Originally Posted On: BR x Harbison Capsule Collection Debuts, Breaks Barriers for Designers of Color – Harbison Studio

Revolutionary retailer, Banana Republic, partners with Harlem’s Fashion Row to advocate for sustainability and black designers

New York, NY (October 25th, 2021) — This week, the highly anticipated BR x Harbison collection launched, a collaborative effort between the beloved retailer and the fashion industry’s passionate advocate for designers of color, Harlem’s Fashion Row. The line is available for purchase online at www.BananaRepublic.com and in select Banana Republic stores.

With sustainability at the forefront, Charles Harbison produced a meaningful body of work, drawing inspiration from his lineage, particularly the women in his family, and his community, while exploring concepts of modern heirlooms, legacy, and interpersonal connections. To commemorate the bridging of an industry gap, an instore event was held at Banana Republic’s Soho New York City flagship. To view images from the launch event, click here.

Following stints at several luxury fashion houses, the architect-turned-fashion-designer launched his brand Harbison Studios in 2013, and has clothed some of the most iconic women in the world, including the likes of Beyoncé, Solange, and Michelle Obama. He’s well known for his exclusive line of ready-to-wear suits, separates, outerwear, and dresses. 

Harbison has uniquely mastered structure, silhouette, and shape, and naturally, sensible American design is the common thread between Harbison and Banana Republic. A year ago, Harbison submitted his deliverables for entry into Harlem’s Fashion Row and Banana Republic’s design competition and was selected to produce an authentic capsule collection that embodies art and equity.

Harbison initially showcased the Harbison x Banana Republic line at Harlem’s Fashion Row 14th Annual New York Fashion Week show entitled Renaissance Forever, delivering on bright, bold hues of crimson red, pink, cobalt blue, tan, and tons of color-blocked frocks.

Banana Republic is proud to partner with Harlem’s Fashion Row, a solution centric organization brokering brand partnership opportunities for BIPOC designers, prompting change in the fashion industry through its struggle with diversity and equity. The BR x Harbison collection demonstrates how brands can build authentic partnerships that help build a better tomorrow for people and the planet.

About Charles Harbison

Charles Harbison, Creative Director and Designer for modern luxury lifestyle brand Harbison Studio, was born in rural North Carolina and developed an early interest in fashion while observing the transformative impact that clothing had on his mother’s persona. He began his professional career as a textile designer before moving on to textile design at Michael Kors Collection, with additional stints at Luca Luca and Billy Reid, where he produced both womenswear and accessories. While in New York City in 2013, Charles launched his collection, Harbison, which explored the theme of style, play, intellect, and modernity. His collection has been heralded by the likes of Vogue, Elle and The New York Times. Charles Harbison is now based in Los Angeles. https://harbison.studio/

About Banana Republic

Banana Republic is a global apparel and accessories brand that creates iconic pieces for everyday and special occasions. Inspired by its origins in expedition-ready daywear and tailoring that moves, Banana Republic designs come to life once worn. Banana Republic redefines modern luxury by using the finest materials with the latest fabric innovations to create timeless, versatile clothing, eyewear, jewelry, shoes, handbags, and fragrances. Founded in 1978 in San Francisco, Banana Republic connects with customers online and in company-operated and franchise retail locations globally. For more information, please visit www.bananarepublic.com

About Harlem’s Fashion Row 

Founded in 2007 by Brandice Daniel, the organization supports emerging talent and provides a platform for underrepresented African American and Latino designers. Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) engages audiences and aligns brand partners with emerging designers of color in Fashion. HFR’s mission is to discover and showcase the emerging talent of color through a platform of national events and customized multi-platform programs. The organization initiates innovative events which attract a multitude of diverse influencers connected to the fashion industry. Their objective is to provide real business opportunities to people of color in fashion to showcase their skills and abilities in an industry, which is often inaccessible to this group. To learn more, please visit www.harlemsfashionrow.com.

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