Banana Republic

Walking into the Banana Republic was like entering a pottery shop. The walls and decor appear to be malleable clay. The sculpted, arched doorways extend from stone tiles and high quality wood floors. Wood hangers drape thick material in neutral and subdued colors. Their branding gave the appearance of catering to the ancient Greek aristocracy. The person who embodies this brand, in my opinion, is Julia Roberts. She’s calm, rich, and sophisticated. She can get away with wearing very bland, muddy colors because they offset her strong, bold features.

Ann Taylor’s The Loft

The Loft is a step down from the gods of Mt. Olympus. They still employ soft, muted colors in their decor, but the branding is geared more toward young professionals than to executive elites. Clothes are packed closer together; they are more casual and colorful. Everything is still rather expensive, high quality, and well-presented; however, it’s more likely to be worn by the assistant than the boss. A well-known actress who would represent this brand is Meryl Streep. She’s very versatile and professional; and yet, she also seems approachable, like an everyday modern woman.

The GAP

Taking casual a step further, the GAP appeals to the laid-back individual. Denim and khakis seem to be their trademark features. Their decor is personable, not elegant or classic. They do seem to still provide quality products, but products aimed more for the country girl or suburban housewife. Several people came to mind here: Jessica Biel, Meg Ryan, Ellen Degeneres. Ellen is super casual, often in jeans, even while filming her talk show. Meg and Jessica are often portrayed as “the girl next door” type in most of their movies. Therefore, the GAP seems to communicate that their clothes are what you wear when you’re not at the office.