All Images: Courtesy of Gap
T-minus-two months to go until Edward Enninful takes the reigns at British Vogue, and in the meantime, the W creative and fashion director is keeping busy. Most recently, the Ghanaian-born fashion editor donned his G-A-P-emblazoned director’s cap for a certain American heritage brand. The industry icon cast, styled and directed Gap’s newest ad, an homage to the eternal wardrobe staple that is the basic white tee.
Gap is well aware that its classic 90s pieces have reentered the spotlight, albeit with a 2017 twist. In the ad, dubbed “Bridging the Gap,” a diverse cast of individuals shows how they wear their plain white topper whilst singing along to Boney M.’s “Sunny” and dancing to the beat of their own proverbial drum.
[ Diversity Report: One Step Forward, Two Steps Back for Spring 2017 Ads ]
“I love the optimistic American style that Gap celebrates and the simplicity of the basic white T-shirt that allows you to be yourself,” said Enninful of the project. “Growing up, I loved the imagery I saw from America as it celebrated being the land of the free and home of the brave. This project is about authenticity and people living their truths.”
Per usual, Enninful put on his people. The cast includes many a frequent Enninful collaborator, along with others he admires and champions. The ad stars actresses Priyanka Chopra and Yara Shahidi, rapper Wiz Khalifa, champion fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, model and actress Christie Brinkley, Broadway star Jonathan Groff and models Alek Wek, Maria Borges, Adwoa Aboah, Ellen Rosa, Fernanda Ly, Jasmine Sanders, Lineisy Montero and Casil McArthur.
“It takes a lot of courage to be the person you want to be. I am ‘Bridging the Gap’ by living my truth. I am not going to hide myself from the world,” affirmed McArthur, one of the four transgender models to walk in Marc Jacobs’ Fall 2017 show.
It’s important to note that, while the ad features models of various ages, races and gender identities, it fails to deliver on the size diversity front. Still, “Bridging the Gap” is a strong effort from two longtime diversity champs.
Click through the gallery above to view the campaign images and scroll down to watch the campaign film and behind-the-scenes footage.
