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BR Beaded Belt

August 29, 2020 By In BR Logo Gear, Women's Belts, Women's Clothes No Comments

These Banana Republic Beaded Belts come in a wide variety of colors and are the most commonly seen early pre-GAP item on eBay. They were sold into 1984 (top image is from an order form centerfold) but were first seen in 1982. Advertised as “an American Indian condiment for your khakis”, they remind me of similar mass-produced inexpensive yet “authentic” items found in a tourist trading post in the Southwest.

BRWinter1984011 Banana Republic Catalog #15 Fall 1983 BR Beaded Belt, Expedition Hat, Bandanas, Women's Bush Shirt, Cowhide Suede Skirt Banana Republic Catalog No. 16 Holiday 1983 BR Beaded Belt, Swedish Leather Belt Pouch, Bandanas, Women's Bush Shirt, Suede Skirt Banana Republic Catalog No.10 Holiday 1982 Women's Bush Shirt, Khaki Travel Skirt, Khaki Prairie Skirt, BR Beaded Belt
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About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn’s fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying their clothing and giving her their catalogs. She loved the clothes, and as an artist, she was drawn to the illustrations. Robyn went on to study illustration at an art college in Banana Republic’s hometown of San Francisco, CA, and she worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA and works as a graphic designer and illustrator. She has been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.