In the midst of an industry stuck on denim, it is quite refreshing to see a mainstream retailer take a completely opposite route. "Live in Chino" is the tagline that Banana Republic has adopted for Spring 2010 . . . Work in Chino. Play in Chino. Date in Chino. Chino 7 days a week.
And it is this very ideology that makes this a more democratizing trend than the denim that their equal cohorts, like Gap, have instituted. Beyond just a statement piece or two that denim seems to be bound by, spring chinos offer a certain style and approach to dressing that can find fluidity and versatility in any walk of life--or any situation that you may come across. In that, personalizing is an effortless task in itself; and effortless is sort of a defining feature of the spring, right? But for Banana Republic, it is much more than just a trend with legs; it is a touch into their being, their history and their roots.
"Going back to their roots, Banana Republic has mastered the Utilitarian look this season. An integral part of the Banana Republic legacy, the iconic safari material resurfaces in new variations that are just as fluid and easy as the original: new color gradients-ranging from stone, wheat, putty-lend themselves to layering. Highly tactile surfaces including satiny poplin and crinkled, metallic-thread silks create inviting silhouettes.And this is why, instead of going for the typical path of denim this spring, you should head on over to Banana Republic and indulge in Chino.
And this is why, instead of going for the typical path of denim this spring, you should head on over to Banana Republic and indulge in Chino.

---