Dive Brief:
- Gap is releasing a collection of in-house vintage items from the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, selected by Gap's vintage curator, designer Sean Wotherspoon.
- The collection, which launched Tuesday, includes logo tees, shirting, shorts, denim dresses, jeans and outerwear that retail from $55 to $90, according to a statement emailed to Fashion Dive.
- The pieces in the collection were hand-sourced by Wotherspoon from thrift stores around the world and curated for the spring and summer seasons.
Dive Insight:
While several fashion companies are tapping into their archives to capitalize on the current vintage trend and inspire new collections, the Gap collaboration with Wotherspoon could drive value by bringing its vintage curation in house.
Gap is planning further projects with Wotherspoon, which will be announced later in the year, according to the statement.
“As a renowned vintage collector and lifelong Gap fan – his mother worked at a Gap store
in the '90s and he was dressed head to toe in the brand as a kid – Sean holds the Gap Vintage collection near and dear to his heart and looks forward to bringing high quality pieces back to fans of the iconic American heritage brand worldwide,” the statement reads.
Gap will sell the collection on its website and in the Grove LA Gap store.
Gap’s collaboration with Wotherspoon will also feature new items Wotherspoon is designing based on his favorite pieces, per a report from WWD, and so far he’s picked about 400 items.
Other fashion brands are seeking to bring their vintage items back to the market. American womenswear designer Ulla Johnson launched PreLoved and Ulla’s Archive earlier this year. The programs allow customers to list their pre-owned items for sale and shop from Johnson’s personal collection — including rare pieces and special items.
Luxury brands like Oscar de la Renta and Ba&sh also partnered with resale tech company Archive to develop such programs in house
