"...A duality that could be either girly and pretty or androgynous in an Oliver Twist goes to a Nirvana concert sort of way. But will customers, especially those who look to Gap for jeans and T-shirts, get it?" - Eric Wilson, on Patrick Robinson's new designs for Gap in The New York Times.
Aug 21, 2008 @ 11:40am
2
posted by DC Goodwill Fashionista
Aug 21, 2008 12:13PM
Gap customer to Patrick Robinson: "Please sir, I want some more." -the DCGF
3
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 12:19PM
I hardly notice a difference -- I keep waiting for Gap to show some new, more innovative designs, and instead I'm left wondering if Patrick has showcased his work yet. If the "new" Gap is already on display, I didn't notice it because it resembles the "old" Gap. (Disclaimer: I did just buy the tiered skirt and a ruffled top from Gap -- so maybe the designs are *slightly* better, but not the major turnaround I expected.)
The whole Gap company is so muddy these days -- I see BR, Gap and Old Navy clothes all resembling each other, even same fabric colors, and it just seems to me that they're recycling patterns and fabrics. It's all becoming one gigantic mish-mash of a brand rather than three distinct clothing stores.
4
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 12:36PM
The fall/winter collection for Gap is the best its been in years.
I am really excited for it to go on sale and buy up all the cute winterwear. I already picked up on of the limited production bags because I knew they weren't going to ever make it to sale.
Either way, I don't think people give Gap enough credit. Sure its got the typical mall store clients (and employees), but its great for basics and modern, simple pieces.
6
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 1:14PM
I agree with #3--there's nothing that interesting in Patrick Robinson's collection. Much of it is styling and there is way too much plaid. I liked the European collection far better and wish they'd hired that team not Robinson. I loved the Roland Mouret for Gap too--that line was just poorly marketed.
I agree the gap's quality can be good for the price, although its sweaters and coats are too scratchy.
7
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 2:37PM
I think the clothes in the ads look like the same Gap we have all seen, just taken to a whole new higher level...but i am always disappointed when i actually go into the store to try items on and they are the same blah, poor quality as before...sweaters that ball up and lose shape and pill immediately, scratchy materials, cheap rivets and pulls...i so WANT to love them, but they always seem to disappoint.
as someone who works alongside old navy, it is sad to see them struggling for an identity...they cannot compete with the fashion forward H&Ms and Zaras and are so confused as to how to align themselves that i don't see how the trio of chains can weather it all...(with the exception perhaps of BR).
9
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 6:17PM
#3 and #6 -- I was at the mall just two days ago and thought the exact same thing. I get excited when I see the ads -- the styling is not at all mall-store. But then I go to the store and it's the same filtered-to-blandness tank tops and jeans that are the same as but $30 more than they were years ago. Maybe the good stuff hasn't come yet ... ?
10
posted by bastylefilegirl
Aug 21, 2008 6:50PM
I do have to say the over all look of The Gap has changed, but alot of that is the ads and styling which make the clothes look a lot better than what they are. I still am going to stick to my shopping at The Gap rule...which is never buy anything from The Gap unless it's on sale. Seriously I'm not going to full price for a mass produced product that I'm probably going to see someone else wearing at some point.
11
posted by bastylefilegirl
Aug 21, 2008 6:55PM
One more thing the lay out of the stores is really bad, If they are trying to upgrade the look to the level of the Ads/Styling then they need to upgrade the stores. First off a table full of once folded tanks or v neck tee's = BAD. Bright white walls and light wood = Not like your ads so why should I buy
Poorly displayed sale racks = why should I bother I'm going to Abercrombie lol ahahaha
12
posted by Lauren
Aug 22, 2008 9:44AM
The clothes are great. But here are two points Eric Wilson is missing:
1. (regarding the highlighted quote: But will customers, especially those who look to Gap for jeans and T-shirts, get it?) No one looks to the Gap for anything anymore! They needed to make a change or less and less people would continue to buy.
--When was the last time you bought something full-price at the Gap? I just picked up the Pierre Hardy platforms for $23. There is a ton of stuff I want right now, but I'd rather buy it on sale and spend the rest of that money on one of Jane Mayle's final pieces or a Peter Jensen dress. Because I KNOW it's going to go on sale. Until people get used to buying things full-price at the Gap, they're screwed.
posted by guest
Aug 21, 2008 12:05PM
i really hope so. patrick has done wonders for gap, which used to be dull, boring and bland.