(FORTUNE Magazine) – Watch out, fashionistas: You may soon be working at the Gap.

Returning to wardrobe basics like plain khakis has helped the retailer record 12 consecutive months of same store sales growth. But now Gap is again treading in fashion territory. Last fall it hired Emma Hill, an accessories designer at Marc Jacobs. Now it's poached Pina Ferlisi from hot women's wear house Theory and Louise Trotter, former creative director at CK Jeans.

When Gap ventured into fashion in the late '90s, the results were ghastly (think sparkly T-shirts). But Kurt Barnard of Barnard's Retail Trend Report says Gap's new designers "are known for their clean, more modern lines." Hill's pocketed corduroy bags are already in stores; Ferlisi's influence won't be fully seen until next summer. By striking a balance between basics and more stylish items, the company hopes not to scare away its core customers. "We're not looking to chase every trend," says Gary Muto, president of Gap stores. "We hope to add more of a designer's attention to detail and aesthetics to the brand." Sounds good--just as long as the prices aren't designer. --Julie Creswell