Here comes the sun By Stef Cabal Philippine Daily Inquirer First Posted 23:44:00 10/02/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Echoing "optimism" with yummy sugary hues, Gap's Spring-Summer 2009 collection debuted during New York Fashion Week in Exit Art gallery near midtown Manhattan, within walking distance of the posh district of Chelsea.
The gallery's bare space was transformed into a seductively stylish venue, but still reinforcing what is essentially Gap: very chic and relaxed. An oval-shaped catwalk was in the center, with an army of statuesque models. Bright lights illuminated the space and complemented the whitewashed walls. Ambient music of summery-feel completed the mood, making one dream of sweet summer escapes and languid days.
A bevy of fashion-savvy individuals crowded around and raved over Patrick Robinson's innovative collection for Gap, which had yummy sugary hues of sherbet-from raspberry to melon, orange and lime-that seemed to jump off the runway, and, of course, white pieces that stood out on their own.
Having an optimistic outlook couldn't be more true for Robinson, dressed in crisp all-white ensemble, V-neck shirt and blazer and Gap jeans. He said, "The collection is a fun play of color. I think right now, that is what you want in life, that sense of optimism and that sense of new American casual lifestyle that feels just right."
And indeed, there's some basis for optimism as Gap has become the world's largest apparel retailer, operating more than 3,100 stores worldwide, with a whopping fiscal sales of $15.8 billion in 2007. Robinson has been the head of design for a year and four months now. He was touted by Elle's September 2008 issue as the "Megabrand Messiah," for reinventing and bringing back the relevance of Gap to the consumer market.
Reconnect with roots
Pushing Gap to reconnect with its roots is the Robinson strategy. "This is more about the muse being Gap. What is in my heart about Gap because we are in a process of really telling people of what Gap is and what Gap can be. Showing that this is an optimistic brand that has relevance. It has been part of your casual lifestyle."
He continued, "It's really playing with Gap, because Gap is bigger than me or the design team. It is such a big brand, so many people are involved with it, meaning, they [have been buying] the clothes for so long now."
Robinson heads a 51-member design team from across the globe. His expertise was developed with his various design stints for such renowned fashion houses as Paco Rabanne, Perry Ellis and Armani, a diverse background that has given him a reputation of being a fashion maverick. It's his ingenuity combined with a playful "out-of-the-box" way of thinking that has made him inject something fresh and covetable into Gap's classic pieces.
Strengths
His strengths are very much in evidence in his acclaimed first full collection for Fall-Winter 2008. "It's all about classic items redesigned for today-from a timeless trench or leather jacket, to the perfect V-neck T-shirt and pair of jeans," Robinson said.
He tapped a diverse group of style makers for fall's campaign, which showed off a strong sense of individual style, featuring actress Liv Tyler relaxing in a boyfriend's cardigan, and Clemence Poesy wearing low-rise bell-bottom pants and a tailored wool blazer. The classic V-neck was worn by novelist and screenwriter David Benioff. And who didn't take notice of the plaid surge? The '90s grunge fad has become louder than ever, thanks to Robinson: He crafted a shade of purple plaid to fit the trend today, extending the hot-selling pattern down to the scarves!
Seemingly, for his second full collection, simple utilitarian forms (breezy white summer dresses and classic trench) and traditional loose-fitting silhouettes were very apparent. This continues the brand's philosophy of relaxed casual clothing. The pieces are effortlessly wearable and won't cost an arm and a leg for the iconic classics.
The collection's defining key pieces include loose cardigans in playful sherbet colors and stripes (check out the melon-colored cardigan for the ladies-a must-have!). Lightweight blazers seem to hark back to your boyfriend's wardrobe closet. Tank tops in clashing popsicle colors are layered together. Slim rolled jeans are standouts in over 20 colors, ranging from pink to blueberry and mint. Surprisingly, Robinson explored classic blazers for men in strawberry madness and wittingly teamed them with striped V-neck shirts. He also made butter-colored hoodies for men paired with white Bermuda shorts.
There was the return of the humble khakis, which was redone in silk and cotton jersey, in the form of drawstring pajama-like pants, cuffed at the bottom. Rolled Bermuda shorts were paired with lightweight blazers for a comfy preppy, jet-set look.
Accessories include colored thin belts, floppy fisherman's hats, striped scarves and the limited-edition platform sandals by Pierre Hardy in orange, green and watermelon colors.
Favorite pieces
But the pieces that can surely make one smile and whistle to the Beatles' "Here Comes the Sun" are the sexy, color-loaded monokis and bandeaus-Robinson's favorite pieces from the collection.
"It's time that you get rid of all the heavy clothes," Robinson said. "It's all about being light... the lightness of one's being, of being nonchalant and carefree. Of having a sense of ease!"
He continued, "This is the Gap way: bright colors, clean cut and clean pattern. Happy... Comfortable... as we are all dreaming of summer and fun!" And these are what make Gap the perfect antidote for fashion boredom.
Stef Cabal is the editor of YOU magazine.
Gap is exclusively distributed in the Philippines by Casual Clothing Specialists Inc., member of the Rustan Group of Companies, with branches at Glorietta 4, TriNoma, Mall of Asia, Shangri-La Plaza, Bonifacio High Street, Midtown Robinsons Place Manila and Alabang Town Center
Copyright 2008 Philippine Daily Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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