Banana Republic's new creative director Simon Kneen unveiled his debut collection last night, showing clothes in soft neutrals accented with pops of blues and greens.

"A lot of what we're known for is still there," Mr. Kneen, who was previously vice president and creative design director at Brooks Brothers, said. "But it's updated and made modern for people who live and work in the city."

There were plenty of work-friendly options, including slouchy sweaters, silk blouses and crisp suits, as well as strapless patio dresses and light fabrics like bamboo cashmere.

At the show, Banana Republic president Jack Calhoun said he is "hopeful" about the holiday season. "We're managing our inventory tightly so we can control margins," he said. "It's a tough economy. We're not immune to that, but we offer a compelling point of view."

The brand has been a bright spot for its parent company, Gap Inc.