Now, A Word From Our Partner: Gap 1969

Though Gap has long been associated with San Francisco, the brand’s 1969 Denim Studio has gone SoCal—more specifically, to an office known as the Pico creative loft in downtown LA’s historic garment district. As a way to help achieve its goal of democratizing denim, the studio decided to move to LA to take advantage of the city’s first class denim industry infrastructure. The result is a premium, yet accessible, denim collection that embodies the fashionable spirit of the city in which it’s created.

Beyond Blue: While a classic pair of blue jeans will likely never fall out of vogue, most people’s closets are already well stocked with standard models. The Fall 1969 line offers fresh interpretations that go beyond the typical indigo color and traditional fabrications, while still retaining the flattering fit that’s been a touchstone of the brand. Among our favorites are the Men’s Skinny Fit Jean in Olive, a tastefully slim (without being too tight) style that nods to the military trend, and the Women’s High Rise Pintuck Trouser in Cortez, a lightweight denim pant that’s chicly retro, yet still modern enough to not be mistaken for a piece from Gap’s original collection.

The Jewel City Gap: Glendale, California residents who haven’t yet paid a visit to their city’s newly revamped Gap store may do a double take the next time they’re cruising the Galleria. Just reopened last month, this shop has the hip feel of an indie Silverlake boutique but with the gentle pricing and wearable fashion that Gap customers have come to expect. Vinyl LP sleeves and vintage Gap advertisements and photographs adorn the walls, while a work station decked out with terrariums and fish bowls offers freelancers a place to plug in. And, for those lacking their own laptops, the store even has four iPads available for shoppers’ use.

Pico Team Hangouts: All work and no play would make for a rather uninspired design team, so naturally the Pico gang makes a point of escaping the studio. Among their favorite haunts are Cole’s, a historic public house where the French dip sandwich originated; Piano Bar, an Old Hollywood-style juke joint where the design team enjoys whiskey and live music; Wurstküche, a convivial German beer hall where large groups convene over brews and brats; Church and State, a downtown LA dining staple where the crew likes to unwind with cocktails after work; and Mariscos Guillen La Playita, a Venice taco stand where chowhounds flock for the renowned shrimp ceviche and seafood cocktail.