Much ado is being made about the new look of Banana Republic for spring 2009. With Simon Kneen on board as design and creative director, descriptors like modern silhouettes, upgraded fabrics and refined experience have been teasing customers with the lure of a higher-fashion aesthetic for the BR dollar.

Higher fashion, perhaps. But we find outselves missing the feminine and unique details that got us revved up to spend what is to us a decent amount of money.

There are quite a few updates on classic BR pieces like the trench coat. The shiny, slim incarnation above is our favorite, while a long, sleeveless dress version (not shown) falls a bit short (though it is very long).

“The structure [of the clothes] was looking a bit dated,” Kneen told WWD. “We’re trying to get things loosened up.”

One of the updated fabrics is soy silk,which was used throughout. “I call it sexy sustainability,” Kneen told WWD. Other eco-fabrics include organic cotton and bamboo cashmere, while paperweight leather and parachute silk are also introduced.

Look out for more styles in a print campaign this January featuring male and female musicians photographed by Tom Munro.

[Images: Coutorture; Source]