International fashion designer Simon Kneen will be the new top designer for Banana Republic. Gap announced that Kneen, who has designed over 25 years for various apparel brands in the United States and Europe, would be the executive vice president of design and creative director for Banana Republic. Kneen will set the creative direction of the brand, and look after the product direction for Banana Republic apparel and accessories.

For the past five years, Kneen served as creative design director for the Retail Brand Alliance, where he led the creative vision for brands as Brooks Brothers and Adrienne Vittadini. He was the first to design a fashion collection for men’s and women’s at Brooks Brothers, and was part of the leadership team that helped reposition the brand. While at the Retail Brand Alliance, he was also designed the collections under the Casual Corner label from 2003 until 2005, prior to the brand’s sale.

Next to Banana Republic, Old Navy and Piperlime are part of Gap Inc. The company is looking to expand its international presence with franchise agreements for Gap and Banana Republic in Asia and the Middle East.

This spring, London will see the launch of Banana Republic’s first store on Regent Street. Further details tba.

Image: Banana Republic