When AMC’s Mad Men first aired in 2007, the show’s intriguing premise was praised for setting off what is
now categorized as a cable TV phenomenon. The Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning show is set in the
corporate world of 1960’s New York, showcasing the personal and professional drama-filled lives of the men
and women at Madison Avenue Advertising.
Mad
Men has also
been praised for its authentic recreation of that era. The economy was on the rise, women were making strides
in the workplace and the businessman lifestyle was in full-swing. The '60s were about power and
Mad Men
has
been able to accurately represent the Golden Age of advertising through their
characters.
Along with emulating the
changes in fashion that took place in the American psyche during this time, AMC’s
Mad Men
costume designer,
Janie Bryant, has been successfully dressing the show’s cast in the chic style that made the '60s a classic
era for fashion.
Speaking of fashion,
Mad Men
fever has reached an
all-time high in the fashion industry, and we’re not complaining. Bryant’s coveted, Emmy Award-winning style
sense caught the attention of Banana Republic and the brand’s creative director Simon
Kneen, resulting in a limited edition capsule collection inspired by the hit series’ style, which will be
available starting Aug. 11 across North American stores and online.
Since the popularity of this
show began to grow, vintage pieces resembling the outfits on the show have been in high demand. Other
companies have created pieces that are inspired by the '60s style, but when it comes to the Banana Republic Mad Men collection, there is no comparison.
The collection has been designed
specifically in conjunction with the Mad Men costume designer. Bryant has offered sketches, actual pieces used on the show and her
personal inspiration throughout the design and production process.
The pairing between
Banana Republic and Bryant doesn’t seem too shocking. Banana Republic’s style offerings, described
as “affordable luxury and noticeable quality” by parent company Gap Inc., fall in-line with the pieces soon
to be offered in the Mad Men capsule collection, which has been described as a stylization of “effortlessly chic,
dressed-up American sportswear.”
The women on
Mad Men
have introduced a
whole new generation to the various styles of the '60s, from the full circle dresses that Peggy Olson wears,
to the sheath dresses that Joan Harris flaunts on the show. One of the most flattering female styles from the
'60s consists of the pencil skirt and pencil dress. Just as the Little Black Dress is still a must-have
today, the pencil skirt has become a staple piece in a woman’s professional wardrobe.
The '60s styles for men centred
on narrow lapels and rounded or non-existent pocket flaps on suit jackets with basic white buttoned-down
shirts finished with cufflinks. With suits, a classic white dress shirt was favoured over printed or coloured
ones. Silk ties with pocket squares added to the elegance of the time – a perfect way to advertise your
position and status.
The 65-piece collection from
AMC and Banana Republic will offer apparel and accessories for both
men and women, leaving us rest-assured that women will look as flawless as Joan Harris or Peggy Olson and the
men as dapper as Don Draper and Pete Campbell.
Men can indulge in the
Mad Men
style with
individual suit pieces from tailored trousers to waistcoats for the office, and knit sweaters that reflect
relaxed sophistication for the weekends. Women can choose from tailored dresses, high-waisted skirts and silk
neck-tie blouses.
It’s commonly known that
accessories complete an outfit and luckily this collection stays true to that golden rule. The collection
pays close attention to details providing pumps, gloves, handbags and printed scarves for women to choose
from to complete their lady-like look.
Some of Lifestyler’s favourites from this collection belong to the
accessories designed for the men. The classic and sophisticated touches added by the money clips, silk ties,
cotton pocket squares, tie bars and fedora hats allow men to create a personalized look, adding personality
to a Mad
Men-inspired
ensemble. •
Photo Courtesy: Gap Inc.
