Banana republic channels 1912: safari style resurfaces
The khaki obsession is back, and it’s less about intrepid exploration and more about aggressively curated nostalgia. Banana Republic is leaning hard into the aesthetic of a bygone safari era, and frankly, it’s a welcome injection of something genuinely interesting into their current lineup.
A stitch in time: the explorer’s club collaboration
Forget functional gear; this isn’t about surviving a trek through the Serengeti. This collection, a collaboration with The Explorer’s Club, is a deliberate embrace of the 1912 gentleman adventurer – the kind who’d probably be more concerned with a perfectly pressed linen suit than a reliable compass. It’s a fascinating, if slightly baffling, pivot.
Let’s be clear: the men’s selection is solid. Zip-off pants, Henley shirts, and a frankly ludicrous Fireman’s Jacket in nubuck leather – it's all impeccably rendered, almost aggressively so. I’ll be stocking up, naturally, anticipating a central park fly-fishing expedition (mind your business, frankly).
But the real coup is the women’s section. The safari jumpsuit—a startling, almost theatrical piece—and the pleated fishing shorts are the undisputed stars. My wife will be delighted, which, let’s be honest, is a significant factor in any purchasing decision.
Details matter
We’re talking $400 for a packable jacket, $150 for a field shirt, $100 for those undeniably cool fishing shorts. A $1,000 nubuck leather Fireman’s Jacket? A bit much, perhaps, but undeniably striking. And the Archive Reissue Bag – a subtle nod to vintage travel – at $350 feels like a smart investment.
Don’t expect groundbreaking innovation. This is a collection built on a foundation of established styles, but executed with a surprising level of detail. It’s the kind of quiet confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you’re doing, and doing it well. Frankly, it’s a refreshing antidote to the relentless barrage of trend-driven fashion.
Banana Republic is proving it’s capable of more than just churning out affordable basics. This collaboration is a clear signal: they’re aiming for a specific, evocative aesthetic – and they’re nailing it.