Photos courtesy Banana Republic
I've yet to make it to Moscow but in my dreams, my trip goes a little somethin' like this: The phone rings late at night and a mysterious caller tells us we are needed in Moscow for a top-secret dinner. James becomes Dmitrii, I become Serafima, and we head for our waiting private jet. Once we land, we hop into our unmarked car which speeds us through the snowy streets towards the centre of town, then screeches to a halt in front of Cafe Pushkin. I emerge, swathed in a flowing black dress, wool cape, elbow-length gloves and loads of fur. Dmitrii, dressed in a wool suit and ushanka, takes my arm as we enter the mansion and are ushered to the 3rd floor. Our mystery caller awaits, our table laden with blini, caviar, and pelmeni, and he hands us each a shot glass full of Beluga Super Premium. "Drink!" he orders. "Na zdorovie," I purr. We drink. We eat. We're not exactly sure why we're there. So we drink some more.
After so many seasons of colour, and a poor excuse for a winter last year, the new Banana Republic Anna Karenina holiday collection could not be more timely. The dramatic collection, styled and curated by twice-Academy Award-nominated Anna Karenina costume designer Jacqueline Durran, takes its inspiration from the 19th Century fashions featured in the upcoming epic starring Keira Knightley (out mid-November) with a modern fashion twist; think statement accessories and apparel in rich velvets, faux fur, lace and a touch of sparkle.
The collection features more than 75 modern pieces for men and women, including polished, feminine looks for her (faux fur stoles, lace and jacquard dresses, military-inspired jackets, wool capes) and tailored styles for him (double-breasted top coats, flannel slim-fitted suits etc.). I've seen some of the collection in person and am MADLY in love. I especially can't wait to take home the military coat, the faux fur hat and the dresses to channel my inner Czarina this winter.
Mark your calendars - The Anna Karenina capsule collection arrives in Banana Republic stores across Canada and online October 31st.
Thursday, January 3, 2013 at 4:08PM 
