Just days before New York Fashion Week is due to kick off, the news has dropped that Gap Inc. have signed Zac Posen as executive vice president and creative director. The American designer who shuttered his namesake label back in 2019, is perhaps best known for red carpet dressing. Posen will ultimately oversee design across Gap Inc’s four brands: Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and Old Navy.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Zac Posen, one of America’s most celebrated designers, at the onset of an exciting new chapter for Gap Inc. His technical expertise and cultural clarity have consistently evolved American fashion, making him a great fit for the company as we ignite a new culture of creativity across the portfolio and reinvigorate our storied brands,” said Richard Dickson, President and CEO of Gap Inc.
Read below the reactions of theFashionSpot’s forum members:
“Looks like Gap is desperate to reclaim their classic all-American past image again…” [Phuel]
“I think Gap has been doing fairly well, recently. Not sure why/if this is necessary.” [KoV]
“Doesn’t Gap only sell things like bland jeans and t-shirts? What’s the point of having a creative director?” [Tchi]
“This must be THE worst business decision ever.” [90sFan]
“Gap is such a basics-oriented brand, the last thing it needed was to infuse that with too much over-complicated and ambitioned design, that would only alienate that customer. Christophe Lemaire’s or Jil Sander’s work for Uniqlo can serve as an example as to how a happy marriage of fashion and quality staples can look like, delivering a product that is honest at that price range.” [tricotineacetat]
“Nothing about this makes sense. Phillip Lim would have been perfect for the job! I don’t expect success out of this to be honest.” [Lola701}
Share your own thoughts as Zac Posen becoming creative director of Gap Inc, here.
