The designer-for-chainstore collaboration concept seems to be having a (somewhat premature) revival. Not that it ever went away – but that it’s had a burst of new-found vigor. First Lanvin for H&M hit stores; now it’s the Emperor himself Valentino with a collection for GAP.
The idea is the same. A lower-quality, mass produced take on designer items bringing them to a wider consumer base. Yet Valentino’s collection feels a little different. We’ve not seen the dumbed-down versions of Valentino’s sweeping evening gowns that we might have expected. Rather it’s a fresh approach of using staple GAP elements like heavyweight cotton in kahki and army green, cargo pants, parkas and cotton basics – but reinterpreted with Valentino’s signature ruffles.
The end result is yet more of the military trend; but at that a fresh, feminine take that can be used to extend the trend’s lifespan a little longer.
Visit GAP.
