By Jeff Pfeiffer
AMC and Banana Republic have announced a marketing partnership tying in with the third season of the hit series Mad Men, which premieres Aug. 16. 
During the three weeks leading up to the premiere (July 21-Aug. 11), Mad Men will be promoted in every Banana Republic retail location, in over 400 stores, throughout the U.S. and Canada. Store windows will feature mannequins dressed in modern takes on classic, iconic 1960s style.
“Style and fashion are at the core of Mad Men,” says Jack Calhoun, president of Banana Republic, “with its 1960s aesthetic highlighting the classic silhouettes that are still popular today. Banana Republic is known for its modern takes on these classics, such as the suit, trench coat and classic white shirt, so the partnership is a natural fit for both brands.”
Banana Republic is creating a Style Guide profiling the Mad Men characters and images alongside quintessential work looks. The guide will be available in stores, while supplies last, starting July 21, and offers U.S. customers a free gift-with-purchase — a free iTunes download of the pilot episode from Season 1 of Mad Men.
Additionally, AMC and Banana Republic are co-sponsoring a contest in which customers can enter to win a walk-on role for an upcoming episode of the series, plus a $1,000 gift card from Banana Republic. You can pick up a “ticket” to enter the contest at any BR store in the U.S. and Canada from July 21-Aug. 11. The ticket offers a code for people to enter the casting call at madmencastingcall.amctv.com by uploading photos of themselves wearing their best Mad Men look, male or female.
Will the Banana Republic workers get to drink Scotch and smoke at work, also? It’s only fair, if they want to commit to this whole tie-in.