KATSEYE Shares Insights on the Surprising Inspiration Behind the Viral Gap Commercial

NEED TO KNOW

• KATSEYE is discussing the impact of their viral Gap denim advertisement.
• Band member Sophia Laforteza remarked, “It just shows us how much power and how much room we have with what we’re given to represent and inspire other girls.”
• The campaign was launched shortly after the release of Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, which stirred controversy.

KATSEYE is reflecting on the success of their viral Gap commercial.

The “Better in Denim” campaign features band members Sophia Laforteza, Manon Bannerman, Daniela Avanzini, Lara Raj, Megan Skiendiel, and Yoonchae Jeung dancing in blue jeans, performing choreography from Robbie Blue to Kelis’s 2003 hit “Milkshake.”

Laforteza, 23, described the commercial as a defining moment for KATSEYE, acknowledging the iconic nature of Gap’s advertising legacy.

KATSEYE for GAP.

GAP/YouTube

“Us being as KATSEYE, one of the things we love to do and what we strive to do is represent and celebrate our individualities,” Laforteza stated. “And I think that was one of the main intentions of this ad.”

She noted that the Grammy-nominated band had an inkling that the campaign would be substantial.

“But once everything came out, it definitely did shock us just how many people it reached and how many people were inspired,” Laforteza said.

KATSEYE for GAP.

GAP/YouTube

She also highlighted the emotional impact of representation, noting the visibility of Raj, 20, who is Indian-American and openly bisexual.

“I know Lara had a story where she saw a post of a mom posting about how her daughter suddenly wanted to start wearing bindis because she saw Lara wearing one in our Gap ad,” Laforteza recalled. “It shows us how much power and room we have with what we’re given to represent and inspire other girls and people all around the world who look like us.”

Laforteza expressed her hope that KATSEYE can inspire others to “celebrate themselves and their individuality.”

KATSEYE in September 2025 in Los Angeles.

Rebecca Sapp/Getty

Regarding the timing of their commercial’s release, Laforteza addressed its launch shortly after Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad, stating, “There was no other intention of going against anything.”

(The American Eagle campaign encountered backlash due to its play on words, prompting accusations of racial insensitivity. Sweeney, 28, stated that she participated in the ad because she loves the jeans and the brand, clarifying that she does not support the views ascribed to her.)

“We’re all here to celebrate everything, and the timelessness of denim and just how versatile that is in our own way,” she remarked. “When all of that came out, we just were so happy about the response of people and what they were saying about how beautiful the representation was.”