The Gap has always been a symbol of American fashion. Today, they're debuting "Close," their first ever signature fragrance for women, which is the brainchild of design wunderkind (and fairly recent Gap EVP appointee) Patrick Robinson. And StyleList readers have first dibs - leave a comment below to enter for the chance to win one of 10 bottles of the iconic scent.

"It wasn't about making a scent that wears you, but a scent that you actually wear," says Robinson. Infused with notes of citrus and white flowers, the overall effect is beachy, with a saltiness that's added by your own skin to personalize the scent. "It changes for each person, says Robinson. "You add to the personality of the fragrance."

After the jump, StyleList got the chance to chat with Robinson about the inspiration behind "Close," the notes that breathe personality into the perfume and the process of creating a fragrance from start to finish.

But first, leave a comment below to be among the first to try Gap's fresh new scent.
Robinson, a Parsons-alum who sharpened his design skills at Giorgio Armani, Paco Rabanne, Anne Klein and Perry Ellis, has been on a mission to modernize the Gap while staying true to its simplicity and sophistication. Combing through every white T-shirt and khaki, he felt there was a missing femininity to products for women. Patrick's solution: "Close," the Gap's first signature fragrance for women.

StyleList: This was your first introduction into the perfume industry. What was the inspiration for "Close?" How was the development process?

Patrick: I thought how do I keep it cool and very American and tell a story the same way the other products do while making it more individualistic. I'm very clear on what the Gap is. I touch every product within the brand. It was fun because it was something we never had. It needed to feel like today and tomorrow. You needed to see the bottle that's why its clear like the store. The shape is based on an egg--its one of the most beautiful things that you can place in your hand.There is an easiness, honesty and boldness like the Gap.

StyleList: What are the prominent notes?

Patrick: It wasn't about making a scent that wears you, but a scent that you actually wear. You should smell fragrances when you lean in close to someone. It's never sexy when you smell it before they walk into the room. There are notes of citrus and white flowers. A lot of people say that they smell the beach--that fresh, saltiness is the human muskiness in there. The white flowers add a subtle essence. It changes for each person. You add to the personality of the fragrance.

StyleList: Did you know from the beginning that you would name the fragrance "Close?"

Patrick: No. People were pitching me names that had two words. I didn't like two words. It's not Sexy Gap or Fred's Gap. I wanted a clear, one-word name. Someone had a book with fragrances already launched and it had "Closer." I hated the "-er" and forced it to be "Close." It was so Gap and it felt like a man and a woman being together.