Launching today, GapStudio is the next stage of the brand’s evolution. Designed by Posen, and with a star-studded campaign shot and directed by Mario Sorrenti and styled by Alastair McKimm, it’s a statement of intent for where (and for whom) Gap wants to take its business. Collection 01, which drops today, is a real celebration of Posen’s love of draping and construction, and features everything from silk slip dresses and tailored shirting and trousers, to corsets and bubble-hem miniskirts. Prices range from $78 for a tank top to $248 for a denim trench coat.

“Inside Gap’s New York HQ, we’ve built a creative studio where I’ve designed looks for the red carpet, and where we’ll continue to collaborate with visionary talent in the future,” says Posen, whose official title is Gap Inc executive vice president and creative director. “GapStudio Collection 01 reflects that vision—blending tailoring with innovative denim treatments that sculpt and refine the fabric in new ways. This is just the beginning.”

I had a chance to try on some of the collection’s hero pieces, and I can confirm that the quality – which can be hard to get a sense of online—is undeniable. The silky slip dresses, which come in red and black, are much more flattering than many others I’ve tried on before, thanks to their weighty fabric, panelled construction and subtle flaring of the skirt that skims (rather than clings to) the hips. Then there’s the knit dresses, which have a weighty, premium feel (and are reminiscent of new-season Alaïa). They come in a tank iteration (see the red style below) and a long-sleeved style, and all feature the same hip-skimming waistband and pleated skirt.

GapStudio denim skirt and tank top.

GapStudio jersey maxi dress and corset.

Speaking of skirts, one of my favorite pieces has to be the dark-wash denim mini, which features the same clever construction as the dresses—a sort of inside-out pleating that creates a sculptural, wavy hemline. I’ll be styling it with a tank top, bomber jacket and ballet pumps this spring. I also have to give a shoutout to the asymmetric-hem jersey maxis, which look suitably chic styled with the collection’s lace-up corsets—one to take note of for summer parties. The only thing missing? More innovation in the tailored pieces, such as the trousers and shirts. They tick the “reliable wardrobe staple” box, but perhaps don’t feel radically different from the brand’s mainline collections.

That being said, Posen has taken significant steps to carrying Gap into a new era, and we have no doubt that this collection will assist him with his mission. We can’t wait to see what he comes up with for collection 02. Watch this space.

Shop GapStudio: