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When did Banana Republic stop making clothing in Italy?...

post #1 of 14
5/11/12 at 10:10am
Thread Starter 

I know, alot of you probably don't care but im curious. I picked up one of those BR Monogram shirts yesterday and for some reason I thought that all of that sub-label was Made in Italy....guess not.

 

I do have a pair of trousers that are Made in Italy, tag indicates they are from Holiday Season of '03. So anyways, anyone know when they stopped making stuff in Italy?

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post #2 of 14
5/11/12 at 10:19am
Quote:
Originally Posted by jamiebryant View Post

I know, alot of you probably don't care but im curious. I picked up one of those BR Monogram shirts yesterday and for some reason I thought that all of that sub-label was Made in Italy....guess not.

I do have a pair of trousers that are Made in Italy, tag indicates they are from Holiday Season of '03. So anyways, anyone know when they stopped making stuff in Italy?

About '06
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post #3 of 14
5/11/12 at 10:30am
Thread Starter 

As far as Craftsmanship, do you think the stuff that was made in italy is better than the newer stuff?

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post #4 of 14
5/11/12 at 10:36am
By far. As a current SA (yes, I know :shame:) the quality of the stuff is complete garbage. I pretty much show up just to schmooze unknowing college students into buying their work wardrobe. I doubt it will last them 3 years.

No joke, the stuff is complete trash. Even suits that I bought in '08 are miles ahead of the crap we currently offer.
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post #5 of 14
5/11/12 at 10:03pm
Thread Starter 

So wait, the Made in Italy production runs were good, thats what your saying right?

BUT the newer stuff is garbage?

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post #6 of 14
5/12/12 at 12:38am
More or less. Back to '03 I suspect it'd be decent (although I was still in high school at the time - pre styleforum discovery).

It's only consistently gone down in quality since at least '06, so I suspect that trend would continue on back in time too.
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post #7 of 14
5/12/12 at 5:29am
I had a couple shirts that were "woven in Italy" about 6-7 years ago, which fit well. In fact, I received compliments on them and the fabric was thick and almost luxe feeling. Now it's like a better cut Gap. Complete garbage. I'm surprised they killed that brand so hard, because it seemed to have a nice little niche of good clothes for the middle class and/or youth.
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post #8 of 14
5/12/12 at 6:54am
^^ +1...I have 2 shirts from this period, or I guess even 8-9 years. Definitely miles better than current offerings. Thicker and softer material and better construction wise.
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post #9 of 14
5/12/12 at 7:01am
Quote:
Originally Posted by SirGrotius View Post

I had a couple shirts that were "woven in Italy" about 6-7 years ago, which fit well. In fact, I received compliments on them and the fabric was thick and almost luxe feeling. Now it's like a better cut Gap. Complete garbage. I'm surprised they killed that brand so hard, because it seemed to have a nice little niche of good clothes for the middle class and/or youth.

It is strange that you would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.

However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.
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post #10 of 14
5/12/12 at 7:02am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiwi Man View Post

It is strange that they would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.
However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.
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post #11 of 14
5/12/12 at 11:32am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kiwi Man View Post

It is strange that you would do this to Banana Republic. This is because I thought that this brand was supposed to be superior to Gap.
However, I'm very surprised that Banana Republic clothes have ever been made in Italy.

I still have a Monogram glenplaid suit from holiday '08 that was made in Italy. Spectacular for the price point (winter clearance - jacket, pants, and vest for under $200). GAP has gone down the rabbit hole too quality-wise. Nothing compared to even 5-6 years ago. The whole brand GAPINC is tanking.
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post #12 of 14
5/12/12 at 11:35am
I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?

confused.gif
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post #13 of 14
5/12/12 at 11:48am
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?
confused.gif

I believe you were thinking of Josephine Baker.
teacha.gif
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post #14 of 14
5/12/12 at 12:00pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by F. Corbera View Post

I always thought that Banana Republic stuff was made in Central America or equatorial Africa?
confused.gif

T-shirts suggested it.
Warning: Spoiler! (Click to show)
300

In the '80s it was made to appear one trekked or safaried there - see http://scottcadams.com/bananarepublic/ for old catalogs.

Similar to J. Peterman and Orvis.
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