Gap Inc. and Banana Republic Protecting Worlds’ Forests

 

Gap Inc
Image: Gapinc.com

An accomplished retail professional, Eva Lea Klein spent more than 40 years in the retail industry as a manager, salesperson, and tailor. Most recently, Eva Lea Klein served as a tailor with Gap Inc.’s Banana Republic brand at a store in Boca Raton, Florida.

Founded by Doris and Don Fisher in 1969, Gap Inc. began as a single clothing outlet in San Francisco. The company grew rapidly, and in 1983 acquired Banana Republic, a popular fashion retailer which itself had been founded just five years earlier. Since then, the company has expanded to include popular chains such as Old Navy while forging a corporate philosophy that includes a commitment to social responsibility.

Gap Inc. maintains a particular interest in promoting sustainable manufacturing practices in the clothing industry. To better fulfill this commitment, in 2017 the company announced a new policy that would eliminate the use of wood-derived fabrics harvested from endangered forests. The policy was developed in partnership with the nonprofit group Canopy, which works with companies across a range of industries to eliminate the use of raw materials from endangered and old-growth forests.

Many common fabrics, such as rayon, use cellulose as a primary ingredient. For years, much of this cellulose was harvested from arboreal regions without consideration for sustainability. This has led to endangerment not only of the forests themselves but also of the many species that rely on them as habitat.

Banana Republic’s PACE Program Helps Women Succeed

 

PACE Program
Image: gapincsustainability.com

For nearly two decades, Eva Lea Klein worked as a seller at a retail store in Brazil. During this time, she took on all managerial roles at the store and handled any tasks that needed attention. After moving to the United States, Eva Lea Klein spent eight years working as a tailor for Banana Republic in Florida.

In an effort to support women around the world, Banana Republic maintains a collection of clothing items made through the Gap Inc. PACE program. An educational program, PACE (Personal Advancement & Career Enhancement) provides women with the confidence and skills they need to fulfill their dreams. It has been in operation since 2007 and hopes to impact 1 million women around the world by 2020.

Women who are involved in the PACE program are taught eight subjects, including problem solving, self-esteem, and communication skills. Through the program’s curriculum, women are more prepared for balancing their work and home lives and setting and achieving larger goals. It also helps participants create stronger work relationships.

When PACE was first created, it was done to help women who made Banana Republic clothing. However, it was expanded to include other women in various communities in 2013. In 2016, it was further expanded to reach girls between the ages of 13 and 17. Since its establishment, PACE has helped over 50,000 women in communities and factories in a dozen countries.

Banana Republic’s Well-Received Olivia Palermo Collection

 

Olivia Palermo Collection
Image: oliviapalermo.com

An established presence in Boca Raton, Florida, Eva Lea Klein gained retail experience managing her family’s business in Brazil. For nearly a decade, Eva Lea Klein was a tailor at Banana Republic and performed tasks such as sewing, joining, reinforcing, and finishing garments.

In early 2017, the international clothing chain announced the selection of Olivia Palermo in a newly created role as “women’s style ambassador.” The Spring 2017 collection featured Olivia Palermo pop-up shops at select locations, spanning San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. This introduced customers to a curated fashion experience, as well as a unique chance for SoHo fans to meet a designer known for her chic, versatile, and cosmopolitan aesthetic.

In the wake of the successful capsule collection, Olivia Palermo recently delivered Fall Collection designs for Banana Republic. These include “statement” pieces that combine Bohemian accents with outerwear inspired by 18th-century military uniforms. One example is a burgundy and gold brocade jacket that is extremely wearable and ideal for a casual or formal evening out.