Is Gap’s Viral Campaign With Katseye A Clapback to AE’s Sydney Sweeney Ad?

Katseye is taking social media by storm, yet once again.

The iconic girl group, Katseye, consisting of six members – Daniela Avanzini, Manon Bannerman, Sophia Laforteza, Megan Skiendiel, Lara Raj, and Yoonchae – who come from diverse backgrounds, created the most viral denim ad with Gap after a recent denim controversy involving Sydney Sweeney in an American Eagle ad.

The American Eagle campaign featured actress Sydney Sweeney, known for her roles in Euphoria, The White Lotus, and Anyone But You with a tagline of, “Sydney Sweeney has great jeans,” used a play on words with “genes” to reference her blue eyes and blonde hair. Many interpreted the American Eagle ad as promoting Nazi propaganda, such as eugenics.

The campaign faced significant backlash from consumers who felt it promoted white privilege and discriminated against people of color and those with different bodies who are less idealized, socially accepted, or considered beautiful.

While American Eagle likely had good intentions, the message was perceived differently by consumers, which is why, amongst all the controversy, Katseye’s ad with Gap became a viral sensation.

The Gap ad is a total opposite approach from American Eagle, which was intentional.

According to NewsNation, Gap’s CEO, Mark Breitbard, revealed in a press release that collaborating with the pop girl-group was a “natural fit” as they and the brand “share a bold, expressive and inclusive point of view.”

Katseye said in a press release, “Gap didn’t ask us to fit in — they invited us to show up as we are.”

The Gap campaign message uploaded to YouTube states: “This is the denim as you define it. Your individuality. Your self-expression. Your style. Powerful on your own. Even better together.” 

Taking a throwback to the early 2000s, the group members are dressed in early 2000s-inspired denim styles, backed by dancers in black and brown, making the aesthetic of the video even more appealing to viewers.

While every member of Katseye gets a moment to shine dancing to Kelis’ “Milkshake,” it is Bannerman, Raj, and Skiendiel who really stood out.

Fans recreated some of the dance moves choreographed by Robbie Blue. Still, it is Raj’s solo to “I can teach you, but I have to charge” that has social media users recreating the choreography on TikTok.

With millions of views, TikTok recreations, and cultural resonance, Katseye and Gap may have just redefined what a successful fashion campaign looks like in 2025.