Banana Republic: Fashionable, Inclusive, Diverse

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!”

I love a good color block on a curvy girl

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.”

Charles Harbison and models

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.

Image number 1 showing, BR x HARBISON &#124 Balloon-Sleeve Mini Dress

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 😉.

CB2 and Lenny Kravitz: American Furniture

So some of you may be unaware of this, but I have loved Lenny Kravitz since the 5 Album. If you’ve never heard it please do yourself a favor and go listen. Sn: everyone went wild for the American Woman cover and that of course is still a bop, but it was all about track 3 for me. I love a slow song, even from a rock star. Kravitz has teamed up with Crate and Barrel through their modernized sub brand CB2, for a home decor/ furniture collaboration I am LOVING. While he’s been long a style and fashion icon, he’s now made the foray into home. You can see the look book here.

Kravitz Living Room featuring Imbue Velvet 5 Piece Sectional

Kravitz stated, “The new collection is based on a mélange of places, things and people I’ve encountered through my travels.”

Funky 60s style with exclusive prints inspired from the continent of Africa and designed by Kravitz Design with just a twist of mid century modern make this collection super cohesive. I think often celebs who release lines in home or fashion seem like they just sign off on other designers work, but this one really feels like Lenny had his hand in this one throughout.

The neutrals, wooden and rattan elements paired with prints in deep umbers and oranges give a sophisticated feeling while still balancing an earthy and whimsical vibe.

But that balance comes with a bit of a price tag, luxurious but not totally unattainable. The most expensive piece in the collection is the velvet sectional @ $6095. But if fret not, there is decor in glasses, pillows and towels that all retail for under $100 if you still want in on this vibe for your home. Kudos to Lenny Kravitz on this fun and funky collab.

“Home should be a place where you feel like yourself and your spirit is comfortable,” says Kravitz.

Cavale Barware

My fave piece is the Paseo Wood Media Credenza, ret. $1799. First of all, who doesn’t love the word credenza. Secondly, it makes me feel like I should be playing something from Dreamville on classic vinyl. It’s not often a piece can transport you to a different place or time, but I think this one definitely does the job.

Paseo Wood Media Credenza with Ramble Tall Table Lamp

More Than,

Bre