Indigo
Alchemy

Nick Ysmael Zipagan

Creative Direction

Defining the intersection of heritage craftsmanship and technical innovation for the modern market.

Nick Ysmael Zipagan
NYC
LI
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Denim's next chapter is woven around the lives we lead— where innovation brings comfort, freedom and authenticity.

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WORK 01 — TOMMY HILFIGER
MODERN HERITAGE

TOMMY HILFIGER

Tommy Hilfiger Denim Destination transformation.

Evolving its iconic American heritage through modern products, compelling fit stories, and a cohesive identity across Men’s, Women’s, and Kids’.

Our most authentic denim lifestyle.

TH
WORK 02 — GAP
GAP

GENERATION
GAP

Revitalizing Gap’s positioning- more premium, more authentic.

Denim like no other, from new fabrics and fits- the most elevated silos for modern lifestyle. Stretch denim that washes and ages more authentic than ever before.

And most impactful of all- The Gap at its most sustainable. Reduced water consumptions by washing less, replacing manual and chemical finishings with laser, recycled fibers and yarns.

WORK 03 — AMERICAN EAGLE
DENIM REVIVAL

AMERICAN EAGLE

American Eagle is the second largest denim brand in the market. Helped refreshed American Eagle Men’s Denims transformative overhaul in 2018.

Pushing on brand- Gen-Z trend focused assortments and building an authentic heritage line to cater to denim heads of every generation worldwide.

Fit and fabric stories with the power to influence all denim marketing.

AE
WORK 04 — RALPH LAUREN
RL

HERITAGE
RALPH LAUREN

At Ralph Lauren, I discovered my passion for history, vintage garments, and artifacts from around the world.

Immersing myself in the rich traditions of Americana, British heritage, and French and Asian cultures taught me to look beyond aesthetics- to understand their significance and reimagine the past with purpose for a contemporary audience.

Visual Archive

A fragmented collection of textures, processes, and studio moments.

01Research

Studio Archive

Concept beyond Denim

02Fit

Technical Study

03

Dye Analysis

In Detail

DESIGN PROCESS

Warp & Weft

Experimental fiber concepts.

Premium

FUTURE OF PREMIUM

The Designer

Denim’s next chapter is woven around the lives we lead- where innovation brings comfort, freedom and authenticity. Bridging heritage craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and innovation together to push denim lifestyle forward with purpose. Timeless yet unexpected: rooted in authenticity, engineered for modern life, and designed to endure.

Nick Zipagan is a design leader whose work connects heritage craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and innovation. Raised in New York City and educated at Parsons and FIT, his perspective draws on a career spanning couture, contemporary fashion, and American heritage- from Anne Valérie Hash in Paris to Ralph Lauren, American Eagle, Gap, and Tommy Hilfiger.

At Ralph Lauren, an immersion in vintage garments and global archives shaped his appreciation for the history held within clothing. That sensibility continues to inform his work: preserving the character of the original while finding new relevance through fit, fabric, and function.

Nick approaches design with curiosity and intention. His focus is on creating products that deepens our connection to what we wear- bringing greater comfort to everyday life and lasting value through thoughtful, responsible design.

15 Years Exp
2 Awards

Selected Tenure

01

Sr. Design Lead

Tommy Hilfiger — New York, NY

2022 — Present
02

Denim Designer

Gap — New York, NY

2019 — 2020
03

Mens Denim & Outerwear Designer

American Eagle Outfitters — New York, NY

2017 — 2019
04

Mens Design Associate

Ralph Lauren — New York, NY

2015 — 2016
05

Director/Founder

BIG Z & CO. — NEW YORK, NY

2020 — Present
06

Various Mens + Womens Design 

Flag & Anthem NEW YORK /3.1 PhilLip LimNEW YORK/
Anne ValeriE HashPARIS

2012 — 2017

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