If you take a peek at the back of your wardrobe, you might discover some valuable fashion treasures lurking there. No, not forgotten luxury items like a Chanel jacket or a pair of Louboutin heels, but rather old sweatshirts and jeans. Surprisingly, there’s a new trend that has sparked a high demand for vintage Gap clothing from the 90s and 00s.
According to data from the resale marketplace Depop, searches for “vintage Gap” increased by 114% in June. On eBay, the number of items sold with “Y2KGap” in the listing has more than doubled in recent months. Recognizing this trend, Gap itself has responded by launching its own vintage Gap collection online. This collection was curated by Sean Wotherspoon, a well-known American vintage collector and retailer.
Wotherspoon carefully sourced his collection from Gap’s archives as well as flea markets and secondhand clothing shops from around the world. Drawing from his personal love for Gap and his upbringing in Ashburn, Virginia, where his mother worked at a local store, Wotherspoon wanted to showcase the staple styles that originated from the brand. This collection, which included menswear and womenswear, sold out quickly, paving the way for future collaborations between Wotherspoon and Gap.
The success of these vintage Gap items can be attributed, in part, to a fascination with the style and culture of the 90s and 00s. With denim, cargo trousers, and tracksuits making a comeback in fashion, it’s only natural that shoppers are drawn to purchasing these items from one of the most iconic high street brands of that era. Amy Bannerman, preloved style director at eBay, highlights that Gap was always known for being affordable and offering great quality. She personally owns a T-shirt she purchased from Gap 16 years ago that has stood the test of time.
Gap, founded in 1969 by Doris and Don Fisher in San Francisco, initially sold jeans and records. The name “Gap” was a nod to the “generation gap” between teenagers and their parents. The store quickly gained popularity among young people and expanded internationally throughout the 70s and 80s. It became known for offering quality basics with enough style to appeal to a younger audience, pleasing both teens and parents alike.
In the 90s, Gap reached new heights by embracing the trend of mixing designer brands with high street fashion. Supermodels like Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell even graced the cover of American Vogue’s 100th issue in 1992 wearing head-to-toe Gap outfits. The brand’s ad campaigns further solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. Celebrities ranging from Joan Didion to Kirsten Dunst and Madonna were spotted sporting Gap denim.
Bannerman points out that the quality of Gap’s clothing was excellent during the 90s and 00s and often superior to what is currently available on the high street. Additionally, Gap offered unique designs that still hold up against contemporary designer pieces. This combination of quality and unique style is what draws many vintage fashion enthusiasts to Gap’s past collections.
However, Gap’s journey has not always been smooth. In the mid to late 00s, the brand experienced a decline in popularity, partially attributed to a failed attempt to bring a designer aesthetic to its more basic offerings. The appointment of US designer Patrick Robinson, who had previously worked for Giorgio Armani and Paco Rabanne, did not resonate with consumers, leading to a decline in stock value and ultimately the closure of Gap’s UK stores in 2021.
Amid these challenges, the resurgence of interest in vintage Gap clothing is a ray of hope for the struggling retailer. While annual sales have halved since the early 2000s, the demand for decades-old sweatshirts and jeans indicates that there is still an opportunity for Gap to revitalize its brand. The collaboration with Sean Wotherspoon is just the beginning, with Gap promising more unique and exclusive collections in the future. By capitalizing on its rich history and embracing the nostalgia of past fashion trends, Gap aims to offer its customers something they can’t find anywhere else.
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
