way I can’t help but respect.
Honorable mention to the rust colored sundress and the blue leisure suit. If you want to snatch up a Harbison designed piece, this my also be a great chance. Clothing items on his site retail for between $500-$700. Annnnd if you do, then you can say you and Beyonce wear the same designer 😉.