Banana Republic & Marissa Webb Split

Marissa Webb wearing some of her own designs for Banana Republic. Photo: @marissawebb/Instagram

Marissa Webb, whose appointment at Banana Republic was made with the intention she would add a more high-fashion and modern edge to its offerings, has left her post as executive vice president and creative director, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

Webb, who worked at J. Crew alongside Jenna Lyons for more than a decade during its heyday, also has an eponymous line, which Gap, Inc., Banana Republic’s parent company, invested in when she came on board the San Francisco-based corporation in 2014. Gap’s minority stake in her brand will not be dissolved and Webb will continue to act as a creative adviser, but no longer hold any day-to-day responsibilities.

“Marissa has brought incredible passion and leadership to Banana Republic over the last year and a half. I admire her talent and tenacity and the creative spirit that she’s infused within our brand, all while further establishing her private label,” Andi Owen, Banana Republic’s global brand president, said. “With a very strong product team in place at Banana Republic, this is the right time to evolve her role. We’ll continue to support Marissa and her success in the future.”

Webb attempted to revitalize the brand, which for years was known for its workwear and skewed towards an older market, by appealing to the J. Crew customer base. While her clothes were well received, it seems that sales didn’t correlate with positive reviews.

“I’m really looking forward to stepping into my new role as creative adviser at Banana Republic,” Webb said. “This opens the door for even more possibilities for my own collection and Banana Republic. So many great things are happening at Banana Republic and at my Marissa Webb label and I am proud to be part of the growth and evolution of both brands.”

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