KATSEYE say Gap denim ad surprised them with its global reach

According to People, KATSEYE say their Gap commercial released in August — the global group's “Better in Denim” campaign — shocked them by how widely it resonated after going viral.

The spot stars Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel and Yoonchae Jeung dancing in blue jeans to the 2003 Kelis song “Milkshake,” with choreography by Robbie Blue. Laforteza said the band aimed to “represent and celebrate our individualities,” and that they “had an inkling” the campaign would be big but were surprised by how many people it reached and inspired.

She pointed to visible reactions, including a post from a mother whose daughter wanted to start wearing bindis after seeing Raj, 20, in the ad; Laforteza, 23, said “it shows us how much power and room we have with what we're given to represent and inspire other girls.”

Asked about the campaign’s release soon after Sydney Sweeney’s controversial American Eagle ad, Laforteza said there was “no other intention of going against anything.” The American Eagle spot prompted debate over the use of the word “jeans” as a play on “genes,” and Sweeney said she did that ad “because I love the jeans and love the brand,” adding she does not support views some people connected to the campaign. Laforteza said KATSEYE hopes to inspire others to “celebrate themselves and their individuality.”

Key Topics

Culture, Katseye, Gap, Sophia Laforteza, Lara Raj, Sydney Sweeney