The Gap group will open its first ever store on the Italian market in November. A 2,350 sq metre flagship on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele will bring together the collections; Gap, Gap Body and Gap Maternity. Its launch is already the talk point of many conversations. For the occasion, the brand will offer an exclusive series of t-shirts and shopping bags, Gap X Corso Como 10, designed in partnership with the famous eponymous label from Milan, Carla Sozzani.

But Gap intends to moreover seduce Italian buyers by working with the creative directors from the houses; Valentino, Maria Grazia Chiura and Pier Paolo Piccioli . They have developed a capsule collection which "mixes luxury principles with the basics". Apart from Milan, these pieces will be available from a limited number of concept stores in other countries.

A few weeks after this launch, it is Banana Republic, another brand from the Gap group, which will make its debut on the Italian market. The label will launch there a 1,600 sq metre concept store which spreads over two floors.

Owner of a 3,100 store worldwide network, Gap Inc. operates brands; Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta. The company generated 14.2 billion Euros in turnover in 2009.



Original by Matthieu Guinebault. Translated by Rosie Hart