Banana Republic has a new creative director and EVP of design

Gap’s Banana Republic brand has named Marissa Webb as creative director and EVP of design, effective April 28. She will report to global president of Banana Republic, Jack Calhoun.



Webb will be responsible for guiding the brand’s overall creative direction, as well as leading global product design for Banana Republic Women’s, Men’s and Accessories.



“I am so excited for Marissa to bring her own special touch to the brand,” said Calhoun. “What she delivers today is so fresh and relevant, I know her design sensibility will move Banana Republic forward in our effort to deliver modern American style. I can’t wait to have her on board.”



Webb is most recently known for her eponymous upper contemporary label. Prior to branching out on her own during 2011, she spent time at Polo and Club Monaco and more than a decade at J. Crew Group, where she served in various design roles, including head of womenswear and accessories design. Webb will retain her role as president and creative director at Marissa Webb, in addition to her newly appointed role at Banana Republic. Webb’s first collection for Banana Republic is expected in the summer of 2015.



“I'm thrilled to be joining the extremely passionate, talented design and creative teams at Banana Republic,” said Webb. “The brand has such a beautiful history which I truly admire. This is an amazing opportunity for me to combine my unique vision with a brand that has such a strong legacy. I'm excited to be joining Banana Republic and being able to make an impact for our modern customer.”



Gap also said that it intends to join Webb’s company’s minority investors by investing in the Marissa Webb label. Initially launched exclusively at Barneys New York, the Marissa Webb Collection is now available in more than 30 stores globally, inclusive of select locations within Gap’s Intermix division, as well as online. Calhoun will work with Webb as a strategic partner in the growth and development of her business.