Express Yourself: Gap Unveils 'Vote For' Campaign to Encourage Americans to Voice Their Passions and Opinions This Election Season
Centered Around a Fill-in-the-Blank "Vote for ______" White T-shirt, the
Campaign Features Personal Webisodes by Acclaimed Actors, Architects &
Political Activists, Real People Voicing their Passions in Store Windows,
"Songs Of Freedom" by Musician Matt White and More
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 8 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Gap launched its "Vote
for" initiative [gap.com/votefor], a campaign that provides a platform for
Americans to express their passions, opinions and ideas during one of the
most important election seasons facing our nation.
Centered on a customizable classic white t-shirt that simply says,
"Vote for ______.", Gap is encouraging Americans to fill in the blank with
whatever word, expression or presidential candidate they are passionate
about. In addition to the "Vote for ______." t-shirt, Gap is also providing
other ways for Americans to engage with the initiative -- from heartfelt
and playful webisodes and Facebook Flair, to "Vote for" buttons and an
original song called "Songs Of Freedom" by musician Matt White. Vote for
______." t-shirts will be available for purchase on gap.com/votefor on Oct.
15, and in stores nationwide beginning Oct. 23 through Election Day on Nov.
4, while supplies last.
"For nearly 40 years, self expression and individuality have been an
integral part of the heart and soul of Gap," said Ivy Ross, executive vice
president of Gap Marketing. "With this historic election upon us, we wanted
to provide Americans with a platform to voice their opinions."
As part of the campaign, Gap has enlisted the support of political
activist and American TV and film icon Norman Lear who founded Declare
Yourself, a nonpartisan campaign aiming to empower every eligible American
to register to vote. Norman participated in the Gap "Vote for" campaign by
creating his own Webisode about how every single vote counts. Furthermore,
Gap has selected 70 everyday Americans who will showcase their passions via
their "Vote for ______." t-shirts featured in Gap store windows across the
country Oct. 23 through Nov. 4.
How Voters Can Participate in "Vote for":
Hear what Thought Leaders and Celebs Vote for at gap.com/votefor:
To get voters thinking about what they "Vote for," Gap enlisted the
help of 10 personalities and thought-leaders to create their own 'Vote for"
videos at gap.com/votefor. Participants include Bill Maher, Norman Lear,
Cameron Sinclair, Perez Hilton, Mark Cuban, Olivia Munn, Kristen Bell, The
Cool Kids, John Picard and Minka Kelly who "Vote for" a range of passions
from "Imagining New Energy" to "BBQ." Voters can embed their favorite
videos on personal blogs and other websites.
"Songs Of Freedom" by Matt White:
Singer/songwriter Matt White designed his own "Vote for Love." t-shirt,
inspired by his single "Love" off his debut album 'Best Days,' which he
wore throughout his summer tour and in his new music video, "Love."
Motivated by his t-shirt and the "Vote for" campaign, Matt collaborated
with Gap on a song called "Songs Of Freedom," which is all about expressing
yourself. The song, inspired by people in the past who have put a stake in
the ground by saying things that incite thought and conversation, can be
heard in Gap stores nationwide, on gap.com/votefor, declareyourself.com,
mattwhitemusic.com and is available on iTunes. Fans can view
behind-the-scenes footage of Matt White writing and recording "Songs Of
Freedom" at gap.com/votefor.
Visit Facebook to Voice Your Passions with Flair and Join Gap's Fan
Page:
To show friends what you stand for, Gap has created 300 unique Facebook
"Vote for" buttons that can be added to your profile or sent to friends.
Facebookers can access the gallery of buttons at gap.com/votefor,
Facebook's Pieces of Flair application or Gap's Facebook Fan Page.
Additionally, people can join Gap's Facebook Fan Page where they can catch
exclusive behind-the- scenes footage from the celebrity "Vote for" shoots,
hear about upcoming Matt White events and receive a special promotional
offer for 15 percent off any purchase at Gap.
Purchase Exclusive Artist Buttons:
Gap has enlisted 10 renowned artists including Fab5Freddy, John
Baldessari, Adam Pendleton, Kara Walker, Nate Lowman, John Waters, Deborah
Kass, Assume Vivid Astro Focus, Laurie Simmons and Sean Landers to express
themselves by designing a limited edition "Vote for" button. Beginning Oct.
23, customers can purchase the limited edition buttons in select stores
nationwide for $5 each with $1 from every purchase donated to Declare
Yourself. Starting Oct. 23, Gap will be auctioning off an exclusive set of
the 10 limited edition buttons autographed by the artists on eBay. All
proceeds from the auction will benefit Declare Yourself.
Visit the Gap Concept Store on NYC's 5th Avenue:
From Oct. 24 through Nov. 4, Gap's New York City concept store, next to
its flagship store at 54th & 5th Ave, will give Americans a chance to
express themselves in a voting booth of a different kind. Visitors to the
store can purchase and create their own personalized "Vote for" t-shirt
with Gap's whimsical t-shirt generator. After casting their vote on how to
fill in the blank including color choice, font and "campaign theme song,"
guests can watch as their blank "Vote for" t-shirt enters the generator and
undergoes a self-expression makeover by a series of robots with their
campaign theme song blasting in the background. Additionally, "Vote for"
t-shirts inspired by the thought leaders and celebrities featured on
gap.com/votefor, including Bill Maher, Norman Lear, Cameron Sinclair, Perez
Hilton, Mark Cuban, Olivia Munn, Kristen Bell, The Cool Kids, John Picard
and Minka Kelly will be on display.
Visit http://www.gap.com/votefor to voice what you're passionate about today.
About Gap Inc.
Gap Inc. is a leading global specialty retailer offering clothing,
accessories and personal care products for men, women, children and babies
under the Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Piperlime and Athleta brand
names. Fiscal 2007 sales were $15.8 billion. Gap Inc. operates more than
3,100 stores in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France,
Japan and Ireland. In addition, Gap Inc. is expanding its international
presence with franchise agreements in Asia, Europe, Latin America and the
Middle East. For more information, please visit gapinc.com.
