Marissa Webb Is Out as Banana Republic's Creative Director

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After a year and a half with Banana Republic, designer Marissa Webb is out as the brand's creative director and executive vice president, WWD reports. Webb, who fronts her own label and spent a decade at J.Crew, was tasked with reinventing and reenergizing Banana Republic in April 2014. Her fingerprints were all over Banana Republic, shaping all facets from design and styling to store windows and marketing. The look was colorful and work-appropriate but more fashion forward, with a particular flair for shoes.

"Banana Republic has been very popular for straightforward workwear," Webb told Racked back in 2014. "We are pushing that 360-degree lifestyle. I think it's about being adventurous. My phrase is, 'Don't be so dull.' You can undo that top button. We want people to know that this is who we are and we are taking risks and we're being adventurous and we are leading the conversation and really being creative."

Webb will still be somewhat involved with Banana Republic, WWD reports. She will stay on as a creative adviser to the brand, and Gap Inc. will continue to have a minority investment in Webb’s own label. Similar to Rebekka Bay's departure from Gap, Webb's role as creative director at Banana Republic will not be filled.

"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," Banana Republic global brand president Andi Owen told WWD. "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."

Meanwhile, Webb said in a statement to the publication: "I’m really looking forward to stepping into my new role as creative adviser at Banana Republic. She continued, saying, "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."