Gap has announced an exciting new collaboration with Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR) that reinvents classic denim pieces through the vision of five innovative designers. Set to launch on February 13, 2026, the collection features 20 unique items that showcase the creativity of emerging talent while paying homage to Gap’s storied denim legacy.
This partnership isn’t new; Gap and HFR have been collaborating since 2019, focusing on elevating the work of designers of color. According to Brandice Daniel, the founder and CEO of HFR, the collaboration is rooted in a spirit of open dialogue and mutual respect. “Mark Breitbard, Gap’s president and CEO, sat with me one-on-one, and the designers spoke openly,” Daniel noted. “The goal was dialogue. That spirit of listening and building together has carried the partnership forward ever since.”
Transforming Denim Through Diverse Perspectives
The collection aims to reinterpret wardrobe essentials by incorporating the personal histories of the designers. Daniel emphasizes that each designer brings a unique story, having grown up with Gap products. “Many of them remember specific jeans, jackets, and moments tied to the brand. That history shows up in the work,” she explained.
Designers involved in the project include Daveed Baptiste of Daveed Baptiste, LaTouché, Waina Chancy of Atelier Ndigo, Igdaliah Pickering of IGDALYAH, and Nicole Benefield of Nicole Benefield Portfolio. Each designer has infused the collection with their personal experiences and cultural influences, turning denim into a canvas for storytelling.
Baptiste, for instance, has layered shades of indigo in his denim polo shirt to evoke the depth of the ocean. He explained, “We wanted to mimic the depth and movement of the sea.” This theme of fluidity continues in the bomber jacket and jeans, where intricate embroidery reflects the natural rhythm of water.
A Blend of Innovation and Tradition
Chancy draws inspiration from her Haitian roots, selecting colors that resonate with joyful memories of her homeland. “We wanted to incorporate colors that reflect the beauty I associate with Haiti,” she shared. Meanwhile, LaTouché has focused on creating architectural elements in the pieces, re-engineering classic items with unexpected seaming and curves to celebrate body movement.
Benefield’s contributions also reflect a blend of her signature style and the collaborative vision. “The exaggerated tapered pants I love have evolved into a soft barrel leg, and the bold pops of color I enjoy exploring were reinterpreted with muted pastels,” she noted.
The collection is priced between $98 and $148, appealing to a wide range of consumers eager for a fresh take on timeless denim.
Daniel hopes this collaboration inspires the next generation of designers to embrace their unique perspectives. “My hope is that collaborations like this show the next generation that their perspective is not something to minimize. It is the value,” she asserted. “You can come from anywhere, bring your full point of view, and still build something that lasts.”
As the launch date approaches, fashion enthusiasts are encouraged to prepare for a collection that not only modernizes Gap’s denim offerings but also celebrates the rich tapestry of stories behind each piece.
