Ellen DeGeneres, Gap Kids Clothing Line Seeking to Help Kids Be 'Authentic' Selves
Ellen DeGeneres is hoping her new clothing line with Gap Kids will give more kids the chance to be their "authentic" selves, an opportunity she never had.
The famed talk show host officially launched the collaborative new line last month, and she is hoping it will make a difference in the lives of many.
"When I was growing up I didn't have a lot of choices, as most kids don't," DeGeneres told Mashable. "It really starts when you're young. It starts when you're able to express yourself..."
As a child, DeGeneres remembers regularly having to "wear dresses, pinks and a lot of 'girly' things" that simply didn't fit her style. DeGeneres added that, in more or less forcing her to wear the clothes, her mother was simply following protocol on how girls were expected to dress.
With Gap Kids x ED, DeGeneres' vision is about allowing kids to wear whatever they want and express themselves. The line also strives to empower girls to "embrace" what makes them different.
"It's really important to dress in a way that is you, and these clothes that we have designed together are very unique and very powerful and very different," she said.
Besides DeGeneres, other influencers such as Hilary Duff, Victoria Justice and Nikki Reed, have joined the crusade and will be hashtagging "heyworld" on social media for young people either seeking advice or encouragement.
"I'm a comedian, I'm funny some of the time, but I'm not funny all of the time," said DeGeneres in hinting why more kids may need an outlet to further express themselves. "I'm definitely sad sometimes. I have my days when I'm down, and my days when the world is overwhelming and sad things happen."
One of the main themes of the clothing collection involves speech bubbles, which encourages younger people to fill in what they want to express on the various web platforms associated with the line. DeGeneres recently posted pics of herself on Instagram posing with several young people.
"Ellen represents an American icon with a commitment to individuality," said Tricia Nichols, global lead of consumer engagement and partnerships for Gap. Nichols added ED by Ellen is all about "being allowed to be the individual you are."
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