Doris Fisher dead: Founder of iconic fashion brand GAP dies aged 94
Doris Fisher has died at the age of 94.The businesswoman, who cofounded the Gap in 1969 with her late husband Don Fisher and saw it become one of the biggest fashion brands in US history, passed away on Sunday in San Francisco surrounded by family.An tribute posted to GAP's official website from GAP CEO Richard Dickson read: "I’m writing to share the sad news that Gap Inc. co-founder, Doris Fisher, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, at age 94.Many of us were fortunate to have known Doris personally, an extraordinary human being whose brilliance, quiet determination, and heart shaped everything from Gap Inc.’s indelible influence on fashion and retail to philanthropy and the San Francisco art scene.READ MORE: Gary Lydon dead: Tributes pour in for Banshees of Inisherin star after 'unexpected' deathREAD MORE: Dan McLean dead: Veteran CHCH News anchor dies aged 78 after 'unforgettable' career"There is simply no equal to Doris Fisher. In Gap-speak, she was a true original. Doris was a full partner in Gap Inc.’s founding and a path-breaking entrepreneur at a time when that was highly unusual for women. She understood first-hand the value of self-expression, diversity, and inclusion. And she worked tirelessly to ensure that Gap Inc. always did more than sell clothes. So, it’s no coincidence that there’s a whole lot of Doris in Gap Inc.’s purpose: we bridge gaps to create a better world."Never content with what is, Doris continuously imagined what might be and then made it happen. In fact, a great deal of Gap Inc. culture at its best derives from Doris’s influence. Saying what you mean. Doing what you say you’re going to do. And then doing it with kindness, candor, and respect."As one of fashion’s great power couples, Doris and Don created a remarkable company that revolutionized fashion retail. They introduced the world to some of America’s most iconic brands, including energetic new perspectives on everything from denim and khakis to white shirts and safari jackets. Most of all, they gave us, the future of Gap Inc., a powerful legacy to grow."And that’s foremost on my mind as we evolve Gap Inc. to become a high-performing house of iconic American brands that shape culture."The team will share details soon on our plans to celebrate Doris’s life, together as one Gap Inc. family."Since its creation, GAP has owned and operated more than 3,500 stores in its lifetime and it has become a $16 billion business in that time.Doris was the merchandiser for the company for the first four decades, and sat on the board until 2009. Born in San Francisco, California, she married Don , who passed away himself in 2009 at the age of 81 following a battle with cancer.Together they had sons Robert, 71, William, 67, both of whom went on to attain high positions in the Gap company together. Their third child John, 64, is the principal owner of the Athletics of Major League Baseball and was formerly part-owner of the San Francisco Giants with his father.Gap was perhaps best known for its denim pieces and the husband-and-wife duo were once said to have "revolutionised fashion retail" with the brand, which went onto acquire Banana Republic, Old Navy and now-defunct shoe company Piperlime.Over the years, a number of high-profile celebrities have worked for the brand, with the likes of Madonna, Cindy Crawford and Sarah Jessica Parker all having spearheaded campaigns for the brand. Most recently, Victoria Beckham launched a collection with GAP.Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads - or visit The Mirror homepage .
