For spring 2012 Banana Republic is retaining with that ’50s ladylike vibe we observed all above the runways this past period and on Banana’s racks in their common Mad Guys collab.

“It’s not about flip flops and shorts,” Banana Republic creative director Simon Kneen told us. “It’s about tailoring and suiting, it is polished.” Kneen believes the trend in the direction of tailoring has to do with the fiscal climate–customers are hunting for more. “It’s about a lot more of those common timeless parts than people fast throwaway pieces you can only put on for a second.”

At previous night’s presentation, types wore ladylike underneath-the-knee shift dresses and minor belted tops about knee-duration skirt. It was perform appropriate–as Banana ought to be–but hardly place of work-drab. Bossa Nova songs filtered through the showroom area and it was clear Kneen was sensation Rio this period.

“Definitely there is a South American vibe among the colorations and the texture,” Kneen mentioned. “But it’s not that Carinval-esque nuts South America–it’s much much more that beachy-y cool vibe.” The colors–tangerine and lemon yellow on flowy maxi dresses and structured shifts as nicely as brilliant florals skirts on were a welcome counter to Banana’s signature khaki. Of course, that safari search was still subtly there on lighter shades of khaki and on a standout complete midi skirt. Oh and the wedges are awesome–even if they are a hefty on the Pierre Hardy inspiration.