More than the clothes we create, Gap Inc. is defined by its people. Our dedicated, eclectic, passionate culture is driven by pros, with personality. Say hello, get to know us, and take a closer look at what (and who) we're made of. Meet some of the many people who make Gap Inc. great. #WeAreGapInc
When asked about his personal style, Tetsuya O'Hara started our chat with warmth and wisdom (as is his way). “A zen master would say, 'the more you know, the less you need,'" he said with smiling eyes, and you'd be hard-pressed to find another phrase that sums up Tetsuya's approach to just about everything in life, including personal style. But his minimalism is combined with an extraordinary energy to constantly think outside of any proverbial box, which is one of the reasons we're so happy to have him on board leading our new technical innovation center, created to drive leading-edge advancements in areas such as product innovation and sustainability. (His actual title is VP of Innovation at Gap Inc.) Read on for more of Tetsuya's nuggets of wisdom, find out about the adventures some of his clothes have been on, and hear about the time he met the person who changed his life forever.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR GAP INC.?
Build a real competitive advantage by implementing the game changing innovation for all of our brands in our portfolio: all the way from value to premium.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
Nature! People are part of nature. So when I'm in nature, I feel like I've come back... I feel like I'm home, my real home.
STYLE PERSONALITY:
Zen Simplicity
GO-TO OUTFIT:
Always includes Gap's 4-way stretch jeans.
LAST PURCHASE:
BR Todd & Duncan Cashmere Sweater
WHAT YOU'VE LEARNED FROM CUSTOMERS
Often times, customers may not know what they're looking for. It's our job to inspire them, and address their needs (especially the ones they may not know they have).
FAVORITE GAP INC. MOMENT
When Sharon Stone wore a Gap turtleneck to the Oscars in 1996.
FIRST JOB
Sailcloth R&D engineer at Teijin Limited Japan back in 1985.
EPIPHANY MOMENT
When I first met Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, in 1993. He showed me how important it is to have a lifelong goal guiding you, and how it's absolutely possible to have a successful, mission-driven business.
ALWAYS PUTS YOU IN A GOOD MOOD
Snow, waves, and wind.
THEME SONG
"Fantasy" by Miles Davis.
SOMETHING PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU?
I recently started learning MMA.
WHAT DOES INNOVATION MEAN TO YOU?
Change the world for the better.
Discover more #WeAreGapInc profiles.
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