Banana Republic is an American clothing brand founded by Mel

Mel Ziegler

Mel Ziegler and his wife, Patricia Ziegler were the founders of Banana Republic. Along with William Rosenzweig, they also co-founded the Republic of Tea. They eventually sold both companies....

 and Patricia Ziegler

Patricia Ziegler

Patricia Ziegler and her husband Mel Ziegler were the founders of the clothing retailer Banana Republic. Along with William Rosenzweig, they also co-founded the Republic of Tea. They eventually sold both companies....

 in 1978 as a travel-themed clothing company; it has subsequently largely eliminated this tropical or travel-related theme. The company was bought by Gap

Gap (clothing retailer)

The Gap, Inc. is an American clothing and accessories retailer based in San Francisco, California, and founded in 1969 by Donald G. Fisher and Doris F. Fisher. The company has five primary brands: the namesake Gap banner, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta. As of September 2008,...

 in 1983. Banana Republic has over 600 stores located internationally.
The original Banana Republic was founded by Mel

Mel Ziegler

Mel Ziegler and his wife, Patricia Ziegler were the founders of Banana Republic. Along with William Rosenzweig, they also co-founded the Republic of Tea. They eventually sold both companies....

 and Patricia Ziegler

Patricia Ziegler

Patricia Ziegler and her husband Mel Ziegler were the founders of the clothing retailer Banana Republic. Along with William Rosenzweig, they also co-founded the Republic of Tea. They eventually sold both companies....

 in 1978. It was a two-store safari

Safari

A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the term is used for a big-game hunt, but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purposes of hunting, but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife.-Etymology:Entering the English...

 and travel-themed clothing company.