Gap Inc. was honored with an invitation to the inaugural Fifteen Percent Pledge Benefit Gala in New York City on April 2, 2022. As the first advocacy partner, Gap Inc. has leveraged its platform and purpose-led, billion-dollar brands to support the impactful work of the Pledge, including naming Aurora James, the Pledge’s Founder, to its Power of the Collective Council.
The power of allyship was on full display throughout the evening as fashion icons and industry game changers gathered with community and business leaders to celebrate and reflect upon a collective triumph: Since its inception, the Pledge has funneled $10 billion of revenue to Black-owned businesses, amplifying the power of the Black community and encouraging brands to further their commitment to the Pledge. As guests entered the New York Public Library, dressed in #BlackTieBlackDesigner, they were entertained by gospel covers of Sam Cooke and The Isley Brothers and served glasses of McBride Sisters wine—an intentional nod to Black excellence.
The evening’s program, hosted by actress Nicole Ari Parker, honored political powerhouse Stacey Abrams and fashion icon Iman, presented by style innovator Dapper Dan and TV personality Tamron Hall respectively. Gap Inc.’s commitment to championing Black creators was evident in the collaborators, designers, influencers, and brand partners selected as guests for the evening.
Gap Inc. remains committed to the Pledge by keeping shelves and sites stocked with Black designers. The morning of the gala, Gap announced the global launch of a limited-edition collection of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) designed in collaboration with Dapper Dan. The NFT experience kicked off with a 48-hour One-of-a-Kind DAP GAP digital auction, featuring single edition digital art designed by Dapper Dan and a special-edition physical DAP GAP varsity jacket signed by Dap himself.
All proceeds raised from the auction will be donated to the Fifteen Percent Pledge.