Banana Republic took a heartwarming and inclusive step with the launch of its BR Baby collection, featuring a little boy with Down syndrome. With the goal of promoting diversity and acceptance in the fashion industry, the clothing company and retailer emphasizes the idea that everyone deserves to belong and be celebrated for who they are . A Banana Republic spokesperson expressed the brand’s commitment to inclusiveness, saying: “Banana Republic’s recently launched BR Baby collection was designed with the promise of being more sustainable, more welcoming and more inclusive. This simple idea – that we all deserve to belong, and on our terms – is at the heart of who we are as a business and how we make decisions. The BR Baby collection is inspired by Banana Republic’s rich heritage of safari-inspired style.
Whimsical and adventurous designs feature playful animal prints, imaginative cards, and illustrated palm trees. The collection is committed to being gender-neutral and is made from premium, sustainable fabrics to ensure longevity. The 40-piece collection, available in sizes 0-24 months, includes a diverse range of items like sleepwear, bodysuits, accessories, knit tops, sets and even mini-me pieces that allow parents and babies to coordinate their looks. The brand’s initiative aligns with a larger industry trend to promote inclusion and diversity in fashion. Banana Republic’s commitment to inclusiveness has received praise from Changing the Face of Beauty, a nonprofit dedicated to the equal representation of people with disabilities in media. The organization praised the brand for its efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion, saying on social media: “Well done Banana Republic!!! You #changethefaceofbeauty.
Katie Driscoll, founder and president of Changing the Face of Beauty, expressed her excitement for brands like Banana Republic engaging with the disability community through their advertising. She highlighted the importance of recognizing and representing the disability community, as one in five families know or love someone with a disability, making them the largest minority in the world. This positive and inclusive move by Banana Republic follows closely on the heels of Victoria’s Secret’s historic decision to introduce its first model with Down syndrome.
Sofía Jirau, a 24-year-old Puerto Rican model, celebrated the milestone on Valentine’s Day by sharing, “I am the first Victoria’s Secret model with Down syndrome.” Jirau was part of a campaign for the brand’s Love Cloud collection, highlighting the company’s commitment to inclusivity. These initiatives from Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret help raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with Down syndrome, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate fashion industry.
