As the Gap x Dôen collaboration takes over everyday closets across America, Gap is also bringing its slate of custom, red carpet designs to the masses.
To recap: Anne Hathaway arrived to Bulgari's Monday, May 20, fashion show in Rome glowing in a deconstructed shirtdress styled by Erin Walsh. A press release revealed her gown didn't come from one of Rome or Milan's tentpole luxury fashion houses. Instead, it was a custom Gap piece by Gap Inc. creative director Zac Posen. Weeks later, the dress is available to pre-order now for $158.
Hathaway's original shirtdress featured a button-up front with deep pockets, a sharp collar, and short sleeves, one of which was intentionally styled to fall off the side of her shoulder. The front of the dress was also partially undone, to show off a semi-sheer white corset (also by Gap) underneath. She layered a pair of white pleated shorts by Gap beneath her floor-skimming gown, and to tie the look together, she stacked on Bulgari earrings, rings, bracelets, and a choker.
The retail version of Hathaway's gown will feature all the same details, from the structured bodice to the sharp collar and intentionally low-cut neckline. (Alas, the corset and coordinating shorts will not be for sale.) Gap's pre-order link will open at noon on May 28 with limited quantities, and the 100 percent cotton poplin dress will be stocked in sizes 00 to 16. Dresses ordered before quantities sell out will begin shipping in July.
According to a statement by Gap Inc. creative director Zac Posen, this dress has the sort of backstory that makes it worth the wait. "Designing this custom white shirt dress was an exciting opportunity to reimagine Gap's classic white shirt," Posen said in a press release. "By incorporating elements like the shirt's collar and placket, and adding feminine touches with darting at the waist, we created a modern look that pays homage to the elegance of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. It's a connection of timeless style with contemporary fashion."
Audrey Hepburn's romantic turn as Princess Anne in the 1953 film was her first major role-—a fitting reference for Hollywood's Princess Anne to attend a runway show in Rome, or for any shopper to pack in their carry-on for a summer Eurotrip.
Since taking the creative helm of Gap in February 2024, Zac Posen has slowly introduced more advanced fashion pieces to the mall staple's repertoire. In May, the designer joined Da'Vine Joy Randolph at the 2024 Met Gala, where she wore a custom gown crafted from Gap denim. All signs point to Hathaway being the next in a line of carefully-selected celebrities to push the definition of what Gap's traditional fabrics and silhouettes can do.
Gap noted in its May 28 press release that only limited quantities of Hathaway's shirtdress will be available for pre-order. If you miss the sign-up, you can shop shirtdresses with the same classic look ahead (minus the megawatt diamond jewelry).
