Gap Kids x Ellen = Girl Empowerment

GapKids X ED = Girl Empowerment

'Girl Empowerment' - sounds new, doesn't it? The more commonly used term is 'Woman Empowerment' -- but by now we should all know that anything Ellen DeGeneres is far from common. In "a collaboration between two American style icons,” according to Gap Global President, Jeff Kirwan, the clothing giant has partnered with the media icon to launch a line of wardrobe staples aiming to engage the world in meaningful dialogue, to celebrate the individuality of young girls and foster positivity and encouragement among them.

"I know from my own experience that nothing makes you feel better than being who you are and celebrating what makes you unique. I think if we shine a light on real girls doing incredible things, that’ll encourage other girls and boys to do incredible things,” says DeGeneres.

What these 7 young girls have already achieved may just surprise you.

Meet the GapKids X ED girl heroes from the Philippines, whose gold medals, tourney trophies, art exhibits, and beaming parents show that size has nothing to do with greatness.

Mia, top gymnast

This little lady certainly packs a punch. Last year, she brought home the gold medal at the 2014 Philippines Cup and the Prime Cup in Singapore. Here, she wears the hoodie with patches including a heart with the word "LOVE” in it, and a star that definitely befits her. What makes her happy? When her friends and family cheer her on in tournaments. Awww.. she definitely wins our hearts.

Martine, softball player

Martine is a Catcher of Asia Pacific Team 2015, Little League Softball World Series, and part of the PH team that competed in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Girl’s Fast-Pitch Softball Regional Tournament in Guam. She wears the #heyworld top, which proudly displays the campaign’s rally cry for positive social engagement. The hashtag is meant to be followed by a name – such as a girl’s friend, parent, or mentor – and words of encouragement, effectively widening her support circle.

Amanda, painter

Don’t let her size fool you. Little Amanda has a huge amount of talent and has already exhibited her works of art at a group show in LRI Design Plaza. Even bigger than her talent though, is her heart. When asked what inspires her to paint, she’s quick to share her love for nature and how she just wants to capture its colors and its beauty on canvas.

Maxine, painter

Maxine’s intricate paintings of everyday objects and scenery would leave your jaw hanging when you see the artist behind them. Here, she wears the GapKids X ED shirt with iconographies in neon, such as the speech bubble that the campaign features as a symbol of unique self-expression. Maxine has shown us that you don’t even need words to fill in that speech bubble – her works of art have said so much about the extraordinary potential that is locked inside every little girl, and the beauty that pours forth from unleashing it.

Annyka, international golfer

Annyka’s star is shining bright in the international golfing scene, winning last year’s Future Champions of Golf International Junior Golf Championships in San Diego, California. Words such as "respect”, "happy”, and "support” are written on her shirt – and we certainly feel all of that for her.

Yana, tennis player

Proud of her competitive streak, Yana shares that her passion for sports is what sets her apart. While other girls her age are into arts, she trains hard to become better at her sport. Her commitment, determination, and drive to succeed at such a young age could definitely teach adults a thing or two about what really comprises a winning attitude.

Rocio, model/photographer

This young master-lenswoman-in-the-making actually started out in front of the camera as a model. She wanted to see what it would be like behind it, and has since fallen in love with photography. "It makes me feel free,” she shares. So wait, let’s get that right -- 2 careers while still in school? Now that’s an early start.

Can you do the math?

So what do you get when you use these girls’ magic formula?

THIS.

The world sees something truly extraordinary.

The GapKids X ED collection is available at Gap Shangri-La Plaza and Central Square, Bonifacio High Street. Learn more about the campaign on gap.com

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Written by

Dazzle Ng Sy

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