J.Crew's Collection items are reaching new heights when it comes to prices. {wow!} The following are some of their pricier items:- Printed calf-hair Astor jacket (Item 96558, $2,200.00)
- Tortoise sequin jacket (Item 93285; $3,000.00)
- Leopard-beaded cardigan (Item 96123; $2,800.00)
- Leopard-beaded dress (Item 96082; $3,500.00)
- Python Jamie bag (Item 98959; $3,000.00)
I am also curious to find out how well J.Crew's Collection has been doing so far. Especially since I am not sure when the new J. Crew Collection store (on Madison Avenue and 79th Street in NYC) is going to open. [The store was suppose to open this spring (click here), then summer (click here), and now sometime in fall (click here).]
What do you think of J.Crew's Collection pieces? Would you consider purchasing the Collection items over the regular line? Do you happen to own any of the Collection pieces (that cost more than $1,000)? If so, please let us know what you think :) Also, do you think the creation of the J.Crew Collection line was a good extension of the J.Crew name?
You'd think those jackets were made from actual Leopards with those prices. ;)
ReplyDeleteAre those made from real animals? Those are crazy prices but I'm sure someone likes them. Not a fan of animal prints myself.
ReplyDeletePatrick
Personally I feel that J.Crew targets wrong customers. It makes me feel confused... If J.Crew wants to target upscale customers, it might be better to separate collection items and normal J.Crew items on the website. Also, J.Crew could have different "labels" like Ralph Lauren based on price brackets.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering why the python Jamie bag says it's not for sale in CA. Not that I'd want it even if it was, but I've never seen an item specifically excluded from a state like that.
ReplyDeletesorry for this off topic, but I found another questionable item. Jeweled critter grosgrain belt item 94349, was $45.00 select colors $19.99. Papaya beatle. Recently J.Crew designers like "bugs" a lot:)
ReplyDeletemelanie: Python skin products are banned by California state law.
ReplyDeletei own the collection t-shirt with sequins in black (holiday 07and the catherine cashmere peacoat (hip length) - love both, but the full price is questionable. those were way below the $1k mark.
ReplyDeletemelanie, python has been banned in CA since the 70s...we also can't get certain furniture that fails california's 'open flame' standards, etc..hopefully foie gras doesn't get banned too! ; )
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01E6D6143AF93AA25750C0A9669C8B63
I could never get used to these prices! I guess I would have to be a movie star or make a ton of money and I mean a ton...even then, I would probably still be a frugile shopper. I would rather donate my extra earnings (and time to charity). This is just crazy to me. But, then again, my maximum for a bag/purse is $125 dollars.
ReplyDeleteI can appreciate a well-made, carefully-constructed garment. However, J Crew seems to have lost the point on many of the items in their Collection. It seems to me that the focus of their higher-priced Collection clothing is to attract attention with rather garish animal prints, skins, metallics, crystals, and oddly patterned sequins (ie the slighly creepy tortoise jacket). I don't care if the sequins were sewn by hand, it's hideous like many designer label garments..... designed primarily to display wealth rather than taste. Having said that, I absolutely adore the studio ball skirt but I'm not ready to shell out $400 for it.
ReplyDeleteHSN and the J.Crew Collection price point. Is anyone else confused?
ReplyDeleteIf I had alot of disposal income this style of clothing does not appeal to me.
ReplyDeleteI just wonder if the quality is there at that price point - I've purchased 2 previous year's "Collection" bags (the large Anya and the small Anya/Peyton) from eBay, both of which were in excellent used condition, but I immediately noticed that some of the stitching in the seams was starting to fray. I don't own any high-end designer bags so I can't compare, but shouldn't this not happen? I understand that the materials are superior to a bag I'd get from say, Target - but the construction seemed to be about the same.
ReplyDeletePlus, I think the "Collection" name is kind of off-base - a good percentage of these items are kind of garish and don't seem like they'd be able to be worn season after season (ie, the Metallic Jacquard items from this summer - my b&m had a rack full of them, all slashed to like, $50 apiece). If I'm going to drop upwards of $1K on a piece (and these are looking more like $2-3K), I'd expect it to be a timeless design, extraordinary quality and construction, and something unlikely to be on a clearance rack in upstate NY in a month or so. Just my $0.02.
Melanie: is there a law about how stuff is made in CA? Say against killing certain species? I highly doubt it given that it is CA and people buy some crazy stuff out there... but I would guess that the way the bag is made has something to do with it not being available.
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew Old Timer: I do agree with you. A lot of their new collection items just seem too flashy for me.
Alexis: Yea, us here in NYC have still not gotten an e-mail or mailing saying when the store would open. I also keep asking my friends that live over on Madison or Park since I assume that is their target audience. One of them (I have no idea how she is this oblivious because she lives two blocks away) had no idea a JCrew store was even opening.
Silverlinging: I would absolutely say that is NOT supposed to happen. In my opinion, other designers who design at this price level (or slightly below) often guarantee their products for life-- I am thinking of Coach... ok thats all that comes time mind right now... but its EARLY :( and I am not awake yet.
JCrew does seem to be all over the place and while I know if I asked them to focus they would stop focusing on me and focus on the luxury items. But its a little annoying.
Also can anyone explain the new Chinos that are part of the collection at $125? I will try them, when they go on sale! Chinos, for $125, they must have flown off their rockers.
the only collection item i have bought so far is the cashmere cupcake cardigan from earlier this year. it was $175 and i had a 20% coupon. i love it, especially because it's a little different from the rest of the stuff, but i don't think i could ever go for some of the gaudy stuff they've got now. the jamie bag yes, the jamie python bag, no way.
ReplyDeleteIt appears that many people have not thought of J.Crew as a luxury retailer. They are & they have been a luxury retailer . . .
ReplyDeleteJeff T: I have to disagree. It is only within the last year or two that they have decided to take the brand luxury. Until then they were more of a "preppy outfitter." I could afford to wear them in High School-- I know there has been inflation but still I couldn't afford anything similar to these prices 10 years ago. Alexis has posted some articles about the recent chages in J.Crew's direction
ReplyDeleteReally? I've always thought of them as luxury retailers. I admit, I've only started shopping there in the past recent years. I migrated from BR. haha.
ReplyDeleteJeff T: Sorry, this is a recent phenomenon. Even three years ago their Chinos were priced (full price) at about $50. You could get a great sweater for $100 or less. They had a lot more cotton pieces back then too. So this is absolutely since about the summer of 2006, maybe that winter... am I right Ladies? Feel free to correct me.
ReplyDeleteJeff, No, JCrew was not a luxury retailer until recently...I think around 2006 sounds about right...I am glad I found them BEFORE the change as I bought a lot more in 2004 and 2005 seasons....
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of the higher priced *collection* pieces...the term *gaudy* comes to mind. There are several lower priced collection items that I like, but the higher priced pieces are just really a *no go* for me.
ReplyDeleteI am currently reading "Deluxe" by Dana Thomas (while I already started the book, I do believe that someone mentioned it on a prior post) -- which explores the whole "luxury goods" business.... If J. Crew is really using the same fabrics/couture suppliers that the big names are using.... Hermes, Gucci, YSL-- I am learning that there is additional costs in having these products made in places other than China.... The EURO is high right now--- so labor is expensive, etc..... A python Hermes bag can run you $15K! So I guess $2/3K is a deal???!!!! I own the Uptown Tote and Owen Hobo both of which use the tannery Borge Garveri (who does supply leather for the Hermes Brikin bag).... I also have the Las Palmas bag which is from an unidentified Italian tannery--- all of which the quality is supurb! While I am not suggesting that you rank J. Crew with Prada--- what are you really paying for when you by a NYLON PRADA BAg for $350...... I personally rather have no logo and consider my J. Crew bag at par with a Brikin!
ReplyDeleteMy opinion.. is yes.. they are considered "collectors" items. But to me that means the value will always increase.. like a vintage Louis Vuitton Trunk. Some LV items are so wanted and "collectable" the prices increase, like a rare baseball card. I don't feel that JCrew has the bragging rights to say "collect this item" yet. Especially since at the end of the season, all these items will be 30% off. If an item is so collectable a premium will always and forever be payed for it. If JCrew wants to offer such premium items, they need to pop. They need to be so extravagant that everyone notices it at a party or just shopping around the mall. And the items need to be limited in number.. To me I think this is a premature idea for JCrew.. and I'm sorry but any brand sold on the HSN network auto makes me think the words.. discounted/wholesale/cheap/low quality... bad idea JCrew.
ReplyDeleteAn idea for me, would be to send like Rachel Zoe (celebrity stylist) some samples of the collectors items and let some celebrities carry and wear the crew items and create a more "Well Jennifer Aniston caries this bag.." ummm bragging rights.
Jeff T... J. Crew is not a luxury retailer.. they are a quality retailer.. they sell a "lifestyle"
ReplyDeleteThey are categorized with...
-JCrew
-Anthropology/Free People
-Kate Spade
-Ann Taylor
- AT Loft
They are selling a brand.. an idea.. and a lifestyle. Not a premium luxury good that only a small segment of the population can afford. They have created a feeling for their clothes from the sock to the hair-clip. Hope that makes sense. And to Jcrew that creates value.. they are niche market.
I've also noticed that JC will present these expensive garments and then when they don't sell, they are placed in the sale section for a DEEP discount. I dont understand why they would price it so extravagantly initially and then sell it for 50% off later on. Makes me wonder...what is it really worth??
ReplyDelete-Sonri
While I do think some of the collection pieces are pretty, I would never fork over that amount of money. First of all I can't afford it. Secondly, I think it's a mistake for them to have pieces in these price points. They are moving away from their target audience. At those high prices, their customer is possibly now a CEO or a 6 figure salary person or someone who is in debt buying these items. I wish they would stick to their regular price points and I'll continue to watch for sales. :-(
ReplyDeleteOh my God, that sequin top is HIDEOUS. Good luck selling that. I expect to see it in the clearance section for $5 with an extra 40% off soon.
ReplyDeleteI've never thought of J.Crew as a luxury retailer, and I still don't. Chanel is luxury, Christian Dior...J.Crew? No. I don't know anyone who considers J.Crew a luxury retailer.
ReplyDeleteIf I was planning to spend those prices on sweaters, pants or jackets I think I'd be buying "designer" pieces that are a little more edgy and tailored. Things that you wouldn't see knocked off at H & M in 5 minutes ;-)
ReplyDeleteFor example I'd be buying a Smythe jacket http://www.smythelesvestes.com/
or something from pink tartan
http://www.pinktartan.com/home/indexHome.html
I hear you montrose. If I had $3,500 to blow on an article of clothing, I'd be headed to Chanel to pick up a tweed jacket ....
ReplyDeleteIf I had a couple thousand dollars to blow on a sequined top, it would not come from J. Crew and it would certainly not look like the middle picture there.
ReplyDeletei think there are definitely people that are so brand-loyal to jcrew that they will buy anything jcrew tells them is cool. sorry if this includes anyone here- but those people don't have enough style or taste to decide for themselves what is cool. they don't identify that some of these "collection" pieces are hideous, or that a lot of the regular clothing is bad quality or poor-fitting. i think enough of these people exist so that jcrew thinks there is a market for this crap, but it can't possibly be enough that the idea will do really well. and yes, some of the collection pieces are a bargain in price compared to a similar idea at hermes, but can't possibly be as good in quality and are prob not going to be considered heirlooms in the years to come.
ReplyDeleteTo anonymous @ 8:59 AM: Well, you could say that they're selling a lifestyle & an idea, but that's not what decides if it's a luxury retailer or not. Luxury is defined by the prices. You could say that they're selling this for so & so, but however you twist it, it's still a luxury good. What you said is just basically what they are, or were, advertising. It's more than that. It's a commodity that's priced a lot higher to appeal to people with higher income. Maybe that's not what it is before, but that's what it is now.
ReplyDeleteHere, check out the definition of a luxury retailer, or brand.
"A luxury brand or prestige brand is a brand for which a majority of its products are luxury goods. It may also include certain brands whose names are associated with luxury, high price, or high quality, though few, if any, of their goods are currently considered luxury goods."
Jeff T:
ReplyDeleteJcrew's business plan is to be a LIFESTYLE retailer. That is the written story of JCrew. Not a luxury retailer. Creating a look from the socks, to the pants, to the jacket.. a streamlined one place stop for your style look. Much like Kate Spade has done... created sunglasses, fine china, bags and purses to reflect a certain LIFESTYLE. Anthropology did such a good job of marketing a LIFESTYLE for its shoppers.. they DO NOT have to advertise. They have home-goods, clothes, and accessories to create a lifestyle look or feeling. JCrew is not a luxury retailer. JCrew is not expensive. It is available to the masses.
The definition that you gave.. basically says that a luxury brand is created based on how much of the population is able to obtain the product.. almost anyone can shop at JCrew.. its not luxury. Its quality, its a lifestyle..
I agree with ffm - i own several of the - I guess you would say low end - collection pieces. Several skirts, sweaters, a jacket or two -and I do think theses pieces are lovely. I think they are a bit edgier and the fabrics are special. I always look at collection first, but don't really get those high end pieces. Now, about that butterfield cashmere piece....maybe this is the time with the coupon!!!
ReplyDeleteffm: what about those pumpkin colored wool pants? Tried them on, love them, but not sure what to wear with them. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteLuxury cannot be purchased with a coupon. If you can afford it.. you get.. if you can't you move in.
ReplyDelete*on
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree with the latest Anonymous poster...JCrew is not luxery no matter what they say...they are a lifestyle...and it is a mass outfitter with most goods actually made in China!
ReplyDeleteladolcevita: I really like those pants! :) I think they would be pretty with Navy, White, Ivory, Honey Glaze, Olive Green, or Chocolate Brown. They would probably work well with the Watercolor Lydia Blouse, and J.Crew's Heathered Wheat would be really pretty, as well.
ReplyDeleteTo base a lifestyle on what you buy from a clothing retailer is kind of . . . I'd rather not say. But sure, if you want to think of it as a lifestyle. That's cool. Everyone has their opinions & I'll accept them.
ReplyDeleteAll of Jcrew's collection and non-collection pieces are made in China or other parts or Asia. The prices are inflated due increase in costs of materials and the "designer"appeal. I believe Hermes handbags are made by hand in France and brands such as Gucci,Prada and LV are assembled in China.
ReplyDeletejeff t- that's what marketing is all about. it's not us trying to say we shop at jcrew because we like the lifestyle. this is the goal of their marketing department. doesn't mean anyone on here buys into it. it's just another way to market a brand. most of the mid-range brands do this with their commercials, catalogs, etc. that's why they go to places like paris, rome, prague... to show you if you buy their clothes, you can live like this! everyone knows this and realizes it is manipulation, but it still influences the subconscious thoughts about the brand.
ReplyDeleteMelanie--
ReplyDeleteSales of python skin in CA have been illegal since 1970-- too bad that's not true everywhere.
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E01E6D6143AF93AA25750C0A9669C8B63
Bellemarie, certain municipalities are beginning to ban foie gras b/c its production is unnecessarily cruel. It literally means "fatty liver" and in order to fatten the geese to get the desired effect they force feed them by pushing metal pipes down their throats. Sometimes the animals' stomachs rupture.
ReplyDeleteJeff T.
ReplyDeleteI guess you have to think of it in business terms. Like American Eagle brands itself to high-schoolers.. with prep polos, striped oxfords, fun colors.. its the lifestyle of a high school student. JCrew does the same much like Melanie says but, for grown-ups. Wear your classic fits jeans, white oxford, and tan leather boots and stroll down the streets of Paris. Its a lifestyle.. when you buy JCrew you feel this way. Its marketing.
ladolcevita: Here is a set I made to show an example for the Academy Pants: Click Here. There really are a lot of possibilites for them. :)
ReplyDeleteJ.Crew had a "Collection" before Mickey, like all through the 90's. Their price points drastically dropped when their original creator left (around 2000) until Mickey took over. But I remember their "sale" prices were in the $100+ range back in the 90's when they were still a small chain of maybe 100 stores. Back then their Collection suits were around $1000 and they made amazing hand beaded items, etc.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like they're slowly going back to their roots and getting a lot of their old customers (like me) back. I'm happy to see them selling a mix of high quality basics and unique luxury pieces together. Just don't ever stop making my favorite tanks!
RIDICULOUS! They need to stick to what they do best. Even the ULTRA-WEALTHY will not think, "Oh I better go to J Crew I have a function coming up" Add this, "I need to get one of those leopard cardigans." WTF--I think not--J CREW will eat this stuff big time. Also--I totally agree with ANON 12:35AM--they need to separate on the website and perhaps they should just have it's own website cause no else cares about it when it is priced like this. Also the label idea is smart--separate it JCREW!! This is a BAD move IMO--and you can tell I have one:)
ReplyDeleteI received my Champagne colored Owen yesterday, but had to send it back. My nerves could not take being around anyone or anything that might make a mark on it! I should have gone with a darker color since most of my time is spent outdoors at sporting and school related events! If I were to give it a review, it was VERY beautiful, and I loved the way it looked with the black top I was wearing...very chic. I knew it had to go back, however, when my youngest raced past me with a magic marker...and my heart stopped. :)
ReplyDeleteffm: THANK you....love your suggestions and think I'll puchase some of those suggestions before friday!
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime my andrea in rhubarb arrived today and I LOVE IT. Love it love. Great fit, fabric is terrific and the cut is very flattering.Also the Greta in sea salt. Love it too, but worried about keeping it clean. But it's such a great look in sea salt. Am thinking about returning it though. Can just see it getting thrown into the bleachers at a high school basketball game! But after waiting two weeks for this box to arrive I can say it lived up to my expectations.
Anon said it very nicely saying "selling a mix of high quality basics and unique luxury pieces together" is so fine with me.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteTo Anon @ September 10, 2008 3:43 PM: I understand what & how they are marketing J.Crew as, but to say that they are not a luxury retailer is completely wrong. What a company markets themselves as & what makes them a luxury retailer are different things. You can't just "market" yourself as a luxury retailer. Quality & prices determines that. Yes, they are selling a certain "lifestyle", but that doesn't take away the fact that they are selling high priced commodity & that is what makes them a luxury retailer.
ReplyDeletejeff t, a "luxury commodity" is an oxymoron. An attribute of luxury is that it is only attainable by a few. High quality is a necessary, but not sufficient part of being a luxury.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, but I guess those years taking economics & business classes were a bust . . . Damn, I should've been a chef.
ReplyDeleteSome of you fellow 'J Crew Old Timers' may remember J Crew's foray into lingerie (bras, panties, camisoles). The pieces were a bit 'precious' and ultimately impractical for everyday wear. When it comes to foundation garments, fit is everything. This was an area in which J Crew lacked expertise. After a brief introduction, J Crew pulled the line. It seems to me that the idea of a luxury line may be appealing to J Crew execs wishing to cash in on the high-end consumer's desire for expensive goods. However, the core (and faithful) customer base has always been folks like you and me. In my humble opinion, I think J Crew should stick to what they do best.
ReplyDeleteJCrew old timer: disagree: JCrew made wonderfully soft and comfortable cotton bikin's in 2001-2. I actually stocked up on about 10 packages of 3 each online when they went on sale...stores had them for around $2 a pair and I bought a bunch too in my size...well, I still have two unopened packages left...they are the best wearing, most comfortable...I miss their undergarments.
ReplyDeleteP.S. by bikini's I mean that style of underwear....
ReplyDeleteI like JCrew, and some of their Collection items, but I would NEVER spend $3,000 on a JCrew bag when you can get a Bottega Veneta (their bags are BEATIFUL), or any other designer bag for that price or less. Let's be honest, JCrew is nice, I spend a lot on their merchandise, but Hermes, Armani, Valentino, Bottega Veneta, Todd's etc etc are still way above it...
ReplyDeleteThis store is going to be AMAZING! Its Collection which means is highly exclusive to this new store only..which is actually at 66th/Madison and will open this spring! That's right...very very soon! Amazing one of kind jewelry, and special pieces like the leopard jacket, python bag, and cocktail dresses that you won't find in other Jcrew Stores...this is the first and only Bridal and Collection store!
ReplyDelete