Amp up your wardrobe with pieces from Gap's eclectic collaboration with emerging Black designers.
Plus, Sézane brings a slice of Paris to Santana Row and Sardine brightens your day with bold sunnies.
Gap’s latest collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row reflects the brand’s newfound exuberance.
(Courtesy of Gap/Rickfresh)
A couple of Thursdays ago, Gap Inc’s downtown headquarters—specifically its ginormous marble-laden lobby and soaring atrium—went from office appropriate to party ready. Lights were dimmed, mood was cool, and the (genderless) fashion was hot at the launch party for Gap x Harlem's Fashion Row.
There's no doubt the 16-piece limited-edition collection is worthy of celebration. It features the work of talented Black designers (including A. Potts, Bruce Glen, Kaphill, N’gai, and Richfresh) adding their unique spin to the Gap-iest of Gap staples: the logo hoodie and the white shirt.
“The resulting collab is both cohesive and eclectic,” says Harlem Fashion Row founder Brandice Daniel. Translation: whether you’re a dopamine dresser, a muted minimalist, or land somewhere in the middle, you’re sure to find pieces that speak your sartorial language. (We’re particularly in to this Kaphill shirt and this hoodie from N’gai.)
Is Gap’s Willy Wonka, aka Zac Posen, one of the key reasons people are falling into the brand again? We have a sneaking suspicion so (and don’t even get us started on that new Parker Posey commercial).
// Shop the collab online and in select Gap stores, gap.com
Sézane says bonjour to San Jose's Santana Row.
(Courtesy of Sézane)
Silicon Valley shoppers no longer need to trek to San Francisco’s Fillmore Street to get their fix of French-girl staples. Pourquoi? Because Parisian brand Sézane just opened its second Bay Area boutique at Santana Row. Unlike the Pac Heights store, the new 2,700-square-foot L’Appartement San Jose is not permanent. The new space is part of the retailer’s US tour and strategy to engage with local communities, devoted fans (including obsessive online shoppers), and new customers alike—and is scheduled to close up shop at the end of 2025.
The Iconics Collections, chic pieces designed in Paris but made expressly for California, is the centerpiece of the bright SJ space. Think cozy cardigans and signature knitwear, feminine blouses and cool denim, plus ooh-la-la-worthy jewelry, handbags, and shoes crafted in Europe. Throughout its run, the boutique will host various special events with a French twist, as well as collabs with local artisans and businesses.
// 333 Santana Row, Suite 1115 (San Jose), sezane.com
In a Mediterranean frame of mind? Slip on a pair of Sardines sunnies.
(Courtesy of Sardine)
While only officially a month old, it’s not exactly Sardine’s first rodeo: the local sunglass brand was born as Wolfspout in 2023. So why the rebrand? “Through deep connections with our customers and retail partners, we realized our original name wasn't fully capturing our brand's soul and positioning,” says cofounder Lauren Meeker.
Sardine immediatelyresonated with Meeker and cofounder Danielle McWaters because it’s unexpected, memorable, and reflects the duo’s love of bold European style and the Mediterranean spirit. Plus, like the petite fish, the sunnies are an acquired taste that ultimately becomes a favorite. “At least that’s how our community describes our products,” says Meeker.
The new lineup includes a dozen anything-but-basic styles in a range of fun colors. Among the most-wanted (and twice sold out) are the chic, square-shaped Demi and ultra-mod, “winged” Aster in toasted moxie, a caramel-and-cream checked pattern. Sardine’s fresh, amped-up take on the aviator, Louie, is also generating tons of buzz.
The good news for dedicated Wolfspout-ers (largely creative types and those partial to wearing their fashion on the frames) is that the brand's "core commitment to quality, sustainability, and accessible pricing [everything is under $200]" remains unchanged, Meeker confirms. "Each frame is still built to last because we believe exceptional design should be both responsible and attainable."
// Shop online at sardine.net.
