The Gap x The Brooklyn Circus Collab is a Lesson in Modern Prep
…and celebration of life
Launching January 31st, 2023, Gap is partnering with Ouigi Theodore, founder and creative director of The Brooklyn Circus, to drop a limited edition capsule composed of 26 garments that perfectly meld timeless fashions with modern notions of individuality. A Haitian-owned prep wear brand, The Brooklyn Circus’s fashion influence has far surpassed its roots in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. With street style connoisseurs rocking Theodore’s classic designs as far as the UK, South Africa, and Japan, this artistic genius’ appreciation for timeless fashion seamlessly merges with Gap’s iconic influence on American style to birth a collection that’s truly ageless.
Conceptualized by Gap Global Creative Director Len Peltier and captured by photographer John Midgley, the Gap × The Brooklyn Circus collection aims to close style, gender, and generational gaps. “Style is an opportunity for us to be honest,” Ouigi Theodore says. “Classics are the foundation of what we do at The Brooklyn Circus and Gap is so known for that classic Americana style.”
Composed of product icons from each brand, including The Brooklyn Circus’ recognized varsity jacket and Gap’s classic arch logo hoodie, “modern prep” is the core of this launch- combining influences from academia, music, street style, and Black culture from the 1960s through today. Available to shop on both brand websites, in select Gap stores, as well as The Brooklyn Circus flagship store in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, NY, some pieces include an Oxford popover, sweatpants, crewneck and hoodie sweatshirts, and chinos. Select styles are also available in minis for kids. With little of the logo hoodie, varsity jacket, tees and sweatpants, don’t be surprised to see a kid dressed as fly as you. To round out the look, shop hats, tote bags, pins, bandanas, and socks.
The campaign is chocked full of famous faces such as Pose’s Indya Moore, Euphoria’s Javon Walton, and the late Stephen “tWitch” Boss. “When Stephen and I first saw his images from the campaign, it brought tears to our eyes. He was so moved by how they captured his true essence, and he was excited for the world to see them,” Allison Holker Boss, Stephen’s wife, tells V. “We pay tribute to Stephen’s life by sharing these images in homage to the joy and light he brought to everyone around him.” To honor Stephen, Gap is supporting The 988 Lifeline by donating to Vibrant Emotional Health, which provides free and confidential counseling 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States.
Since 1969, Gap has been a pivotal force in establishing style standards, while The Brooklyn Circus draws inspiration from historical American fashion. “Gap has always been in my history, which is where I find inspiration for our designs,” says Theodore. “We took our graphic elements and brought that explosion of energy and culture to iconic Gap styles. I’m proud of what we’ve put together and honored to launch a campaign with Gap that highlights various communities.”