Summer Style: Filling The Gap

By Staff in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 16, 2014 3:45PM

In its heyday, Gap defined (and purveyed) the American uniform. It was where we all went for something—for jeans, for tees, for khakis and easy dresses. So many of us loved their trenches and peacoats—those timeless yet modern pieces that made us feel sort of timeless yet modern, too. In a word: Gap held a mastery over the ageless, seasonless pieces that anchor our wardrobe. They made getting dressed easy, if not enjoyable.

But somewhere between then and now, before the formula for "fast fashion" (J.Crew, Zara, Joe Fresh) had been mastered, Gap lost its legs. That cool, classic sensibility went missing for years, even after they called in new creative direction more than once.

Now, new Creative Director Rebekka Bay is wiping the slate clean by returning to where it all began. A Nordic designer with a penchant for the pared-down, Hall has been at the helm since 2013, bringing a fresh take that aligns with Gap's original DNA, but also breaking the old Gap code—less brights, less trend-chasing, more menswear inspiration.

Her latest collection recalls what the brand does best: clean cuts, heritage influence and a modern nudge. These pieces contain carefully chosen strokes of what's ultra-current, too—perforated panel tops (big on last year's runways), eyelet sweatshirts, chic skimmer pants and draped jackets as capes.

We're especially taken with their white-on-white-on-white capsule—a layer-happy approach to summer dressing that's more or less fool-proof. Makes us want to fall (back) into the Gap.

By: Claire Keys