Gap Launches 'Bridging the Gap,' a Film Celebrating American Optimism with Edward Enninful's Directorial Debut

Starring Adwoa Aboah, Maria Borges, Christie Brinkley, Miles Chamley-Watson, Priyanka Chopra, Jonathan Groff, Wiz Khalifa, Fernanda Ly, Casil Mcarthur, Lineisy Montero, Ellen Rosa, Jasmine Sanders, Yara Shahidi, and Alek Wek

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Gap

Jun 06, 2017, 09:30 ET

NEW YORK, June 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Gap, the iconic American clothing brand, announces the launch of the film 'Bridging the Gap,' directed, cast and styled by Edward Enninful. The film is a celebration of American optimism shared by Enninful and Gap. Enninful selected a cast of individuals he's worked with, championed and admired who embody American culture today. The iconic Gap basic white t-shirt serves as a blank canvas for each of the cast to take and make their own, offering a glimpse at how their differences unite them.

The cast of 'Bridging the Gap' along with Edward Enninful

"I love the optimistic American style that Gap celebrates and the simplicity of the basic white t-shirt that allows you to be yourself," said Enninful. "Growing up, I loved the imagery I saw from America as it celebrated being the land of the free and home of the brave. This project is about authenticity and people living their truths."

"Gap is a quintessentially American brand and we strive to embody all of America in everything we do," said Gap chief marketing officer Craig Brommers. "'Bridging the Gap' is about showing the many faces of what it means to be an American and bringing all of those sides together. Edward is the perfect partner in this project as he and Gap share an optimistic view of the world."

The cast sings "Sunny" by Boney M., which conveys a message of optimism as a direct nod to the film's concept, while each dances to their own rhythm displaying their individuality, and then come together as a symbol of unity.

The full cast includes:

Actress Priyanka Chopra:

"Bridging the Gap' is exactly what the world needs right now, there are so many gaps in this world that need to be bridged and filled. The most important one for me is empowering women, women need to be given an opportunity to stand on their feet and do the best they can for themselves," said Chopra.
Recording artist Wiz Khalifa:

"To me, 'Bridging the Gap' means making diversity more acceptable, by making it okay to look or act different. I do that by being myself," said Khalifa.
Model and actress Christie Brinkley:

"I see 'Bridging the Gap' as a statement of mutual humanity and freedom. Freedom for me means not being concerned what others think of or expect from me, but living my life with the intention of making the world a better place for others," said Brinkley.
Model Casil Mcarthur:

"It takes a lot of courage to be the person you want to be. I am 'Bridging the Gap' by living my truth. I am not going to hide myself from the world," said Mcarthur.

Other cast members include model and activist Adwoa Aboah, model Maria Borges, Olympic champion fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, theater, film and television actor Jonathan Groff, model Fernanda Ly, model Lineisy Montero, model Ellen Rosa, model and Instagram star Jasmine Sanders, actress and model Yara Shahidi, and model and designer Alek Wek.

The film is supplemented by a 'Making Of' video created by The Madbury Club featuring Enninful and the cast sharing their thoughts on what it means to bridge the gap and offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the film's creation.

For more information on 'Bridging the Gap,' visit www.gap.com/bridgingthegap

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, Intermix and Weddington Way. For more information, please visit www.gapinc.com.

About Edward Enninful
One of the most sought after stylists in the industry, Edward Enninful began his prolific career at the age of 18 as Fashion Director for i-D Magazine, making him the youngest ever Fashion Director for an international publication. In 2005, Enninful became Contributing Fashion Editor for American Vogue; a position that he held at Italian Vogue since 1998. From 2011 to 2017 he served as the Creative Fashion Director of W Magazine, and was most recently announced that he would take over as Editor in Chief of British Vogue in August 2017.

Over the last two and a half decades, Edward has been a major influence in creating iconic images and made numerous meaningful contributions towards the industry. To honor his legendary career and services in fashion, he has received several professional acknowledgements throughout the years. Among various others, the most notable include: Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to diversity in fashion (June 2016), British Fashion Awards Isabella Blow Award for Fashion Creator (December 2014), and New York Urban League's Frederick Douglass Medallion Award (May 2014).

Will Davis
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Mackenzie Dougherty
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SOURCE Gap