Dive Brief:

• Designer Marissa Webb will be Banana Republic’s new creative director and executive vice president of design, the brand announced Tuesday.

• Webb was previously head of womenswear at J. Crew and helms her own design company, which she will continue to do.

• Her collection this spring includes military details, asymmetrical pencil skirts, and floaty shirt dresses. Her first Banana Republic collection is slated for summer next year.

Dive Insight:

Bringing on quirky, self-proclaimed tomboy Marissa Webb, whose designs have been very well received at fashion shows and who is extremely social media savvy, bodes well for the brand. The brand has suffered under the perception of bland designs and has been steadily losing out to competitors like J. Crew and H&M. Banana Republic has recently brought on designers like Trina Turk, Roland Mouret, and Marimekko to freshen its offerings, and Webb’s influence will likely continue to bring Banana Republic what it needs.