Ask anyone who grew up in the early nineties to name the first brand that comes to mind when they think of utilitarian basics and they’ll almost certainly say GAP. Now the retailer is giving us a flashback to the past as the iconic American brand is launching its very first vintage collection created by designer and artist, Sean Wotherspoon.
Overflowing with ’90s-esque striped tees and sweaters, alongside vibrant Hawaiian shirts, jean jackets and overalls, alongside a plethora of corduroy and denim skirts, the special capsule features pieces going back all the way to the ’80s, leading up to the ’00s.
Sean Wotherspoon is an American sneaker designer, collector, store owner, and YouTube series creator. According to Highsnobiety, the designer of one of the most popular sneakers of 2018, the Nike Air Max 97/1, Sean Wotherspoon is now one of the most famous sneakerheads on the planet. H
One of the founders of Round Two, a vintage sneaker store, Wotherspoon was just 23 when he got into the business, but in just a few years, it’s taken off dramatically. Round Two now has a second location, and Wotherspoon and his business partner Chris Russow developed their own autobiographical YouTube show in 2015 to showcase and wear the rare sneakers they’ve collected. He’s one of the foremost sneaker collectors and new designers in footwear.
“My relationship with GAP goes pretty deep,” he tells Highsnobiety. “My mom worked at the GAP at our local mall in the late nineties and I was always dressed in GAP head to toe growing up. “It’s pretty fun looking back at photos and seeing some of the classic GAP fits that so many children and adults were rocking,” he adds. “My mom has been helping me dig up old photos so it’s been a fun family project getting her involved too.”
As a renowned vintage collector and self-proclaimed GAP fan himself, Wotherspoon has spent months carefully scouring the globe for nostalgic GAP pieces for his debut release, handpicking items that not only looked good, but that also told a GAP story in some way, shape, or form. Every garment is 100% vintage and hand-selected by Wotherspoon himself, giving fans the opportunity to wear a piece of fashion history, while giving the clothing a new life.
“I worked with GAP to find pieces at vintage shops, flea markets around the world, and in their extensive archive in NYC, all while taking inspiration from my personal GAP vintage collection as well,” explains Wotherspoon on the collaboration’s creative process. “This limited release of items for the summer consists of pieces that really caught my eye, whether it be the unique textures, iconic designs or nostalgic feel, each item was hand curated to round out the collection and bring a variety of options to GAP fans.”
Spanning everything from T-shirts, shirts, skirts, shorts, to denim, jeans, and outerwear, the collection – which retails from $55 to $90 – is the start of an ongoing project between Wotherspoon and GAP, with more releases slated for later in the year.
The vintage collection is now offered in sizes XS to XL, and is available to shop on Gap’s online store, as well as its brick and mortar store in The Grove, Los Angeles.
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