Banana Republic is a renowned brand, founded by Mel and Patricia Ziegler in 1978. Originally, the brand was  named 'Banana Republic Travel & Safari Clothing Company' by the founders as fundamentally the company was established to create and sell items which had safari theme to it. The designs and the whole theme reeked of trek, safari, camping and other such adventurous deeds. Their products were unique due yet inexpensive and hence they became hit in the market place. The brand was a channel for the couple, where they could materialize their creativity. They even introduced handmade catalogues, due to limited finances, in which Patricia drew pictures and Mel wrote descriptions about their products. They opened their first store in the village of California, with dramatic theatrical props. This start-up was authentic, unique, inexpensive, stylish and sustainable and hence became hit in the public. 

The turning point of this budding business was in 1983, when a giant American multinational corporation The Gap Inc. bought it. With the help of Gap’s business guidance and finance, which the Banana Republic admittedly lacked, the start-up's business shot up considerably. Later, to diversify the company, Gap introduced several other products, which was accepted in a zealous manner by the customers. The name of the brand was shortened to just 'Banana Republic' to diversify the products the company could sell. The enterprise offered accessories, neutral coloured fabrics, khakis and other comfortable sporty clothes. The hand drawn catalogue was then modified with coloured pictures and the details were written by professional writers with much more engaging details. Many stores of the brand was opened with the similar safari vibes to it, and due to such measures their sales skyrocketed.

However, gradually in late 1980’s their business went down due to lost interest of people in khakis, and other neutral coloured clothing. In attempt to give the company a push, Gap Inc. introduced several clothing with different vibrant colours, and kept the khakis at the back of the stores. Several apparel and accessories with luxurious touch were introduced in the stores. The stores, which were originally safari themed, were changed with colourful and eye-pleasing decors. Gap Inc. discontinued the catalogue and other products little by little which were produced by the founders of the company. Banana Republic, hence, became a luxury lifestyle brand, but not unique. At present, the company is under the guidance of  CEO and president Mark Bretibard with its head office being situated at San Francisco, California. Banana Republic, today, has several stores worldwide, which offers wide range of  products from apparel for all occasions, accessories, to household items such as candles, sofa, beddings etc. The brand has changed dramatically over the years, the uniqueness of the brand is lost and is substituted with luxurious products. The founders handcrafted the products themselves whilst giving them a sporty look and comfortable for daily use and sports. Although, the original idea and theme of the brand has been changed according to the demand of public, but the comfortableness and durability of products is still maintained as earlier.