On April 17 the Gap introduced a new limited edition collection for women, designed exclusively for the Gap by Doo-Ri, Rodarte and Thakoon-three emerging design labels. The collection, simply called Gap Design Editions, is part of Gap's recently announced partnership with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund (CVFF), an initiative established to support and encourage new American design talent.
Each designer created three unique interpretations of the classic white shirt -- an iconic item that helped to position Gap as the place to shop for stylish variations of the basics 35 years ago. The collection is available in flagship and top Gap adult stores in the US, Canada, UK and Japan and online in the US at www.Gap.com. Items range in price from $68 to $88.
Designer Doo-Ri Chung, winner of the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition, attended Parsons School of Design. Before her days in the spotlight, Chung spent her days working out of the basement of her parents' New Jersey dry-cleaning store. Today, her celebrity following includes Eva Longoria and Chloe Sevigny. Doo-Ri's collection for Gap reflects her smart, clean design aesthetic, and includes a feminine shirt with a scarf drape at the neck ($68); a tailored camp shirt ($68); and a flowing, belted shirtdress ($88).
Sisters Kate and Laura Mulleavy are the creative team behind Rodarte. After deciding to pursue fashion while attending the University of California, Berkeley, they produced their first collection for fall 2005. Raised in Northern California, surrounded by redwood trees, the relationship they witnessed between trees and shadows has greatly influenced their work today. They've won an Ecco Domani award and were recognized as a runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Fashion icons like Cate Blanchett and Zooey Deschanel call themselves fans.
Reflecting Rodarte's trademark whimsy and self-proclaimed obsession with bows, their collection for Gap features a sleeveless blouse adorned with bows around the neckline ($78); a trapeze sleeveless top ($68); and a trapeze mini-dress with front pockets and bow detail ($88).
Born in Thailand and raised in Omaha, Neb., Thakoon Panichgul's playful designs are charmed with sweet, offbeat details while embodying elements of classic American sportswear. He received his formal fashion education from Parsons School of Design, produced his first collection for fall 2004, and was runner-up in the 2006 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund competition. Thakoon's pretty and witty design aesthetic has helped him develop a loyal celebrity fan base of fashion trendsetters including Rachel Bilson, Amanda Peet and Demi Moore.
Featuring a tie-neck blouse with puffed sleeves ($88), a belted shirtdress with puffed sleeves ($88), and a shirtdress with ruffle detail at the waist ($88),Thakoon's collection for Gap will help bring his style and sensibility to everyday consumers.
Okay, so the clothes are nice. But is that the point? I'm on the fence here. I've maintained that the Gap really needs to get back to what made them successful in the first place. They really need to start giving customers what they want and stop trying to reinvent themselves over and over again, emulating fast-fashion retailers like H&M and Target (just stop already!). On the other hand, why shouldn't they use what's left of their corporate clout to help gain exposure for emerging designers? I sort of like that they had the designers create variations of the basic white shirt instead of creating mock couture numbers that don't appeal to a mass audience. I mean, the Gap earned its stripes by providing the building blocks for classic and timeless wardrobes. So maybe they hit the jackpot with this move. It's about time, they've been playing different hands for far too long.
I don’t know about you but I am ready for Spring in a big way. And there’s nothing that makes me feel happier than sunshine and bright colors. The it color for Spring ’08 is cobalt blue. You’ll see it on handbags, tops, dresses, skirts and shoes. If it’s blue, it’s hot … or cool?
