Gap, Ellen team up for girls' line

Gap Inc. is teaming up with popular TV host Ellen DeGeneres and her lifestyle brand ED on a unique fashion range that is designed to empower girls.

The new collection, GapKids x ED, will be an apparel collection and social movement designed to help all girls realize they have the power to do extraordinary things, the company says. The collection will be available for purchase starting Aug. 17 through Gap.com, in all GapKids stores in the United States, and select stores in Canada, United Kingdom, China and Japan.

"We know our customers love Ellen as much as we do," said Jeff Kirwan, Gap global president. "And we couldn't be more pleased to be partnering with her on our GapKids x ED collection. We look forward to launching the collection in time for back to school as it enables us to champion girls in a way that continues to be true to our brand's heritage, which has long stood for supporting youth in a way that unleashes their potential."

"I am thrilled that my lifestyle brand, ED, is partnering with Gap to encourage young girls to pursue their passion, whether it's math, science, sports, the arts," said DeGeneres. "Following my passion allowed me to be exactly who I am today– a talk show host with a vibrant side business as a party mime."

Gap Inc. has 1,700 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world.