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Giftboxes

Among the most creative concepts to come from Banana Republic, these extravagant limited edition gift boxes were introduced for Holiday 1986 and returned in 1987. Die-cut printed cardboard, they were shipped or sold flat with a cardboard backer, and each included a novelty newspaper/gift wrap. They came in 3 sizes, the Bi-Plane being the smallest for belts and t-shirts and scarves, the Jeep for shirts and vests and the like, and the largest Rhino for shoes and coats.

First seen in the Holiday 1986 catalogue as illustrations
Featured as photographs in the centerfold order form section of the 1987 Holiday catalog

Bi-Plane

The Bi-Plane included cardboard flying goggles for extra fun.

Jeep

Rhino

Newspaper Insert

About The Author

Robyn Adams
Robyn’s fascination with Banana Republic began in 1984 when her Alaskan adventurer father began buying their clothing and giving her their catalogs. She loved the clothes, and as an artist, she was drawn to the illustrations. Robyn went on to study illustration at an art college in Banana Republic’s hometown of San Francisco, CA, and she worked for years as a background artist for animation. She is now based in Oakland, CA and works as a graphic designer and illustrator. She has been collecting and archiving at Abandoned Republic since 2011.