Gap has launched a new denim collection that reinterprets its classic styles through the creative vision of five up-and-coming designers. This collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row, which has been nurturing emerging talent since 2019, aims to bring fresh perspectives to Gap’s beloved denim offerings. The collection will be available for purchase starting at 12 p.m. EST on February 13, 2026.
Mark Breitbard, Gap’s President and CEO, emphasized the importance of dialogue in fostering this partnership. According to Brandice Daniel, the founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row, the collaboration has always centered on listening and building together. “The goal was dialogue. That spirit of listening and building together has carried the partnership forward ever since,” Daniel stated.
Reimagining Denim Through Cultural Narratives
The 20-piece collection showcases Gap’s denim essentials, creatively reimagined by designers Daveed Baptiste, LaTouché, Waina Chancy, Igdaliah Pickering, and Nicole Benefield. Each designer has a personal history with Gap, having worn the brand throughout their lives. This connection adds depth to the collection, allowing them to tell unique stories through denim. Daniel explains, “We take pieces people already live in and ask what happens when designers of color tell the story instead.”
The collection features symbolic elements that elevate the denim items into works of art. For instance, Baptiste describes the denim polo shirt, which incorporates multiple shades of indigo to reflect the movement of the ocean. “We layered multiple shades of indigo to create a rich spectrum of blues, mimicking the depth and movement of the sea,” he noted. Similarly, Pickering drew inspiration from oceanic hues, stating, “The sea really guided the overall feeling of the color.”
Innovative Designs and Artistic Influences
The designers have pushed boundaries with their interpretations of traditional garments. LaTouché focused on architectural dimensions, stating, “We re-engineered classic pieces with unexpected seaming, curved lines, and exaggerated proportions to trace and celebrate the body’s movement.” Chancy incorporated colors that resonate with her Haitian heritage, aiming to evoke joyful memories through her fabric choices.
Benefield highlighted how her signature style evolved within this collection. “The strong shoulders I’m known for were relaxed, and the exaggerated tapered pants I love have evolved into a soft barrel leg,” she explained. The collaboration merges distinct perspectives on modern denim, creating a balance that reflects the cultural backgrounds of the designers involved.
Pricing for the collection ranges from $98 to $148, making it accessible while retaining the quality associated with Gap. Daniel expressed her hope that collaborations like this will inspire future generations to embrace their unique perspectives. “My hope is that collaborations like this show the next generation that their perspective is not something to minimize. It is the value,” she stated.
As anticipation builds for the collection’s launch, Gap and Harlem’s Fashion Row are set to redefine denim fashion, showcasing how one material can tell diverse stories across cultures and borders.
