Banana Republic Debuts First Designer Collaboration With Chan Luu Jewelry Collection

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May 19, 2010, 02:00 ET

SAN FRANCISCO, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Banana Republic has teamed with renowned jewelry designer, Chan Luu, to create a collection of limited-edition bracelets, which launch exclusively on May 20 at Banana Republic's San Francisco accessories-only test concept store, Edition by Banana Republic. This is the first time Banana Republic has worked with a jewelry designer to create a special collection.

The collection showcases Chan Luu's signature wrap style, which brings together custom-dyed thread or leather with unique semi-precious stones, gold or sterling silver. The 17-piece collection consists of four different styles in a range of colors. The bracelets will cost from $95 to $225.

The collection will be sold exclusively at Edition and will debut at an event honoring the store's one-year anniversary. It will then be rolled out to select stores in the U.S., Canada and Japan and online in the U.S. only beginning August 10.

"We are thrilled to announce our first partnership with a world-class jewelry designer," said Simon Kneen, Creative Director and EVP of Design. "I'm excited to offer Banana Republic customers Chan Luu's signature interpretation of Banana Republic's effortless style aesthetic. Our brand is a great destination for jewelry so this adds a little something special into our already-exciting fall jewelry collection."

Chan Luu comments, "It is such a pleasure for me to collaborate with Banana Republic, a classic brand whose timeless collections provide the perfect canvas for my own. What makes our partnership even more extraordinary is our shared belief in celebrating the power of personal expression."

About Chan Luu:

Chan Luu is a designer of fine fashion jewelry and accessories. Originally from Vietnam, Chan Luu moved to Boston and later Los Angeles to earn a degree in fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in 1978. She opened her own boutique in 1982 and began designing her own accessories in 1996. Her designs have been worn by celebrities including Jennifer Aniston, Sandra Bullock, Christina Aguilera, Lady Gaga and Kate Hudson. Using hand-cut semi-precious stones, beads and colored fresh water pearls, Chan's trademark is her artistic skill in combining unusual forms with beautiful colors to create truly striking pieces that inspire trends in fashion jewelry.

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 500 retail locations in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Japan, BananaRepublic.com, 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.

SOURCE Banana Republic