Gap hires interior designer Todd Oldham to help Old Navy chain

Slumping clothing retailer Gap Inc. said Friday it has hired interior designer and television personality Todd Oldham to bring his sense of style to its Old Navy discount chain.

Oldham, who is currently hosting an interior design show on the Bravo network, will be Old Navy's design creative director. He will join Gap on Oct. 1, about two months after the San Francisco-based company hired a new chief executive, Glenn Murphy, to steer its turnaround efforts.

Besides Old Navy and its namesake chain, Gap also owns Banana Republic.
Although he has been focused on interior design in recent years, Oldham began his career in fashion. He also has previous experience working for discount retailers, having designed a line of dorm room furniture for Target Inc. in 2002 and 2003.

"Todd is a great fit for Old Navy, and this is a huge win for both of us," said Dawn Robertson, Old Navy's president. "His appointment will help us strengthen our focus on creativity and innovation to inspire and excite our customers."

Old Navy has been the biggest drag on Gap during a downturn that is now entering its fourth year. Through the first half of this year, Old Navy's comparable-store sales had fallen by 7 percent compared to last year.

"It is very exciting for me to step back into fashion with such a far reaching and forward leaning company as Old Navy," said Oldham, who plans to split his time between New York and San Francisco.

Besides his current TV show on the Bravo network, Oldham also hosted shows on MTV and HGTV.