Gap x GQ: 2012 Best New Menswear Designers Preview

A while back I posted about the upcoming collaboration between GAP and GQ's best new menswear designers in America. GQ recently released some sketches of the upcoming collection so here they are (images courtesy of GQ).  The collection will available in stores on September 27th, 2012 - can't wait!

 

BLK DNM

GQ: 2012 Best New Menswear Designers

A couple of weeks ago, GQ announced it's six best new menswear designers in America which includes: Ovadia & Sons, Ian Velardi, Todd Snyder, Saturdays NYC, BLK DNM and Mark McNairy.  As with last year, the group of designers will be creating a limited edition capsule collection!  However, this year the line will be produced in conjunction with Gap.  Last year the collaboration was done with Dockers and housed at Bloomingdale's.  Prices were definitely on the steeper side (i.e. $200 for slacks) so hopefully the partnership with Gap will help drive down price points.

These collabs are nice because they're just for the guys.  No angry-mobs, no colored wristbands with 15 minute time slots to shop, no need to grab everything in site and edit down once you get home and no hoarders (thereby reducing the craziness factor and the need to pop a valium while waiting to check out).

Here's a quick rundown of the designers selected by GQ and what they are known for:

Ovadia & Sons - high end suiting

Buy: Pierre Hardy x Gap Bootie

The coveted Pierre Hardy for Gap open toe wedge booties are slowly hitting Gap stores nationwide and Gap.com. These leather and suede booties will set you back $195. I’m guessing they will run in size 6-11 but only a few per size will be available in most stores. Le sigh, my size 5 feet miss out again! I'd hit up the Times Square Gap for your best chance to snag them for now but Thursday am, Herald Square is expecting a shipment too.

In Store Report: Stella McCartney x Gap Markdowns

After seeing that Stella McCartney for Gap Kids was slashed on Madison Avenue Spy to levels of 60% off, I decided to check out the scene for myself and I made the hike to the UES Gap at 86th & 3rd Ave on the weekend.

Madison Avenue Spy did a great job documenting the prices:
That MJ military jacket is $52 from $128, a silk flower applique dress is $41 from $98, tights that were $14 are now under $6 and a cashmere leopard sweater was $88 and is now $36.

However I was left wondering about the sizes and photo documentation. Lesson learned? This was truly a sale for if you want to pick up children's clothing and not something in a XXL for yourself ;)

Most everything left was sized children's size Large or Smaller. I did not leave empty handed as I managed to snag a tulle ballerina skirt in XXL. Originally $58, marked down to $34.99 with an additional 25% and I had a $10 giftcard so I managed to get it for $16.50! There may have been a couple other XXL in tulle skirts and 1 bubble knit sweater dress but that was about it.

The MJ military jacket was sized only in adorable 12-18 months & 18-24 months and there was about a half rack of them left!

The tiger sweater was only to be seen in size Medium. The tiger sweater dress that is completely adorable was only in size Small.

Velveteen Blazers with Satin Collar only reached size XL, mostly in the Small-Large Range. Trench coats were available until size XL. There was only one adorable cashmere blend hoodie left in size L.

Plenty of cashmere silk blend leggings left reaching size XL.

Quite a few plaid shirts left in reaching XL.

Limited shoe selection left, including high tops & studded ballet flats, saw some 5 & 6s.

Overall, not much chance of snagging for yourself, but if you're in need of some pretty gifting for some adorable children or if you're a parent who wants to fulfill their child's Stella Wishes, now is the time to go. I believe that this is currently the only location currently housing the markdowns in NYC.

Store Opening: Gap's 1969 Soho Store

I checked out Gap 1969's store opening today, Nylon Magazine hosted the event and had DJ Cassidy and TV/TV performing. It was a fun time with Mojitos and brownies being served :)

Meanwhile this new Soho Location on 538 Broadway was meticulously organized, spacious and bright. According to the sales girl this store difffers as it looks to serve up primarily outerwear and denim. And yes indeed there was denim, an entire wall at that! But they had other merch too including accessories and lots of plaid shirts, chunky sweaters and everything you need to layer with them like circle scarves, henleys and vests.

This store looks def cleaner with a pared down and more focused offering of the regular merch. The silk blouse pictured above gave me more of a J.Crew vibe while everything else felt more rugged Americana.

Surprise shopper? Emmy Rossum who looked vaguely familiar to me as camera crews proceeded to chase her through the store as she perused. The line was around the block by the time I was leaving at 8:45pm.

Pierre Hardy x Gap

Check out the latest shoe collab (the 4th one already!) by Pierre Hardy and Gap set to hit stores this coming mid-September. The shoes come in 2 styles including a platform sandal and a fold over suede boot. They will be available in navy, beige, khaki, and gray.

GAP X CFDA Finalists: All About Khaki

So the Gap is at it again for another round with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Award Winners Albertus Swanepoel, Alexander Wang and Vena Cava. This time instead of white shirts they decided to put a spin on an American staple they are known for...Khaki! The campaign shots leaked onto the net today but the collaboration won't be hitting stores until June 19th, 2009. The will be sold in flagship and top stores worldwide as well as Gap.com. Prices range from $39.50 to $88.00.

Albertus Swanepoel with his hat designs for Gap

Alexander Wang and his Khaki Moto, Shorts and Trousers

Vena Cava designer's Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai with their dresses & trousers.

Gap Give Get Coupon: 30% Off

Who: Gap
What: Give Get Coupon lets you save 30% Off at Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic while Gap will donate 5% of your purchase to charity.
When: March 12-15, 2009
Where: In Stores and Online, US Only.

Give Get w/ Gap Inc.

4 Days only November13-16, 2008 get 30% Off all purchases, plus 5% off what you spend will be given to a non-profit! In this case, Gap Foundation, which aims to improve and nurture the lives of children and youth living in conditions of need, hardship and distress.