NEW YORK, Jan. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Banana Republic and Milly founder and designer Michelle Smith are proud to announce the Banana Republic Milly Collection – a limited-edition capsule inspired by the summer sophistication of the Hamptons. The women's collection is a natural extension for Milly, with the men's styles representing Smith's first foray into designing menswear – a unique innovation for the design partnership. The capsule launches exclusively at select Banana Republic retail locations worldwide and online in late May 2013.

The Banana Republic Milly Collection marries the iconic Banana Republic sense of modern style with Milly's signature vintage-inspired prints and patterns for a collection that feels equal parts sophisticated and playful. The Banana Republic Milly Collection includes pieces for women and men, such as feminine silhouettes in splashes of neon for her and tailored separates in bold prints for him.  

"We wanted to focus on the vibrant colors and optimistic patterns that highlight the inspiring, fun-loving summer season," says Banana Republic Creative Director and Executive Vice President of Design, Simon Kneen. "Michelle's keen sense of color, print and pattern are the perfect complement to Banana Republic, and her Hamptons-chic style is a new take on aspirational summer dressing for our consumers."

The more than 60-piece collection of women's and men's apparel and accessories features original designs that incorporate a new print created exclusively for the capsule as well as six beloved Milly prints that have been updated specifically for these collaborative designs. Covetable women's pieces range from maxi dresses, mini-skirts, and shorts in a rainbow of on-trend colors, including lime, coral, and navy, to versatile poolside totes and summer scarves. The menswear collection features a lineup of striped and patterned separates, including bright polos, woven tees and shorts. Apparel pieces range in price from $45 - $175 (women) and $24.50 - $64.50 (men); jewelry and accessory pieces range from $39.50 (jewelry) - $130 (tote).

"I've always been a fan of Banana Republic, and when I met Simon we had an immediate and lasting connection," says Michelle Smith, Founder and Designer, Milly by Michelle Smith. "This was my first experience designing menswear, which was a cinch with Simon's expertise. It's a very positive, happy collection and I think the colors and patterns really capture the modern spirit of summer."

The Banana Republic Milly Collection will be featured in Banana Republic's June advertising campaign, which will appear in select print, online, direct mail and in store. Join the conversation on Twitter with #BRMilly.

ABOUT BANANA REPUBLIC
Banana Republic is a global accessible luxury brand that delivers modern, soulful and effortless style. Banana Republic's lifestyle collections are characterized by elevated design and luxurious fabrications at approachable prices. Banana Republic collections include apparel, handbags, jewelry, fragrance and eyewear. Banana Republic, a division of San Francisco-based, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS), can be found at over 600 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Italy, and France, BananaRepublic.com, BananaRepublic.ca, BananaRepublic.eu, or (888) BR-STYLE. In addition, Banana Republic is expanding its international presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.

ABOUT MILLY
Smart, sexy and beautiful, the Milly by Michelle Smith collection has defined spirited luxury since 2001.  Born out of designer Michelle Smith's lifelong love of art and fashion, Milly is renowned for its lush prints, colors and fabrics and sharp attention to detail. Milly is recognized throughout the globe with a devoted following.  The collection is sold at the finest specialty and department stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods and Takashimaya. Milly has successfully expanded into categories beyond ready-to-wear, including handbags, small leather goods, swimwear, and for budding fashionistas, the Milly Minis childrenswear collection.  The ultimate world of Milly is located within their new flagship boutique at 900 Madison Avenue in New York City.

SOURCE Banana Republic