Admittedly, it feels a bit strange to dub the just-released collaboration between Gap and A.P.C. as one for the heads. After all, both brands are institutions in their own right: Gap, the longtime king of affordable American denim; A.P.C., the respected French label responsible for introducing a raw denim revolution to the States in the early aughts.
But, chances are, the average consumer might be under the impression that, while they may have ruled the blogosphere era of the early 2010s, the heyday of both brands has long since passed.
In reality, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Gap’s recent reinvestment in celebrity and creative has seen it enjoy a major cultural resurgence, while the trend cycles have finally spun back to A.P.C.’s signature fade-in, slim-fitting styles. (Selvedge, a timeless menswear staple, is bigger than ever.)
Still, it’s fitting that the pair’s first-ever collaboration, which released this morning alongside a campaign with rapper Ian, channels the spirit of #menswear1.0, albeit in a modern execution. The debut capsule, which includes nearly 40 styles borrowed from both labels’ archives, is packed out with all manner of Franco-American apparel; the Breton striped shirts, hearty cable-knit sweaters and casual corduroy suiting all tap into a unique collision of French sportswear and classic Americana, while brand stalwarts like the lined parka and minimalist logo hoodies also make a long-awaited reappearance.
It wouldn’t be an A.P.C. collection — or a Gap one, for that matter — without some serious denim. The collection features a variety of Japanese-made selvedge styles, including a sweet trucker jacket, straight-leg jeans set in a classic indigo wash, at astronomically low prices (the jeans retail for under $150).
All of this rich context might be lost on the recently minted fashion fanatic, or the casual consumer, but one thing’s for certain: Given the range of subtle staples and elite denim up for grabs, it’s not just fashion historians who are going to end up buying one of everything. Shop my favorite pieces from the Gap x A.P.C. capsule below, and check out the entirety of the collection here.
Gap x A.P.C. Japanese Denim Relaxed Straight Jeans
Japanese denim, priced under $150, from two jean giants? Cop before its too late.
Gap x A.P.C. Corduroy Relaxed Straight Pants
There’s even a matching corduroy blazer, just in case you’re trying to go for a professorial vibe.
Gap x A.P.C. Oversized Sherpa-Lined Utility Parka
It’s like I’m staring Tumblr in the face (complimentary).
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