Old Navy's inaugural designer collaboration has arrived, showcasing budget-friendly interpretations of iconic '90s pieces by Anna Sui…
Growing up in the late '90s and early 2000s, I spent countless weekends at Old Navy. My visits were not solely about picking up affordable clothing; they were about finding outfits for significant occasions, holidays, and memories in the making. I bought fresh T-shirts and denim ahead of the school year and chose matching Christmas pajamas with my mom and sister. The flip-flop wall felt like a summer ritual, the only thing that could spark my enthusiasm for those simple vacation shoes. Old Navy is at the heart of much of my nostalgia, often tied to what I wear when memories of simpler times resurface.
Last week, I found myself at Gap's offices in downtown New York. Even as an adult, I was filled with excitement when I stepped off the elevator and followed a trail of purple butterfly stickers adorned with "Anna Sui x Old Navy." This path led me to a room brimming with racks showcasing the brand's inaugural designer collaboration. When I expressed my thrill about being there, Zac Posen, Gap's executive vice president and creative director, promptly remarked, "A long time coming!" Shortly after, Sui arrived, donning a long lilac skirt with lace detailing from the collection.
What really transported me back wasn't just the essence of Old Navy; it was a particular dress Sui immediately gravitated toward. "We focused on the grunge collection," she mentioned, picking up a long black dress embellished with a dark-purple floral-and-butterfly motif and ruffle accents. Posen added, "It's a reedition of a dress from a collection that truly changed fashion. It certainly transformed the world, when you think about it!" He chuckled and continued, "But it had such a significant influence."
Sui's 1993 grunge collection was part of a contentious fashion movement alongside designers like Marc Jacobs and Christian Francis Roth, where the aesthetic of a music subculture became mainstream and redefined luxury's image.
While Old Navy and Sui's current collaboration isn't exactly punk, they aim to deliver aspirational fashion at accessible prices to both old and new fans of Anna Sui. "We invited Zac and Old Navy to explore our archive," Sui explained. "They selected pieces, prints, and silhouettes that they loved. I'm thrilled with how they incorporated it all into this collection while managing to keep amazing price points." The entire collection consists of 24 pieces priced between $20 and $120.
Sui is particularly enthusiastic about the grunge dress, as well as various versions of her T-shirt, which has become a staple for her and a sought-after item for thrifty shoppers. "This shirt is a favorite for everyone," she noted, showcasing a long-sleeve black button-down with lace floral cutouts at the collarbone. "And don't forget this coat!" she exclaimed, pointing to a maroon vegan-leather Penny Lane coat hanging nearby.
True to expectations, there are also numerous boho-style dresses characterized by large collars, vivid patterns, and flowing sleeves. If I happened upon someone wearing one of these dresses in a casual setting without prior knowledge of the Old Navy collection, I would instantly recognize them as an Anna Sui fan and assume it was procured from eBay. That’s the allure of this Old Navy collection: it genuinely embodies Sui's essence.
As a devoted Old Navy fan since my youth, I believe this collection will remind many why the brand holds such a special significance, and I look forward to creating new memories in my Anna Sui x Old Navy pieces. The Old Navy x Anna Sui collaboration is priced between $20 and $120 and is now available at OldNavy.com and select Old Navy stores nationwide.
Shop the Old Navy x Anna Sui collection below:
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Crepe V-Neck Ruffle Maxi Dress
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Ruffle Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Vegan Suede Coat
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Tiered Ruffle Maxi Dress
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Ruffle Cardigan Sweater
Old Navy X Anna Sui
A-Line Denim Mini Skirt
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Tiered Midi Skirt
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Button-Down Applique Top
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Ringer Tee
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Lace Applique Top
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Satin Lace Hem Midi Skirt
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Crew Neck Graphic Fleece Sweatshirt
Old Navy X Anna Sui
Tote Bag
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Old Navy's inaugural designer collaboration has arrived, showcasing budget-friendly interpretations of iconic '90s pieces by Anna Sui…
The brand explored Sui's archives and created a collection of 24 pieces, with each item priced at no more than $120.
