Banana Republic Mad Men Launch Party

Everyone was ohhing & ahhing over the pink cigarette pants

As one of the few stylish brands that carries petite sizes, Banana Republic has made a solid place for itself in my wardrobe. I may not shop them every season, but I always have an eye on what new offerings are in stores. I’m also a big fan of the TV series Mad Men, so when the two worlds collide, I’m there!

Thursday marked the launch of the spring Banana Republic Mad Men Collection, and I was honored to receive an invite to their Los Angeles celebratory launch party. The party actually started in NYC, when a group of bloggers, models, and Banana Republic peeps boarded a plane headed to Los Angeles. I kept seeing photos in my Instagram feed of an in-flight fashion show taking place on board the plane, and thought…”that must be them, heading into town for the party!”

What I found out from a blogger that was on the flight was even more fun. For some reason, I assumed the fashion show flight was private, but it was actually a normal flight, full of regular passengers who boarded the plane with no idea they were in for a treat. Can you image boarding a plane, ready for a 6 hour flight of bad movies and crying babies, only to find yourself watching episodes of Mad Men, a fashion show down the aisle, and trivia games the whole time? Bravo, Banana Republic. I wanna be on the same flight as you guys some time!

The models had to sit or stand in their respective poses for the entire event (rose print cardigan)

Ok, back to the Los Angeles party…Banana Republic flew in a bunch of top bloggers from New York for the event, and I have to admit it was a little intimidating seeing so many familiar faces, dressed as spectacularly as they do on their blogs. The boyfriend, who peers over my shoulder sometimes as I read through my Google Reader, remarked, “It’s like walking through your RSS feed.”

Mr. AN agreed to come (his first time coming to a bloggy thing with me! Eee!), so I set him loose, camera in one hand, scotch in the another, to reek photo-taking havoc on the party.

Instagram – recognize my tie?

This is Simon Kneen, the creative director of Banana Republic. He was mostly running around being interviewed and making sure the models looked good.

(Elbow sleeve Draper Dress)

This is Mr. AN’s favorite shot…a blurry Simon Kneen, being stared down by a model in the clothes he helped create. That’s deep, man.

Anne, me, Wendy

This is my favorite shot. Mr. AN, taking a photo of Mystery Man, taking a photo of the girls. =)

I also had the great pleasure of meeting up with a few ladies I’ve hung out with before. Anne, Wendy and myself spent a wonderful day sample sale shopping in Los Angeles a while back. Bonding over short stature is a quick way to make some great friends.

My devoted photographer attempted a few full-outfit shots, but due to poor lighting they turned out super blurry, so I’m treating you to an out of focus candid shot.

On me: Theory blazer, Banana Republic blouse, 7 For All Mankind skinnies, Christian Louboutin heels, Chanel handbag

A model’s perspective of the event (lace shell)

Mr. AN’s favorite part of the Mad Men collection? Polka-dot pocket squares. I think I need a few of these, myself.

The Banana Republic Mad Men Collection is available in stores and online now, with almost the entire collection available in petites (I don’t see the rose print cardigan in petites online).

A big “thank you” to Banana Republic, who were also kind enough to take time away from celebrities and big bloggers to chat with little ol’ me at length about how much they love the petite blogging community (yes, they read!). And another big “thank you” to Mr. AN for playing photographer!

See Anne’s post on the event for more photos.

I haven’t had a chance to check out the Banana Republic Mad Men Collection in stores yet. Has anyone picked anything up?