GapStudio has debuted its fall collection today, showcasing a range of elevated denim, matching sets, workwear, and wardrobe essentials. The collection is under the direction of designer Zac Posen and marks its second fall season. Posen states, "It’s a natural evolution of the language we’ve been building at GapStudio, but this season, we pushed proportion and construction much further."
Read More
The new womenswear and menswear were designed to complement each other, drawing inspiration from turn-of-the-century American workwear. Posen emphasizes that the collection is gender-fluid, aimed at creating a shared wardrobe where pieces can transition seamlessly between menswear and womenswear. He adds, "Ultimately, it’s about giving people beautifully considered clothes with a strong point of view and the freedom to create their own character through them."
After previewing the womenswear collection, I found the deep indigo matching set to be outstanding, particularly suitable for petite and curvy figures. Posen noted the garments' designs incorporate seaming, volume, and structure as key elements. At a size 31/12, I experienced a flattering fit around my waist even before adjusting the belt. As someone who is 5 feet 3 inches, I was pleasantly surprised that the wide-leg pants were not overwhelming, especially when paired with wedges. The matching jacket also fit well in a size large, with a cropped cut that was flattering whether buttoned or unbuttoned, offering a sophisticated look reminiscent of a denim jacket.
My favorite top from the collection was a fitted button-down which hugged my waist nicely and included exaggerated puffed sleeves for added flair. A sweatshirt included in the collection initially appeared to be a denim jacket, showcasing Posen’s playful approach using trompe l’oeil designs inspired by archival Gap pieces.
Additionally, I tried the cargo-inspired parachute pants, which were snug around the hips due to a slimmer waistband, making them a bit challenging to put on. Adjustable straps and buckles provided some customization, but a size up to a 14 would have likely offered a better fit.
Posen expressed a particular fondness for the denim-on-denim ensemble featuring the Pintuck Flare Jean and Double Pocket Jacket. While visually striking, the Pintuck Flare Jean, which I tried in size 33/16R, felt too large in some areas despite fitting my waist and hips. The flared style pooled at my feet, suggesting it may be better suited for taller individuals. The matching jacket featured oversized balloon sleeves and a dual-ended zipper for versatile styling, though I would have preferred to size down for a more tailored fit.
Another standout was a French terry dress resembling denim, which fit comfortably in a size large due to its stretchy material. This dress could serve as a stylish alternative to traditional sweater dresses this fall.
Posen encourages buyers to mix pieces from both menswear and womenswear and to layer different styles for a personalized touch, suggesting that clothing should be an avenue for self-expression.