Patrick Robinson

In January, Gap announced it would scrap the role of creative director, and with it, the job of Rebekka Bay. It was, frankly, a bummer for anyone nostalgic for the days when Gap was a source for true basics: trend-proof pocket tees, blue jeans, cotton sweaters, and even, yes, khakis. Bay, who came to Gap in 2007 from the H&M-owned label Cos, had vowed to restore the retailer to its clean, casual heyday. But, as Lauren Sherman pointed out at Fashionista, Gap's merchandising structure has muddied the creative direction of leaders such as Bay in the stores.

Gap said Chief Design Director Patrick Robinson is leaving the company effective immediately. Robinson had been executive vice president of Gap global design for adult and body for four years. The company said it will conduct a search for a successor.

SAN FRANCISCO - Clothing store chain Gap Inc. said Thursday that its revenue at stores open at least a year rose 8 percent in April, as shoppers purchased Easter and spring outfits. The news came as Gap said Patrick Robinson, the design director for its namesake brand, is leaving the company effective immediately. Analysts expected a 0.8 percent decline, according to Thomson Reuters. Gap, based in San Francisco, expects net income in the first quarter of 38 cents to 39 cents per share. Analysts expect net income of 40 cents per share, according to FactSet. Revenue in stores open