When Don Fisher and his wife Doris opened their first Gap clothing store in San Francisco, their mission was to create a brand that represented “iconic all-American style.” The year was 1969 and they were clearly feeling very patriotic (perhaps because we had just put a man on the moon and hosted the world’s most famous music festival at Woodstock?). Building off that positive energy, they were able to make their goal a reality, especially with one of their best known pieces: the plain white button down shirt.
Always classic, the affordable white shirt can easily go wherever you go–from the street, to work, to an elegant party, such as, say, the Oscars. In 1998, actress Sharon Stone famously hit the red carpet in her husband’s Gap white shirt and a glamorous satin skirt, proving that this unique garment is not only timeless but also remarkably versatile. For this reason, the humble white shirt has earned a permanent place in my closet and is most often grabbed on my “I have no idea what to wear” days (which come often).
In 2007, Gap teamed up with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to challenge various emerging designers, including Phillip Lim and Rodarte, to create his or her own take on this white shirt. The reward? An opportunity to showcase their work on one of the most coveted high-fashion platforms: a Vogue cover. On the May 2007 issue’s two-page cover, 10 upcoming top models posed wearing each designers’ classic white shirt interpretation (note the variations of the collar, sleeves, fit, and frills) with a gorgeous gown (maybe inspired by Stone’s bold statement from nearly a decade earlier?) from well-known labels, such as Isaac Mizrahi and Oscar de la Renta.
This collaboration added an entirely new dimension to the Gap white shirt, emphasizing the understated elegance that it inspires. This point reiterated the fact that not only is it an all-American classic, but one that can be worn on just about any occasion, including holiday parties! Pair it was a ballerina skirt, black satin pants, or a gorgeous group of necklaces. You will look chic, clean, effortless, and subtly sexy. Can’t think of a better way to kick off the new year.
[Photography courtesy of Flickr (left); Photograph by Staff Photographer (right)]
Published on December 16, 2009
While there are many sites today dedicated to the pursuit of fashion and style, here at MRK Style we approach these subjects through a collector’s lens. Through exploring how people relate to Art, Family, Fashion, Food, Film and Travel—essentially life’s various, everyday obsessions—we reflect on how we all live with the things we love. 
Try Facebook application
Try iPhone application