Zac Posen Revitalizes Gap's Red Carpet Presence with Celebrity Collaborations
The designer details how core Gap pieces are transformed into high-fashion statements for stars like Kendall Jenner and Timothée Chalamet.
Gap is no longer an unlikely name to find on the red carpet, thanks to creative director Zac Posen. Since taking the helm, Posen has overseen the creation of custom Gap Studio designs that have garnered significant attention for celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Demi Moore, and Timothée Chalamet, appearing at events ranging from awards shows to the Met Gala.
Posen explained that these elevated looks often begin with fundamental Gap wardrobe staples like denim, khaki, and the classic white shirt. "I look at the core Gap wardrobe — the denim, the khaki, the white shirt, the tee — and ask what happens if we treat it with the craft usually reserved for evening wear," he told Page Six Style. "Nothing gets replaced. It gets sharpened."
Notable Red Carpet Moments
Posen shared insights into several high-profile designs:
Anne Hathaway's 2024 ensemble, which featured a transformed Gap shirt collar and placket, was a pivotal moment. Posen noted that a $158 retail version of this design sold out rapidly, indicating a strong consumer desire for such elevated Gap pieces. He also created a custom look for Hathaway's 'Odyssey' press tour.
For the 2025 Oscars nominees dinner, Timothée Chalamet wore the brand's first men's red carpet design: a black duchess satin jacket and loose jeans paired with a black silk jersey tee. Posen connected this to Gap's historical roots, referencing Dylan's influence and Gap's 1969 beginnings selling jeans and records.
Kendall Jenner's striking winged gown for the 2026 Met Gala reportedly began with Jenner herself interacting with a white Gap T-shirt from Posen's studio. This evolved into a gown made from lightweight cotton viscose, designed to drape over a leather bodice, drawing inspiration from the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
Claire Danes wore a backless, off-white sequined gown with intricate hand embroidery and beading to the 2026 Golden Globes. Posen described it as an elevated interpretation of the Gap pocket tee.
Charli XCX sported a custom Gap Studio creation at the Outside Lands festival in 2026: a moto jacket reimagined as a dress that allowed for movement. Posen highlighted the significance of this performance occurring near the brand's origins in San Francisco.