IT’s happened to the best of us: it’s full-blown winter and you’re off to some exotic beach location in the tropics for holiday and you need a new bikini and sarong. You stop by your favourite store and find nothing but row after row of cashmere, wool and fleece – and not a straw hat in sight. Sounds familiar? Well Banana Republic have come to the rescue.

The company is launching a capsule collection of resort wear that will be sold all year round. The line, called “Luxe Leisure”, offers a 40 piece assortment of swimwear, tunics and other warm weather fashion for women. The prices are comparable to Banana Republic’s main line, ranging from US$29.50 to US$110. Luxe Leisure will be sold in all warm weather stores year round in addition to a few other locations.

BR creative director and executive vice president Simon Kneen feels Luxe Leisure caters to their clientele perfectly.

“They’re going away for weekends, and with the snowbirds going to Florida, there’s always a need for [resort wear] in the middle of the season.”

Kneen goes on to describe Luxe Leisure as a line with “lots of bare skin and a lot more colour.”

Finally, a solution!

Find out what's hot in the world! Get the latest fashion in your email! Join our newsletter: