Here’s Why KATSEYE’s Denim Commercial Is Everything That Sydney Sweeney’s Campaign Lacked

Netizens praise KATSEYE's Gap commercial for being inclusive and fun.

Seems like Jeans ads are the hottest thing in 2025. Denim ads have been making waves across the internet recently. First Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad campaign, then Beyoncé with Levi’s and now KATSEYE’s Gap ad. Sweeney got into hot water for her jeans ad, as many people thought it included racist undertones. Now, many are contrasting the controversial campaign with Gap’s one with KATSEYE. Read on to know more. 

Contrast Between Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Ad And KATSEYE’s Gap Commercial

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad caught flak for several things. First was the over-objectification of Sweeney. The brand’s first campaign with Sweeney involved her talking to the camera seductively as the camera pans over her body. People felt that the seductive nature of the ad was unnecessary. The next ad, however, was somehow worse. In it, Sweeney talks about genes, a word play on jeans, but what made people uncomfortable was what she said about genes being passed down from parents to offspring and how she has the perfect ‘genes’. The entire advertisement seemed to have a racial undertone while uplifting Sweeney for her good ‘genes.’

Gap’s ad with KATSEYE, however, features none of that and takes a more fun approach. KATSEYE is a global group consisting of members from several ethnicities and countries. The commercial is around 1 minute long and features KATSEYE’s members dancing to the iconic hit song, ‘Milkshake’ by Kelis. 

Aside from its visual excellence and choreography, the Gap was praised for being inclusive. The commercial was directed by Bethany Vargas, who is a Latina woman herself. Gap’s collaboration with KATSEYE comes across as a strategic move, and it might have also taken some digs at Sweeny’s American Eagle ad. The Milkshake song in the ad features a lyric, “it’s better than yours,” which can be seen as a subtle jab towards the brand. 

Also Read: Sydney Sweeney Draws Criticism For Mentioning Jacob Elordi Amid Bathwater Soap Scandal

The reception to the American Eagle and Gap ads has been a stark contrast. People are applauding Gap for celebrating authentic representation and delivering a commercial that is visually creative, fun to watch, and, of course, will influence people to buy the brand’s denim. Something that Sydney Sweeney’s campaign failed to do.

Also Read: KATSEYE Makes History At Lollapalooza With Record-Breaking Daytime Set!

First Published: August 22, 2025 2:44 PM