Gap and Harlem’s Fashion Row reunited for a new collaboration that celebrates denim, a fabric core to Gap’s heritage. Launching Friday, February 13, the 20-piece collection showcases the work of five designers of color – Daveed Baptiste of Daveed Baptiste, LaTouché of LaTouché, Igdaliah Pickering of Igdalyah, Waina Chancy of Atelier Ndigo, and Nicole Benefield of Nicole Benefield Portfolio – each reimagining iconic Gap denim into statement silhouettes and archive-inspired essentials that honor their distinct craft.
- Daveed Baptiste: The Brooklyn-based Haitian-American artist celebrates Caribbean culture through sculptural garments that merge art and fashion. His pieces are inspired by ocean waves, Caribbean shores, and blue sunsets, incorporating the motion of water through fluid design elements, intricate embroidery, and delicate washes.
- LaTouché: LaTouché blends fabric chemistry, masterful tailoring, and bold colors in his innovative designs. His collection pushes the boundaries of denim construction by incorporating inventive pleating, structure, and proportions, creating timeless classics through a new perspective.
- IGDALYAH: Born and raised in the Virgin Islands, Igdaliah Pickering infuses designs with the identity of Caribbean culture through surreal textiles and statement-making pieces. Her collection incorporates nods to her Caribbean background, including a custom-washed turquoise–teal denim to evoke the color of the sea.
- Atelier Ndigo: Waina Chancy’s architectural detailing creates pieces that feel like wearable art. Rooted in rich textures and patterns, her collection features feminine designs that inspire confidence. Her Haitian background inspires the collection, including the incorporation of the Choublak (Hibiscus) flower as a focal point in embroidery and button detailing.
- Nicole Benefield Portfolio: The Brooklyn-born designer redefines the modern uniform, incorporating menswear-inspired utilitarian themes and monochromatic hues. Her collection demonstrates the democratic versatility of denim, creating new essentials that elevate everyday dressing through tailored construction.
“Denim has always been central to Gap’s place in culture,” said Mark Breitbard, President & CEO of Gap brand. “This collection continues our legacy in denim by creating space for Black designers whose perspectives bring new meaning to one of fashion’s most iconic materials. It’s a reminder of why denim endures at Gap: it serves as a canvas for creativity, individuality, and self-expression.”
The campaign, shot by Ghanaian-American director & photographer Joshua Kissi, centers on denim as a universal material, highlighting the fabric as a medium for cultural storytelling. The visuals capture the unique inspirations that inform each designer’s craft while celebrating fashion’s ability to unite individual perspectives.
“Denim evolves when new voices are given the opportunity to lead,” said Brandice Daniel, CEO and Founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row. “What makes this collaboration with Gap successful is the ability for designers to authentically reinterpret an iconic brand, while Gap connects them with new audiences. The resulting collection is strong, globally relevant, and built to resonate across international markets; that’s when a partnership truly works.”