Store Review: Banana Republic

On Thursday, September 10, also known as Fashion’s Night Out, Banana Republic hosted an exciting grand opening party for their new store concept at Fashion Show Mall. The event was also hosted by the ever-popular 944.com and helped to raise awareness of the local Las Vegas non-profit organization Aid for AIDS Nevada, as Banana Republic made a donation to the group. Complimentary cocktails and champagne were provided along with a DJ. Seen at this fashionable soiree were Melinda Sheckells, Managing Editor of 944 Las Vegas, Jason Feinberg, Fox 5 News Anchor and Las Vegas’ favorite stylist and Trend Editor for “MORE,” Joey Gonnello.

Attendees were presented with a Banana Republic store unlike any other. At the front entrance sits a boutique style room with ceiling-attached, hanging garment rods and a clean, minimal design. As one continues to enter further into the store, the experience is much like walking into a luxuriously oversize walk-in closet with a focus on the deep, dark wood of the interior. Think rich and welcoming.

To the left are three rooms filled with stylish menswear, while to the right are three rooms filled with classically tailored and fashionably trend-setting women’s pieces. Moving toward the back of the store, shoppers are greeted by a large room filled with men’s and women’s accessories and shoes, including two jewelry cases filled with gorgeous pieces. Mannequins are minimal, which complements the clean layout of the store. The few mannequins that are present, are exquisitely styled with outfits and accessories that tempt customers to leave the store with the identical look.

I left the event with Octagon Jewel Ring as featured below. While I loved just about everything at Banana Republic, and I say this as someone who rarely ever shops at BR, what I loved most were the accessories. The Banana is definitely stepping it up a notch. As I said to my friends, “The Banana is getting, like, all fashion-y.” And I mean it. My favorite pieces are featured below. The new store at Fashion Show Mall is located on the upper east level, near Betsey Johnson and across from Journey’s. Because of the impressive design of this particular brick and mortar, if you’re going to shop at a Banana Republic, this is the only one you should bother visiting. To visit any other would simply be settling for less.

All images are owned by Gap, Inc.