I’m so, so, so excited to see that someone is writing about the shrinking middle class of brands! When I read the Marie Claire article I was in the same place as you, sending it to all my friends saying “see!!” I’m very interested to read your review about Old Navy because I did not hear the Zac Posen news about it but it thrills me to know that we have brands attempting to step into the void.
Excited to see if the momentum/creativity continues with their next collections. And totally agree. Im glad this era is finally upon us, because it’s been too many years I’ve been complaining about the “shitty thin sweater” phenomenon. They just don’t make em like they used to anymore :’)
I have so many thoughts on this! A) Intermix actually used to be a pretty excellent multi brand store until they got bought and sold and bought and sold and now it's...not. Sad. B) I used to work for Zac Posen and I can attest that his c*ntyness was not just reserved for Project Runway. It was truly a toxic place to work and I could go on and on about stories from my time there, but I won't, right now at least. I've been thinking about writing a piece with some horror stories from my time in the industry because honestly, it's not that glamorous and some of it sucks!! Maybe one of these days. BUT I am impressed with the turnaround Gap and Old Navy have managed to accomplish. Now, I don't think this is related to ZP himself - I think there is just a general appetite for nostalgia that they would have been able to tap into with or without him. I also don't think that *most* shoppers of Gap owned stores give any shits at all about ZP or who he is or what he's doing. They just want fashion adjacent pieces at an accessible price point, and they want newness regularly and a wide range of styles, sizes and fits. They would have continued to get this with or without him, and frankly, I think his tenure there will be short lived because you know, once a diva always a diva!! I hope he's changed, I really do, but I don't know that this is a long term strategy for Gap anyways, given their place in the market and the customer base they serve!!
Anyways, thanks for this post and letting me rant in the comment section!!!
First of all, I’m so sorry you had an awful time working for him. I’m glad you’re now out of that toxic environment. Not cool of him. I’d definitely be first in line to read about any of your experiences if you ever decide to share! I totally agree that all the credit shouldn’t be given to him. The company clearly had a vision to begin with in terms of turning things around in this way! As a fashion lover & someone who has been so fed up with the quality of middle class brands the past 10+ years, I’m just very happy that the people in charge are even addressing this, let alone doing something about it honestly. The bar is low !!!
100%!! I am so glad to see these brands turn around because so many folks rely on them for reliable, nice looking, decent quality, and affordable clothes. Including myself!! I do think their new CEO was the best move, and that things will continue to turn around under him. I think ZP was good for a splash, but a lasting strategy needs to be one that doesn't always include him. Either way, I'm not mad about it! And yes, the bar is LOW. For so many things. Haha.
I have been pleasantly surprised by Old Navy this year. I'd kind of written them off as a place to pick up stuff for my kids and that's it, but have found some real gems lately.
I’m so, so, so excited to see that someone is writing about the shrinking middle class of brands! When I read the Marie Claire article I was in the same place as you, sending it to all my friends saying “see!!” I’m very interested to read your review about Old Navy because I did not hear the Zac Posen news about it but it thrills me to know that we have brands attempting to step into the void.
Excited to see if the momentum/creativity continues with their next collections. And totally agree. Im glad this era is finally upon us, because it’s been too many years I’ve been complaining about the “shitty thin sweater” phenomenon. They just don’t make em like they used to anymore :’)
The old navy baby and kids section is 💯
I love that 🫶🏻
I have so many thoughts on this! A) Intermix actually used to be a pretty excellent multi brand store until they got bought and sold and bought and sold and now it's...not. Sad. B) I used to work for Zac Posen and I can attest that his c*ntyness was not just reserved for Project Runway. It was truly a toxic place to work and I could go on and on about stories from my time there, but I won't, right now at least. I've been thinking about writing a piece with some horror stories from my time in the industry because honestly, it's not that glamorous and some of it sucks!! Maybe one of these days. BUT I am impressed with the turnaround Gap and Old Navy have managed to accomplish. Now, I don't think this is related to ZP himself - I think there is just a general appetite for nostalgia that they would have been able to tap into with or without him. I also don't think that *most* shoppers of Gap owned stores give any shits at all about ZP or who he is or what he's doing. They just want fashion adjacent pieces at an accessible price point, and they want newness regularly and a wide range of styles, sizes and fits. They would have continued to get this with or without him, and frankly, I think his tenure there will be short lived because you know, once a diva always a diva!! I hope he's changed, I really do, but I don't know that this is a long term strategy for Gap anyways, given their place in the market and the customer base they serve!!
Anyways, thanks for this post and letting me rant in the comment section!!!
First of all, I’m so sorry you had an awful time working for him. I’m glad you’re now out of that toxic environment. Not cool of him. I’d definitely be first in line to read about any of your experiences if you ever decide to share! I totally agree that all the credit shouldn’t be given to him. The company clearly had a vision to begin with in terms of turning things around in this way! As a fashion lover & someone who has been so fed up with the quality of middle class brands the past 10+ years, I’m just very happy that the people in charge are even addressing this, let alone doing something about it honestly. The bar is low !!!
100%!! I am so glad to see these brands turn around because so many folks rely on them for reliable, nice looking, decent quality, and affordable clothes. Including myself!! I do think their new CEO was the best move, and that things will continue to turn around under him. I think ZP was good for a splash, but a lasting strategy needs to be one that doesn't always include him. Either way, I'm not mad about it! And yes, the bar is LOW. For so many things. Haha.
I have been preaching about old navy for years now partially because it’s a very eco-conscious brand!
I have been pleasantly surprised by Old Navy this year. I'd kind of written them off as a place to pick up stuff for my kids and that's it, but have found some real gems lately.