J Crew comes to the UK!

28 May

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When I think of J Crew I think of basics - good affordable basics but not fashion, so I was very surprised that I liked so many looks and that there were pieces that I wanted to wear! I loved the print on print, bold colours and that everything was styled with a "vintage" necklace. The shapes are classic but it's the prints and the styling that gives them an aspirational "London Look". I grew up with my friends' mums wearing J Crew but this doesn't look anything like what I remember. I think/thought of J Crew as a bit preppy/mummy - but this is preppy all grown up and a lot chicer!

The press launch and pop up shop were held at Central Saint Martins. J Crew is funding a scholarship (covering course fees and accommodations for a year) for an MA fashion student next year - students will design a cashmere piece in keeping with J. Crew's aesthetic. Creative director Jenna Lyons will then choose the winner and the piece will be to put into production and sold globally.

In November J Crew will be opening two separate shops - one for men and one for women, each with their own entrance at 168 Regent Street. Creative director Jenna Lyons' emphasis is on quality and design lead items - which will help justify its high price points. They are positioning themselves with retailers like Reiss, Whistles, and Paul Smith. It is also expected that J Crew will be opening shops in Hong Kong and Beijing this autumn.