Sean Wotherspoon & GAP Present: GapVintage (EXCLUSIVE)
Sean Wotherspoon and GAP are taking their relationship to the next level, launching GapVintage, a release program overseen and curated by Wotherspoon featuring the the American fashion brand's archival hits.
GapVintage will see Wotherspoon continue what he's been doing in his GAP partnership: finding the best vintage GAP pieces and sharing these gems with worldwide Gap fans. The pairing just made it an official thing with a dedicated drop series of classics "authenticated and hand-sourced from Sean's travels," per a press release.
Through GapVintage, Wotherspoon will deliver vintage drops throughout the year, including curated selections of seasonal pieces. The first GapVintage drop, slated for February 4, will include some of Wotherspoon's all-time GAP favorites. And as with the duo's previous collections, the GapVintage program is expected to go easy on secondhand fashion lovers' pockets.
The first drop promises reasonably-priced pieces like a $90 nylon windbreaker from the '90s and a $55 classic striped pocket tee.
Ahead of GapVintage's debut drop, Wotherspoon, also GAP's Global Vintage Curator, chatted about his journey with GAP, shopping vintage, and GAP's current position as a cool-again brand.
What's the process of working with GAP like? How do you know when the pieces are right? Is it better or worse when a garment is really well-worn?
We've essentially built the process from the ground up. This is a program that has never existed before, so really, we are trying to set the standard both for ourselves as well as the industry. I work with the global and Japan teams, which has a thriving vintage market; it's been huge for us to bridge these worlds with GapVintage.
It's tough to say better or worse if something is well-worn versus lightly. My personal taste leans more towards well-worn. That being said, GAP is a massive brand, and now that we are giving that same footprint access to pieces from the past, I'm trying to weigh both sides. I want people to have the chance to find GapVintage they love, not just pieces I love, haha.
Are you consciously looking for items that coincide with specific tastes or moments? For instance, the GAP logo hoodie is having a moment — do you want more of those?
I'm always doing my "sourcing" based on current trends but also based on my forecasting of where we want to take GapVintage in the future. It's really about finding a balance and making sure we highlight everything, from basics to some of the premium designs/collections from the archive. I just want people to see it all and have it all. For example, let's say GAP is doing a global "Western" campaign next year. I'll try to have a collection of GapVintage Western to drop in parallel.
Beyond the obviously branded items, what are the garments that define GAP, in your own words?
To me, GAP is defined by its iconic pieces, like its khaki, corduroy, and denim, to name a few. Functional design, timeless materials. Some things that come to mind, which you can find in the drop, are a pair of classic corduroy pants, a 1/4 zip sweatshirt, a nylon anorak, a denim hat, and so much more. Maybe throw in a class pocket-T. You're all set.
Where is GAP today, you think? What are you hearing, what are people saying, what are people wearing?
In my eyes, GAP is in a pivotal position right now. They truly have a grasp on the company's future and are steering it in the right direction. Internally, I love to see the openness, just in general, across the projects. Externally, I hear people saying GAP is intentional, GAP is back, and GAP is affordable.
