Benetton Bandwagon

Looks like colorful is in this season (also see previous post). The normally beige/greige Banana Republic opted for a more vibrant and fun look for the holidays. Gap has moved away from it's classic black and white ads of the fall and is focusing on colorful striped sweaters, scarves and more.

Although Gap and Banana's ads don't have Benetton's avant-garde feel, neither take themselves too seriously for the holidays. Banana Republic loosened things up with fun retro wall paper.

The models are also a bit more dance-y than previous Banana ads.


Gap's saving grace is this image of Amy Poehler and Will Arnett. Leave it to this comedic husband and wife team to make a Gap ad seem un-Gap-ish.


The rest of the Gap holiday ads are the sort of run-of-the-mill, actors-are-just-like-us ads that the company has been using for the past few years. Mediocre, but with some flair thanks to the colorful Crazy Stripe crewneck and scarf.

But the color madness doesn't end there, my friends. Oh no. The best Gap item is the limited edition Vespa. That's right. Imagine wearing your new Crazy Stripe sweater with your new Crazy Stripe scarf speeding at top speed (35 mph) on your new Crazy Stripe Vespa. You'd look like a giant balled-up rainbow inching around town - and really who could ask for anything more this holiday season? Eat your heart out, United Colors of Benetton.

C.L.