About GiGi...

Betty “GiGi” Polakoff is the mother of two daughters; Penny and Barbara, three grandchildren; Jonathan, Michael and Jennifer and one great-grandson; M.J. When Betty first became a grandmother, she often referred to herself as “G”so that the kids wouldn’t struggle with the word “grandma.” When her great-grandson came into this world, the name “GiGi” was born just for him.

At 85 years young GiGi has accomplished everything in life she originally set out to do: raise a family, have a career in fashion, volunteer and most importantly – help others.

Her roots in fashion started early.  For 20 years GiGi was a buyer and saleswoman for Hensel Gowns, an exclusive women’s dress shop in downtown Philadelphia. Once retired from the world of high-end fashion, she moved into the sporting realm. The next 22 years of her life were dedicated once again to buying, this time for Polly Brothers, a chain of 18 sporting good stores in the Philadelphia/South Jersey region. Here GiGi specialized in ski, tennis and swim wear.

Finally, after 42 years of buying and merchandising GiGi retired and turned her efforts toward the EXPRESS store. Here GiGi worked until she was 78 as a sales associate and built a loyal fan base.

GiGi Polakoff is a creative genius – a woman who has dedicated her life to fashion, her family and now to honoring the memory of her late husband, Marvin.