Apr 15, 2008

New wrinkle for the white shirt

Gap asks designers for their take on a classic

By Megan K. Scott / Associated Press

For your summer closet: A white shirt. But not the standard one: How about a bell sleeve version? Or a shirt that is actually dress?

For the second year in a row, Gap has asked emerging designers to do their take on the classic white shirt. The project expands the Gap Design Editions from three to five designers. It also creates shirts for men, and black and white variations of necklaces and bracelets from Philip Crangi to complement the looks.

The designers "really show how you can apply design talent to a simple piece and make it relevant to the season's trends," says Anita Borzyszkowska, vice president of public relations for Gap.

Phillip Lim's Gap items include a three-fourth quarter length shirt with bell sleeves, and a long-sleeved shirt with a cape collar. ThreeASFOUR's include a short dress with the racerback in the front instead of the back.

Michael Bastian designed two men's shirts - a long-sleeved one with applique on the shoulders and another one with double pockets; Band of Outsiders created a long tunic with sleeves that roll up and button.

To celebrate the new collection, Gap is introducing a new print ad campaign, featuring models such as Chanel Iman, Jessica Stam and Irina Lazareanu, each in one of the designs.

Items in the Design Editions, a project with CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, range in price from $35 to $88. The collection will be in select Gap stores and online at gap.com, starting April 15.