UNIQLO is UNIQUE. GAP is GENERAL.

Gap is like a common infectious disease; http://www.gap.com/.

New styles remain "new" only for a split second before every other person on the block seems to have already purchased it. The simplicity of the blue, square logo is universal but when traveling overseas, the label is instantly recognized as "the American clothing line'. Hence its huge success in Asia, where anything American is worth purchasing and striving for. In a society that encourages individuality, it is quite embarrassing to see three other girls in class wearing the same sweat shirt with the same logo.

UNIQLO is similar to the Gap in their production of everyday basics and simple designs. A clothing brand from Japan that has recently gained international success for their affordability, quality, and versatility of their clothing, UNIQLO may as well be dubbed as the new Gap; http://www.uniqlo.com/us/. Despite the similarities, the target customers of the two companies are different.

The design of the two company`s websites show the two brand`s character. The use of blues and greys on Gap`s website evoke coolness and a sense of maturity and conformity. Compared to the web design of UNIQLO, Gap`s website may be easier to navigate for shoppers for its basic layout with a large photo in the middle to catch the viewers eye. It is basic in the sense that there is nothing edgy or exciting about it; the brand is mainly marketed for the mature adult audience. It is the design label for grown ups.

For the young and restless college student however, Gap may be a little too boring for our highly imaginative minds. Although the brand offers basic clothing styles like T-shirts and work pants, it offers viewers a wide variety of different styles that is accessible to everyone from the urban hipster to the casual nerd. Both pages use similar fonts with little variation in color. And yet UNIQLO`s site seems so much more exciting and inspiring for the fashion forward. Their website is also much more simpler than Gap because it lacks the excessive lines, blocks, and extreme bold letters, allowing them to put more emphasis on their clothing.

Another important point that is less design-related is that Gap has the word "SALE" posted in almost every corner of their site. It makes one wonder whether Gap is trying to market their clothing or their "sales" pitch.

And although UNIQLO`s website is less structured and organized compared to GAP, I like it that way. The more fun, chaotic, and crazier the better. I can figure my way out and create a look that is truly my own.