Why GAP x BÉIS Collaboration Is The Travel Upgrade We Needed

There’s something about a fresh travel collection that makes me feel a little giddy—the promise of smooth airport transitions, perfectly organized carry-ons, and clothes that somehow manage to look great while being comfortable enough to nap on a flight. So when GAP teamed up with BÉIS, the travel lifestyle brand from Shay Mitchell, to create a new collection, I was instantly intrigued. This wasn’t just another celebrity collab throwing logos around. It felt like a genuine meeting of minds between two brands with very different strengths but the same goal: to make travel easier, smarter, and actually stylish.

I dug deep into the collection and spent some time living with the pieces to see if they really deliver on their big promises. Here’s the full rundown on what makes this collab special, what works, and where it could get even better—especially for those of us who live out of a suitcase or simply want that effortless travel vibe without the fuss.

When two brands with big identities come together, it’s easy for things to feel forced. Not here. GAP, with its American heritage, classic casual style, and commitment to comfort, pairs perfectly with BÉIS, a brand built from the ground up around practical, forward-thinking travel design. Shay Mitchell, BÉIS’s founder and creative director, isn’t just lending her name—she brought hands-on expertise, mixing her jet-setting lifestyle into every product detail. This isn’t a capsule you just wear on vacation; it’s designed to fit seamlessly into your everyday life, whether you’re hopping a flight or running weekend errands.

This collab makes travel gear look less like “stuff I have to pack” and more like “pieces I want to live in.” That’s a big deal. Travel collections can often lean hard into gimmicks or sacrifice style for function—or vice versa. GAP x BÉIS strikes a rare balance, and it’s worth unpacking.

My Personal Take: What Worked for Me

The collection’s aesthetic is classic GAP—timeless denim, relaxed fits, neutral palettes—but elevated with thoughtful travel details you didn’t realize you needed until you had them. I appreciated the little things that show Shay’s travel experience at work: strategically placed zippers, hidden compartments, and fabrics that can take a bit of wear and still look fresh.

I loved the attention to detail in both bags and clothes, which made me feel like the collection was designed by travelers for travelers—not just marketers chasing trends. The denim-inspired texture on luggage and bags gave a little something special that makes the whole capsule stand out without trying too hard.

Also, price-wise, the collection sits in a mid-range bracket that’s fair for the quality, but the limited availability means you’ll want to act fast. The exclusivity is cool but can be frustrating if you miss out.

Lastly, I’d love to see more sustainable materials woven into future drops. Both brands have shown interest in sustainability, so bringing that to a collaboration centered on travel—which inherently has a big carbon footprint—would feel like a natural next step.

The GAP x BÉIS collaboration hits a sweet spot between style, comfort, and function that many travel collections miss. It’s clear this wasn’t a quick cash grab, but a thoughtfully designed capsule by people who live the lifestyle they’re creating for.

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For my readers who value smart investment pieces with staying power, this collection feels like a solid choice. It blends timeless design with fresh innovations that actually make travel easier and more stylish. It’s the kind of capsule I’m excited to keep reaching for—and not just when I’m flying.

Love,

Rae

Image Credits - Alina Matveycheva