Gap Plans to Spin Off 1969 Denim Into Its Own Entity. What Does That Mean for Patrick Robinson?

Yes! Back in the day we adored 1969's special collection jeans Gap produced. Now it's being reported from fashionista that Gap Inc. has hired former Seven for All Mankind exec Rosella Giuliani to run the 1969 division of Gap. Giuliani was in charge of both design and mercahndising while at Seven.

"Company CEO Glenn Murphy recognizes that Gap–its core brand–is also its weakest link, and he wants to make 1969 its shining star. (Think of 1969 as Gap’s Free People. You used to be able to buy Free People stuff at Urban Outfitters, but now it’s in department stores and its own boutiques.)

Giuliani will report to chief designer Patrick Robinson . She’ll also report to Marka Hansen, president of Gap North America. Do we think this news hints that Robinson is on his way out?

Look, Murphy isn’t a fashion guy. He used to run drug stores. And more than anything, he cares about making money. While we don’t think Robinson is in danger just yet, he won’t be at Gap a year from now if things haven’t improved."