Gap, in Partnership with (RED), Launches Limited-Edition Collection of Utility Jackets Designed by International Street Artists

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Gap Canada

Nov 29, 2016, 12:36 ET

The unisex collection available for adults and kids launches in conjunction with World AIDS Day with proceeds benefitting the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria

NEW YORK, Nov. 29, 2016 /CNW/ - Gap is continuing to commemorate (RED)'s 10^th anniversary and its role as the founding apparel partner of the AIDS organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver. In anticipation of World AIDS Day, on December 1, Gap will launch a collection of their iconic Utility Jackets featuring custom designs by six of the most renowned female street artists from around the world. The talented group of women is notable for their exciting, thought-provoking work and for creating awareness of contributions by women in street art.

"Gap is thrilled to partner with these talented and visionary women who are each bringing their own creative aesthetic to our iconic utility jacket," said Wendi Goldman, Gap executive vice president and chief product officer. "We worked closely with (RED) to select artists with diverse points of view who are creating meaningful work that inspires and empowers. Each jacket offers a unique expression that customers can wear with pride to show their commitment to (RED)'s important mission."

"We are so grateful to these extraordinary artists for applying their limitless talent to further (RED)'s fight against AIDS," said Deborah Dugan, (RED) chief executive officer. "This collaboration with Gap is truly unique and can't fail to capture the imaginations of fashion fans this winter."

The unisex styles for men and women will launch on November 29^th, coinciding with Giving Tuesday, a day to give back and do good. A portion of proceeds of this collection will be donated to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, adding to the $10 million dollars that Gap has already contributed to the organization over the last 10 years.

The collection includes designs by Shiro, KASHINK, Kelsey Montague, FAITH XLVII and AIKO retailing for $198, as well as a special crochet jacket by Olek retailing for $318. Designs by Shiro and Kelsey Montague will also be offered in versions for boys and girls for $128.

Olek
Olek is a Polish-born street artist and activist whose preferred medium -- crochet -- captivates audiences all over the world. Inspired by everything from personal text messages to train travel, she believes that life and art are inseparable.

Shiro
An internationally recognized graffiti artist from Japan. She loves music, people, and culture. Shiro travels by herself and paints wall all over the world.

KASHINK
KASHINK is an internationally recognized street artist and social activist from Paris. Her large-scale murals celebrate the beauty of human diversity.

Kelsey Montague
Kelsey Montague is an international street artist and coloring book author known for intricate pen-and-ink drawings and a thriving social media campaign that transforms her interactive public murals into living works of art.

FAITH XLVII
A prolific, internationally acclaimed South African visual artist, FAITH XLVII is known for her street paintings, which explore the human condition. Her work spans many mediums, from painting and printmaking to video.

AIKO
Since moving from her native Tokyo to NYC in the late 90's, AIKO has become a well-respected contemporary artist in the international street art scene, where her feminine, Pop Art-inspired graffiti has a global following.

About Gap
Gap is one of the world's most iconic apparel and accessories brands and the authority on American casual style. Founded in San Francisco in 1969, Gap's collections are designed to build the foundation of modern wardrobes – all things denim, classic white shirts, khakis and must-have trends. Beginning with the first international store in London in 1987, Gap continues to connect with customers online and across the brand's about 1,700 company-operated and franchise retail locations around the world. Gap includes Women's and Men's apparel and accessories, GapKids, babyGap, GapMaternity, GapBody and GapFit collections. The brand also serves value-conscious customers with exclusively-designed collections for Gap Outlet and Gap Factory Stores. Gap is the namesake brand for leading global specialty retailer, Gap Inc. (NYSE: GPS) which includes Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, Athleta and Intermix. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

About (RED)
(RED) was founded in 2006 to engage businesses and people in the fight against AIDS. (RED) partners with the world's most iconic brands that contribute up to 50% of profits from (RED)-branded goods and services to the Global Fund. (RED) Proud Partners include: Apple, Bank of America, Beats by Dr. Dre, Belvedere, Claro, The Coca-Cola Company, GAP, Lokai, MCM, NetJets, Salesforce, SAP, Starbucks, Telcel. (RED) Special Edition partners include: aden+anais, Alessi, ALEX AND ANI, Fatboy USA, Fresh, Girl Skateboards, Gretsch, HEAD, Le Creuset, Live Nation Entertainment, Moleskine, Mophie, Piaggio and Wolfnoir.

To date, (RED) has generated $360 million for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, to support HIV/AIDS grants in Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Rwanda, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zambia. 100 percent of that money goes to work on the ground – no overhead is taken. Global Fund grants that (RED) supports have impacted more than 70 million people with prevention, treatment, counseling, HIV testing and care services.

(RED) is a division of The ONE Campaign. Learn more at www.red.org

SOURCE Gap Canada

Image with caption: "A prolific, internationally acclaimed South African visual artist, FAITH XLVII is known for her street paintings, which explore the human condition. Her work spans many mediums, from painting and printmaking to video. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827577.jpg

Image with caption: "KASHINK is an internationally recognized street artist and social activist from Paris. Her large-scale murals celebrate the beauty of human diversity. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827589.jpg

Image with caption: "Kelsey Montague is an international street artist and coloring book author known for intricate pen-and-ink drawings and a thriving social media campaign that transforms her interactive public murals into living works of art. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827593.jpg

Image with caption: "Since moving from her native Tokyo to NYC in the late 90's, AIKO has become a well-respected contemporary artist in the international street art scene, where her feminine, Pop Art-inspired graffiti has a global following. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827597.jpg

Image with caption: "Olek is a Polish-born street artist and activist whose preferred medium -- crochet -- captivates audiences all over the world. Inspired by everything from personal text messages to train travel, she believes that life and art are inseparable. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827601.jpg

Image with caption: "An internationally recognized graffiti artist from Japan. She loves music, people, and culture. Shiro travels by herself and paints wall all over the world. (CNW Group/Gap Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161129_C4066_PHOTO_EN_827603.jpg

For further information: Media Contacts: Gap Canada: Denise Chow, Denise_chow@gap.com; (RED): Huw Davies, (RED), press@red.org