Opened by The Gap back in 1994, Old Navy saw wild success right out of the gate. At the time, it was the fastest retailer to reach $1 billion in sales within four years.
The brand has since become a staple of billions of shoppers around the world who already trusted the quality of parent company The Gap since its launch in the late ’60s. In the mid-90’s, Old Navy nailed the perfect balance of quality and affordability, a formula that’s kept the business going strong as it moves into its third decade.
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Over the years, Old Navy has rolled out some thoughtfully chosen partnerships, such as its WE Artist tee series with Fifteen Percent Pledge in 2023, which was designed to spotlight diverse artists from the Black community. Old Navy also donated $500,000 to the non-profit to support the project.
Related: Old Navy solves a huge clothing problem
A 2020 collaboration with media company Popsugar was also designed to attract a tween audience to Old Navy, which tapped designer Kheris Rogers, gymnast Alizé Lee and athlete and musician Jensen Gering to help create a 25-piece clothing collection emblazoned with hopeful slogans such as “We’re Gonna Be Alright.”
While all these partnerships were unusual and well-executed, Old Navy has just announced a brand new one – and it’s easily the most high-profile collaboration the apparel brand has ever embarked on.
Old Navy has been a successful brand which has changed courses many times.
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Old Navy releases “happiest shirt on Earth”
Old Navy launches its first ever collaboration collection with Disney today starring Mickey & Friends, with branding that reads, “Two icons, together at last.”
The collection of apparel styles is red, white, and blue themed and built around Old Navy’s signature flag tee. The collaboration also marks the first time any branded IP will appear on that product.
The new collection features more than 100 pieces and has a wide array of options to choose from. In addition to t-shirts, the collection also offers denim cutoff shorts, jean jackets, bathing suits, hats, shoes, tots bags, enamel pins and more. It’s available in both men and women’s styles, as well as offering a wide range of options for kids.
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“We partnered with Disney’s incredible team to bring you the first-ever limited-edition Old Navy x Disney collection – designed for every style icon in the family,” said Oldy Navy Product Development Head Sarah Holme.
She’s excited about the collaboration.
“It’s a fresh take on classic American summer style with Disney’s characters, full of thoughtful design details and unexpected twists. From a reimagined version of our iconic flag tee to a line-up of timeless-meets-trend-forward pieces, this collection is all about celebrating classic summer style, nostalgic charm for today and making everyday moments a little more magical.”
The Old Navy x Disney collection launches in stores on May 14.
A clever move from Old Navy
While people have been worried about increased pricing and the stress of what tariffs may do to the economy, Old Navy has chosen to align itself with one of the most beloved and joyful brands of all time – and its reliable low prices on these new products are affordable in a way customers have come to expect.
Gap has also chosen to release this collection at a time when its finances are doing well. Old Navy saw sales of $2.2 billion during Gap’s last quarter, with comparable sales up 3% and especially high performance in denim and activewear.
While a trip to Disney may not be in many people’s budgets this year, at the very least they can sport a cute new shirt or hat from the Old Navy x Disney collection and enjoy a little spark of joy.
