Gap has unveiled its new premium line, GapStudio, featuring elevated basics designed by Zac Posen. The launch coincides with contemporary fashion trends and the debut of Meghan Markle’s podcast.
Gap has launched its new premium line, named GapStudio, in the UK on April 8, 2024. The collection, featuring a range of ‘elevated basics,’ was designed by Zac Posen, the brand’s recently appointed creative director. Among the offerings are silk slip dresses, tailored shirts, and pleated macs, with the collection including three different colorways of the so-called ‘Anne Hathaway’ dress—named after the custom shirtdress Posen designed for actress Anne Hathaway for a Bvlgari event last year.
GapStudio is characterized by its alignment with contemporary fashion trends, specifically echoing the wardrobe of Meghan, Duchess of Sussex. The collection’s timing has garnered additional attention, coinciding with the debut of Meghan’s podcast, “Confessions of a Female Founder,” released on the same day.
Zac Posen, who took the helm as creative director in February 2024, is known for his work with high-profile celebrities on the red carpet. Hathaway praised Posen’s designs, stating, “He himself is so glamorous, but in a way that feels very innate and casual… that’s how the dress made me feel: very light and very glamorous,” as she reflected on the custom Gap shirtdress. Posen’s resume includes dressing other stars, such as Cynthia Erivo at the CFDA Fashion Awards and Demi Moore at the San Francisco Film Awards.
Since his arrival at Gap, Posen has aimed to reposition the brand, transforming it from a traditional preppy American store into a modern clothing label that can stand alongside high-fashion offerings. With GapStudio, he positions the collection as a more style-centric alternative to the brand’s basic range, comparing it to the relationship between Massimo Dutti and Zara or Cos and H&M.
Prices within the GapStudio collection reflect its elevated quality, ranging from £50 for a vest to £225 for a trench coat. Posen shared insights about the creative process taking place at Gap’s New York headquarters, describing a newly established creative studio where he has designed looks for the red carpet and plans to collaborate with innovative talent moving forward. He stated, “GapStudio Collection 01 reflects that vision – blending tailoring with innovative denim treatments that sculpt and refine the fabric in new ways. This is just the beginning.”
The introduction of GapStudio marks a significant shift for the retailer, aiming to capture a more fashion-forward audience and enhance its standing in the competitive landscape of premium clothing lines.
Source: Noah Wire Services
