Tomorrow begins the second of Gap's design editions, a collection of white shirts, dresses, and tanks designed by Phillip Lim, Michael Bastian, Band of Outsiders, and Threeasfour. There will also be some jewelry, designed by Phillip Crangi.
Strangely enough, there is no information to be found on Gap's website. Unfortunately, as with many designer collaborations with low-priced retailers, the results tend to be disappointing. Gap's last design edition project, with Thakoon, Doo.Ri, and Rodarte, produced a collection of ill-fitting, unexciting white dresses that looked a little unfortunate lumped together on a relatively innocuous rack. Perhaps a simple white shirt is a better starting point for this particular type of collaboration.
Gap's practice of using top models in their ads is an obvious attempt to lure shoppers into their stores, but their consistently drooping sales begs the question- there must be something wrong with the clothes. Still, the lure of a designer name can be enough to increase traffic and sales temporarily. But I wonder if these designers, popular among fashion insiders, but still relatively unknown to the buying public, will be the shot of fashion credibility Gap is desperately seeking in the age of H&M and Forever 21.
I hate to admit this...but I kind of really want her jeans. She looks like a total mess, but her jeans are HOT!! I imagine them being worn with a grey leather jacket by Haider Ackermann and some amazing Pierre Hardy shoes. Work it out!!!
What exactly does one wear with something so elaborately designed? If there is no snow leopard coat or embroidered velvet gown languishing in your closet, I suggest taking them completely out of context and wearing the Victorian boots with a skinny jean and an old tshirt. The Faberge-esque egg bag would look amazing with casual ensemble as well, adding a whimsical, unexpected touch to something otherwise innocuous. The fur bag begs for a huge hand-knit sweater in charcoal grey, with the handle carelessly tossed over one shoulder.
