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| reference: Google's image |
The original Banana Republic
was founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler
in 1978. It was a two-store safari and travel-themed clothing company. The
majority of sales came from its eccentric, hand-illustrated catalog, which
presented high-end and unique items with chatty, usually fictional backstories
from exotic locations, as well as more pedestrian high-volume products
deliberately spiced up with a similar treatment. Many of the backstories were
written by well-known authors including Cyra McFadden, author also of The
Serial and Rain or Shine. As Banana Republic expanded its retail operation, it
became known for the themed decoration in its stores, often featuring authentic
elements, such as real Jeeps and
foliage, as well as atmospheric elements, such as fog and steam.
The Gap, Inc. acquired Banana
Republic in 1983, eventually rebranding it as a mainstream luxury clothing
retailer. The literate articles, hand-drawn catalogue, and eccentric
tourist-oriented items were phased out and were replaced with more luxurious,
but less unique, items for which the brand is currently known (as of 2012). To
set itself apart from Gap as a more upmarket brand, Banana Republic
occasionally buys and refurbishes historic buildings for its retail locations. (refence: Wikipedia)
