Katy Perry Takes on Holiday Cheer in New Gap Campaign

The “Smile” singer on starring in Gap’s holiday campaign and what “All You Need is Love” means to her.

The holiday season is starting early this year — and by early, we mean pre-Halloween early!— thanks to a new Gap campaign starring Katy Perry.

Released earlier today, the film stars the “Firework” singer as she navigates daily life in various Gap gear (see the nostalgia-inducing logo hoodie and oversized denim jacket), culminating in a Love Actually-esque music video, complete with fake snow, a mini-orchestra and jovial dancers. Perry provides the soundtrack to the commercial with her rendition of The Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” and Gap is donating US$1 for every stream of the new track on Spotify to Baby2Baby – a nonprofit long supported by Katy that provides children living in poverty with basic necessities.

“Reimagining one of the most recognizable and emotional songs of our time with an iconic brand like Gap, having such a special and important message, has been a dream,” said Perry in a press release. “And what better reason to partner than bringing people together to spread joy for the holidays and raise money for Baby2Baby, a charity that’s close to my heart. Children are our future. We need to lift kids and help them find their value, self-worth and self-respect.”

As a relatively new mother to Daisy, her one-year-old with Orlando Bloom, Perry is an especially fitting choice for Gap’s “All Together Now” campaign. But even before the birth of her daughter, the superstar’s brand has always been synonymous with joy. From her campy wardrobe, brightly coloured performances (I mean, who can forget the beach party she threw for the Super Bowl HalfTime show?) and her latest album literally entitled Smile, even just the name Katy Perry evokes positivity.

With that in mind, FASHION spoke to Katy via email about her history with Gap, the timelessness of Beatles lyrics, and a typical Perry Christmas.

What was it about Gap and this campaign that made you want to work with the brand?

Well, to be honest, it’s kind of a full circle life moment as my first paying job at 16 was folding the fleece aisle at the Gap that still exists in Paseo Nuevo in Santa Barbara, CA. Gap commercials have always been iconic, and all of my heroes have been in them, so it’s nice to keep checking off the bucket list.

What was the first Gap item you ever purchased?

I can’t remember exactly, but I do know that my favourite piece from the commercial was the all-pink outfit. I also wear the Gap jeans I got from the fitting on the reg. I think there will also be a lot of workout gear this holiday season because I’ll be spending most of my time rehearsing for my Vegas residency!

How did it feel to cover such an iconic Beatles song?

When music really came to life for me, it was a combo of Queen, The Beach Boys, and The Beatles. The White Album is my absolute favourite, but this song, to me, is the definition of life and what we are all looking for, especially during the holidays.

“All You Need Is Love” was originally released in the sixties. How does the song resonate in 2021?

The Beatles’ lyrics stand the test of time: “All you need is love”…and maybe some cozy clothes to be together with your family and friends again.

What does a typical Perry family holiday celebration look like? Did anything change once Daisy was born?

My brother-in-law is Danish, and the Danish really do Christmas FULLY — they do it on Christmas Eve, so we have a three-day celebration. My parents cook on the 23rd, we rent a trolley to look at Christmas lights throughout the city while drinking hot toddies and gluhwein [mulled wine]. My brother-in-law and sister are in charge of the 24th, and I get the 25th. Of course, with Daisy, we plan on starting a couple of new traditions this year.

How do you stay optimistic during challenging times, and do you think there’s power in positivity?

It’s all about spreading love and positive vibes, which is what I hope people feel after watching this Gap commercial. I like to see the child in everyone and remember that people are born pure and always have access to that innocence, so try to bring it out.