Gap x Dôen Is Already Selling Fast, So Here’s What To Buy Now Before You Miss Out

The exclusive summer capsule collection fuses Dôen's whimsical femininity with GAP's signature designs.


by Hannah Banks-Walker |
Updated on

It's fair to say that in the past couple of years, Dôen dresses have become to summer what Gap's entire collection in 2007 was to my sixth form wardrobe: almost inextricable. Celebrity endorsement has helped Dôen, the relatively small California label founded by sisters, go from a little-known start up in 2016 to a brand with real selling power now (the label's designs often sell out online). Gap, meanwhile, has tried to rebuild its image in the past few years, using collaborations as one part of its strategy to attract a new audience. It has tapped brands as diverse as LoveShackFancy to Palace, with Dôen becoming its latest partner for the second time around.

Given that Dôen was founded by Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, the new limited-edition collection is a celebration of sisterhood. ‘We were overwhelmed by the excitement and success of our first collection with Gap,’ says Margaret, co-founder and CEO. ‘Our second collaboration blends the effortless femininity and timeless style of both brands, while celebrating the incredible community that has shaped Dôen.’ There are 32 pieces across women's and menswear with everything from summer dresses to pretty striped shirts and even a Dôen take on Gap's classic denim jacket.

The Gap x Dôen Dresses:

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘I really love the fact this dress feels so much like Dôen's mainline collection. I do agree that you may want to take a size up if you want it to feel slightly more comfortable – the waist fits tighter that the top half of the dress.’

Pros

  • Waist cinches you
  • Sits close to the body & flares at the waist
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Cotton

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘I'm sure this midi will be the biggest seller of the collection as it's the piece which bears the most similarity to Dôen's best-selling dresses. It has the smocking detail which Dôen does so well, as well as floral detailing. It is a slightly tricky shape, so I would suggest sizing up if you want a bit more wiggle room (literally).’

Pros

  • Smocked waist
  • Slim fit
  • Pretty design
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Cotton

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘I absolutely love this midi dress. It is so flattering, really comfortable and also just very pretty. As you can see, I'm wearing it with pumps which works perfectly for those on those cooler summer days when it's (probably) raining. But I'll also take it on holiday and wear with sandals and (hopefully) a tan.’

Pros

  • Comfortable material
  • Flattering
  • Tie detail at front
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Linen

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘Not only is it great quality denim, the sailor bodice gives this an edge to the standard denim dress.’

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Soft denim
Sizes:XS-XL
Material:Cotton 94%, Recycled Cotton 5%, Elastane 1%

The Gap x Dôen Co-ords:

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘This shirt is perfectly oversized – it's not too baggy but has enough material to allow you to style it in different ways. Whether you wear it as a set, as I am, or tuck it into tailored, wide-leg trousers, it'll quickly become one of those staple pieces in your wardrobe that you come to rely on.’

Pros

  • Playful twist on simple shirt
  • Perfectly oversized
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Organic cotton

Rachael Martin, beauty editor, says: 'Comfortable and flattering, too, these shorts are perfect for rolling up and shoving in your weekend bag for summer getaways. They'll be super-handy for wearing over swimwear, as well as with oversized T-shirts on really hot days spent exploring.'

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘With its vintage vibes, this is the sort of shirt you'll want to throw on with jeans over a cami top on those summer nights when it's suddenly cold. I liked it with the midi skirt – it dressed it up bit and would go perfectly with your favourite heels.’

Pros

  • Soft woven midi skirt
  • Pull-on waist 
  • Vintage vibes
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Cotton

Rachael Martin, beauty editor: ‘And if I had to buy just one look? This is tough, but it's this dark blue two piece - the collared shirt teamed with the maxi skirt is as sweet as they come. I can see myself wearing this over and over.’

Pros

  • Elasticated waist
  • Flattering A-line
Sizes:XXS-XL
Material:100% Cotton

The Logo Jumper:

Rachael martin, beauty editor:’This is the dreamiest jumper which I didn't want to take off. It has such a soft, fleecy lining and is exactly the thing I'd want to have in my hand luggage in case I need an extra layer. I'm about to go away, so I'll be wearing it to the airport, too.’

Pros

  • Soft cotton
  • Crew neck
  • Warm 
Sizes:XS-XL
Material:77% Cotton, 23% Polyester

Gap x Dôen: Our Verdict

Rachael Martin, beauty editor says, ‘Despite being Grazia's beauty editor, I do excel in one particular area of fashion - I know my way around a good dress. So, when the chance arose to try on some of those from the Gap x Dôen collaboration, my dress-loving heart leapt at the chance. First impressions? I’m pleasantly surprised at how this Dôen x Gap edit really feels. Often, where high-street collaborations are concerned, they just don't hit the mark, feeling more like a vanity project than a true meeting of minds. Here? Not the case. These floral dresses wouldn’t look out of place on Net-A-Porter. The whole edit is well made, with subtle details elevating each look - take the gathered sleeves on the denim jacket or the dainty broderie details on the white sundress as proof. The sizing is just right. I’m a 10, and the small fits perfectly. I'm 5'4 and the trousers were the perfect length - if you're my height, you'll know this is rare. And if I had to buy just one look? This is tough, but it's the dark blue two piece - the collared shirt teamed with the maxi skirt is as sweet as they come. I tried on the full collection to bring you the very best pieces.’

Prices are not much higher than Gap's usual offering; women's pieces range from £12 to £100, making this one of the more affordable collaborations of the year so far. Indeed, given that most Dôen dresses start at around £250, this is the perfect opportunity for fans of the brand to add it to their wardrobes for considerably less than usual. With that in mind, it's a fair assumption that the dresses will sell quickly – particularly the midi, available in black or white, with Dôen's signature smocking detail.

Gap x Dôen FAQs

When does Gap x Dôen go live?

The collection is tomorrow and ready to shop now, available online at Gap.co.uk.

What is the pricing like for Gap x Dôen’s collab?

Gap x Dôen’s is not much more expensive than Gap's usual prices. The collection starts at £12, with the most expensive pieces at £100.

What are the best Dôen dresses?

The brand brings back its best-selling silhouettes every year, so even if something sells out, chances are. you can get your hands on it when it's back in stock. Shop some of our favourite Dôen dresses below.

Hannah Banks-Walker is Grazia's head of fashion commerce. She has previously written for the likes of Harper's Bazaar, The Financial Times Glamour, Stylist, The Telegraph, Red, i-D and The Pool on everything from fashion to curly hair (hi!) to the patriarchy. Not necessarily in that order. Find her on Instagram and Twitter. But please don't look for her MySpace profile, which until now was the last time she wrote about herself in the third person.

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