Banana Republic

When environmental issues surfaced in the mid-1970s, both Patricia and Mel Ziegler in San Francisco became involved. These two travel lovers founded the Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company in 1978, one of the world's first upcycling labels. From the beginning, the purpose was to collect used clothing for outdoor, travel, safari, and adventure, refurbish it and resell it with new modifications or functions - worn parts, outdated designs, or even fabric scraps are welcome! Accordingly, "Banana Republic" also has a niche target group. The label's fashion is aimed primarily at explorers and those always on the lookout for adventure. The assortment of the brand is very similar to the clientele: practical, robust, functional, active, fresh, and modern. This remained unchanged when the label was taken over by "Gap Inc." in 1983. On the contrary, the range of "Banana Republic" was expanded to include more pricey collections and accessories. The label continued to expand in the following years, initially serving North America - home to more than 520 retail stores. In the new millennium, "Banana Republic" became international, with new stores opening in Tokyo (2005), Istanbul (2008), and London (2008). Since 2012, Banana Republic has been shipping its collection to Europe, which can be bought online.