Gap Celebrates 1 Year of 1969 Jeans

It’s been a year since Gap spun off its 1969 denim line into a separate brand.
In honor of the anniversary, Gap creative director Patrick Robinson hosted a celebratory breakfast. Seven things I learned:

1. Hanging out with President Obama is “awesome.” Robinson was one of the lucky few who attended the Obama dinner at Anna’s house on Wednesday night. He divulged that it was an intimate, memorable experience. Essentially, he was blown away.

2. Kelly Cutrone might hate the phrase, but people who get far in fashion really are passionate about it. In the middle of chowing down, Robinson gave a little speech about “elevating the brand,” and everything he’s excited about, from the latest premium denim to the new pants collection, which will launch in two weeks. He got us excited too, and it was obvious that he’s full-on committed to making Gap really, really good.

3. Japanese men love their handbags. Robinson, who keeps an office in Tokyo, told us that Gap Japan’s men’s section boasts a new “man bag” every month or so. Guys like their bags to match their outfits. The creative director gets a ton of inspiration from the streets of Tokyo–he thinks Japanese dudes might have the best style in the world. (And European women, of course.)

4. We might get a taste of Gap’s Japanese offerings sooner than later. While product at Gap stores all over the world is more homogenized than it was in the past, some stores still receive special products. Now pieces available in the Japanese stores will begin to pop up at select stores in the States.

5. Gap wants to be modern, not nostalgic. With “heritage” at the forefront of most brand’s marketing plans, it’s important to Robinson to keep Gap modern and fresh, instead of relying on old techniques and styles. I find that notion inspiring. I’m kind of getting sick of questionably authentic heritage campaigns.

6. I love denim. Thanks to Gap for replacing my tired black jeans with a pair of super skinny leggings from the 1969 collection. I will wear them with pride.