Old Navy x Disney Clothing Line Reflects International Tensions

Old Navy has released a line of Disney products, for what’s apparently the first time ever — as advertising puts it “Two icons, together at last.”

The line includes everything from graphic tees to baseball caps, high-waisted OG jean cut-off shorts to one-piece rompers for babies. The 92-piece line was released days before US Memorial Day, and features the iconography of Americana.

There’s a twist, though, for Canadian shoppers, echoing international tensions.

Amid heighten tensions with the United States, only 69 items have made it north of the border.

It wasn’t unheard of in the past for retailers in Canada to stock items with that star-spangled imagery. The option once appealed to some shoppers, given the nation’s pop cultural dominance. But threatened with economic sanctions and the general shadow of the Republic, Canada has experienced a flourish of national pride.

United States and Canadian website front pages, with one noticeable difference.

As a result, the outfits swap the blue and white stars for red with white maple leaves. It will be interesting to see whether the line is embraced north of the border, or if Canucks reject it as Canada-washing a line by two American brands.

So far on social media, the varying lines have mostly just led to frustration over product availability. One user noted the number of products in both countries, while another posted that she “called my store tote bag is not in stores yet in Canada very frustrating.” Ironically, the tote bag has no American symbolism, and could be sold as-is.

The GAP itself has released products, including in February 2023. It’s just launched a Lilo & Stitch Collection, with items for kids and adults.