Friday, October 29, 2010

J.Crew's Holiday 2010 Collection Is Here

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Carnivore Girl (in this post), who shared the following news from Fashionista (click here to read in its entirety). Just click on any of the images to view larger.
J.Crew’s Holiday 2010 Collection Launch: Jenna Lyons Talks Gifts, Gingham, and Why She’s Still Set on a Louboutin Collab
By Elana Fishman
October 29, 2010

It may only be Halloween weekend, but according to the fabulous folks at J.Crew, it’s already beginning to feel a lot like Christmas. Yesterday evening, American Express and the classic-cool high street store joined forces to celebrate the launch of the latter’s Holiday 2010 collection at their Fifth Avenue flagship store.

As a line of eager shoppers wrapped around the block outside, J.Crew’s creative team mingled with those inside—and were more than happy to spill the details on their holiday gifting lists. “I think I’ve bought something like 12 gingham shirts at this point,” laughed Jenna Lyons, the brand’s President and Executive Creative Director (and our own longtime girl crush). “And lots of cashmere socks—I mean, who would actually spend $30 on a pair of socks for themselves? They’re the sort of extravagant thing you’d never treat yourself to—which is why they make for a great gift.”

Meanwhile, we couldn’t help but grill J.Crew’s dapper VP of Men’s Design, Frank Muytjens, about what to buy for the guys in one’s life. “I love our Thomas Mason oxford shirts…and the Alden for J.Crew wingtips,” he said. “Every man should own a great pair of wingtip shoes—once they’re broken in, you’ll have them for the rest of your life.”

As the event’s media hour wrapped up, J.Crew’s head honchos took their places on the store’s main staircase to greet their friends and fans—and share more about the new holiday line. “We saw this amazing picture of a decrepit, old mansion,” explained VP of Women’s Design Marissa Webb, “and that raw, rustic, faded-out image inspired this whole collection. It’s about the idea of contrast, of taking a raw space and bringing it to life with shine and color. After all, J.Crew stands by the idea of mixing and matching!” Judging by Marissa and Jenna’s own attire—both wore festive, embellished pieces paired with outdoorsy olive field jackets—it’s clear this store’s team practices what they preach. Added Muytjens, “We love things rooted in history–things with a patina.”

As for the new collection itself, it was chock-full of the classic standbys for which the store’s known—think luxe cashmere knits in an array of autumnal mustards and rusty reds, plenty of sequined skirts and cardigans, and the occasional hit of plaid. And following J.Crew’s successful collaborations with both Essie and Stila, Webb hinted that the company is planning to pair up with other beauty brands in the near future. As far as Lyons is concerned, however, there’s one label she’s truly courting for a J.Crew collaboration. “Christian Louboutin!” she exclaimed. “If he said yes to the idea, I would die and go to heaven.”
This event was mentioned in the October 12th "J.Crew Fall/Holiday 2010 Insiders Fashion Event {N..." post. For a first hand account from a fellow JCA, check out Heather's "An Evening with J. Crew" post.

What are your thoughts on the upcoming collection from J.Crew? Are you excited or disappointed by the direction of the newest arrivals? :)

38 comments:

  1. Disappointed. Things are still drab and not bright and cheery. Sorry, but more sequins isn't going to pick up my Xmas mood...

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  2. So far I'm disappointed. As others have said, at least it's good for my wallet!

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  3. I don't want my holiday clothes inspired by anything decrepit. But the things in the picture didn't look so bad.

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  4. Correct me if I'm being stupid, but none of this looks "new." Aren't these all the new arrivals we saw online on the 14th of this month?

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  5. This collection has already been released. Ali is right that these items were part of the new arrivals added to the website earlier this month.

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  6. Glad the gift was festive! For the rest, I'm just puzzled. Doesn't JC know that AmEx's return policy is the polar opposite of JC's? And was also puzzled to read that Rpck Center is a flagship. Every time I've been there the flag's been at half-mast, the floors have been far from shipshape, and the shipmates looked ready to mutiny if you ask for, say, the same shoes but a pair that hasn't been scuffed. Sounds like the grog ration cheered them up. And the other JCAs are quite right about nothing new. BR has been doing cashmere socks and such since the early 90's. I guess the BR alums at JC are feeling nostalgic.

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  7. WellFedFredd - From the pictures, this does not look like the Rock Center Store. Also, I do not recall them indicating Rock Center in the article. I am pretty sure this is the store on 5th between 16th and 17th. My very favorite location in New York! There is actually enough space to move here. Sounds like a lovely but crowded event.

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  8. Sequined skirts/sweaters are NOT classic J.Crew. UGH!

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  9. I wish Frank were designing for women. I was in the Soho Men's Store with a fmaily member, and what a difference! Just gorgeous, well-made clothes-hip but still classic J Crew in fabulous fabrics. You know, like J Crew for women was three years ago... sigh...

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  10. It was the Fifth Avenue store, not Rock Center. I am bummed that I couldn't go, sounds like fun. But yes the Collection was nothing new (even if it more festive in stores) and the reference to the decrepit mansion is more creepy than cool. And I doubt that cashmere socks cost $30!

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  11. What's with all of the mini skirts in the holiday collection?! Would it kill them to lower the hemlines just a little bit and showcase the pencil skirts that they are generally so known for?

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  12. thanks, jenn_brak and ema! That's a much better choice! And I really wasn't enjoying the mental picture of the Rock Ctr crew trying to be merry & bright...

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  13. Love to get Thomas Mason oxford shirts and Alden wing-tips as Frank suggested. However, I think Alden wing-tips are slightly more expensive than Allen-Edmonds counterparts and the latter is equally as great.

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  14. Totally agree about the hemlines. The lady at the far left has a very short skirt on, but it is work appropriate for J Crew. Even though the tights blend well, Jenna looks like she's missing pants. This is also work appropriate for J Crew. I don't go from front door to work door in car service or a cab. If I were in a short skirt I'd have to think about where I was going and if I wanted to deal with cat calls. Not really something I want to wear to the grocery store after work either. The skirts don't all have to be pencil skirts, but the minis are just ridic and I'm short.

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  15. I think the execs look great! I love the colors and textures in the line right now.

    As for cashmere socks, $30 is a bargain (some of them sell for well over $100) but NONE of them last long. A less expensive cashmere blend will cost much less, still feel nice and last more than a few wearings... just my $.02.

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  16. Question! I can't find the name of the model that is on the banner of this blog -- I've seen her in 3 catalogues thus far, but can't find info on her anywhere. Who is SHE?

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  17. Alexis and All,
    Interesting Fashion article in today's WSJ, mentioning Jenna and the fashion trend of mixing up dressing up,
    I put a link to it on my blog post today.

    www.bichonluvrscloset.blogspot.com

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  18. I love the minis- I know many people don't like the short hemline but I'm short and love them with thick tights! That sad I have soooo many I will have to seriously seriously need to love it before I buy one again soon!

    Thanks for sharing the info Alexis! I hope everyone who got to go had a fantastic time!!

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  19. Decrepit, raw, and faded-out aren’t adjectives I associate with the Holidays ... not really swayed by anything in these pictures. I did spend a fun afternoon at the mall with a friend, and had a vintage J.Crew holiday moment - at Talbots. Came home with both the windowpane plaid coat and skirt - LOVE these items. Warm, cheerful, vibrant, delightful. I felt straight out of the Highlands catalogue when I put them on. Also picked up a sleek pair of buckled leather gloves there. Walked into J.Crew afterwards - first thing I saw was a lace mini that looked cheap, flimsy and unsuited to cold weather. Checked out sale section (j.crew’s unwarranted high prices have left me pretty much a sale shopper with them these days) and it was crammed full of ratty tops and some sequin skirts that were stuck together. Store was practically empty.

    I used to never go in Talbots unless with my mom, but they’ve got so many more fresher and fabulous pieces these days. There was a gorgeous sheath dress I know I’ll be going back for, too. I don’t even know what to think of J.Crew any more - I used to smash my piggy bank for their fall and holiday clothes, and so far this fall, I haven’t bought a single item from them - not even with the 25% off card.

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  20. I must say that I splurged bit time this Christmas and bought myself the Cashmere cocoon jacket. My PS (my hero) found it for me and overnighted it to me, so I got it today. It is beyond beautiful. It's a piece that I'll be wearing a lot, a cross between sweater and poncho. The double faced cashmere is not as heavy as other double-faced cashmere items (such as the Brooks Brothers' ruanas), but very soft and high quality. Overall, I'm happy with my purchase. I have only been buying staples from JCrew for a long, long time, so I was finally happy to see something I really liked.

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  21. sorry off topic but does store do price adjustment from a sale price to a lower sale price? thanks in advance :)

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  22. I hate to add to the Talbots talk, since this is of course about JCrew - but had to jump in - got my order from Talbots yesterday - gorgeous long black tiered skirt, black satin cigarette pants, bark-coloured ribbon platforms - they all fit fantastically and honestly, the 3.5 inch platforms are absolutely comfy, something that is not always the case for my poor flat feet! All of the items are absolutely georgeous and none look matronly in any way! I am hoping the December JCrew catalogue has a few more items that say "lovely night out" instead of "cheesy night at bar" - not that there is anything wrong with a cheesy night at the bar....

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  23. I'm with Barbabelle and WMM, I'm really moving my shopping dollars away from J. Crew and over to Talbots. I will always buy some things at J. Crew but fall used to be my BIG season. I'd load up on great pencil skirts, fabulous shoes, sweaters in all kinds of colors, silky blouses, jewelry. This fall I spent barely $200 at J. Crew over 2 months.

    WMM, I got the Talbots ribbon tied shoes in bark too! Love them. I bought laces yesterday to substitute for the ribbon for day wear. I also ordered the platform bootie shoe in black and anxiously await them. They will be my fourth pair of Talbots shoes in 2 months. I love the leather skirt, the cute fitted jackets, the handbags are wonderful and great quality at a reasonable price. The gloves and coats are to die for. Talbots is pretty close now to what I wish J. Crew was. If Talbots branches out on the color wheel, they'll be unstoppable. Did you see the spring sneak peek? I die.

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  24. I was at the event on Thursday nite. I thought J.Crew and American Express did an exceptional job putting on the event. They started letting people in promptly at 6:30, giving us each a small white envelope with our $25 gift cards inside. Inside (cute) caterers circulated with amuse bouches and cocktails, including a delicious pomegranate drink I want to learn how to make!

    Ms. Lyons, Ms. Webb and Mr. Muytjens mingled with the crowd from the very beginning to the very end of the event, which was a welcome change from some events I've attended where the designers stay in a VIP section for most of the night and do maybe a quick 30-second meet-and-greet. I spoke to Ms. Lyons for a few minutes and she was gracious enough not only to pose for a photo, but also to help me pair a sweater with the Twilight Shift I'd decided to buy. I have spoken to her at four or five events now and she's been nice, approachable and humble each time.

    There were plenty of mannequins to inspire and the audience wasn't too big -- I would estimate 150 people total, and it was only crowded for about 15 minutes.

    One thing that was not mentioned in the Fashionista article that I thought JCAs would like to know...in her address to the crowd, Ms. Lyons mentioned that she's taken a less active role in the actual designs now that she's the company's president and it sounded like really the last few seasons. It's up to Ms. Webb and the team these days.

    Heather wasn't sure what the gift with purchase over $150 was in her blog post, but I can report you had a choice. It was either the Bling Blossom Bracelet or a necklace I didn't recognize (here's a pic). I loved the gift bag we got too. All in all it was truly a delightful event.

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  25. Thanks for the report, roxy! According to Elle, the spring 2011 reveal will be on Thursday and to quote Ms. Webb, will feature "really exaggerated silhouettes".

    http://fashion.elle.com/fashion/insider/2010/10/29/marissa-webb-on-spring-not-your-usual-j-crew-mix/

    ITA with Desert Flower - I loved a lot of the Tal's spring 2011 designs! Will definitely be purchasing from them come the new year.

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  26. like roxy, ive met jena, marissa and frank at several events and always find them very approachable and happy to mingle.
    im eager to see how marissa will influence the line going forward.
    im sorry i missed this event. if you were able to attend,please share more details!

    also ive been a big jcrew supporter for many years and still find something new and unexpected every season. i feel loyal to jcrew and can see all the copy cats out there. that doesnt mean i wont pick up a good bargain when i see one!

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  27. I have spent about equal amounts at Talbots, J Crew and Ann Taylor this fall where J Crew is usually the clear winner.

    I really love my J Crew striped serge skirt, gold button peacoat, floral LOL shirt and merino boyfriend sweater, but I have returned literally everything else I have ordered feeling the pieces were ill made, poorly fitting or just blah.

    I love my red double faced skirt, charmeuse ruffled shells in ivory and violet, boyfriend jeans, and glen plaid pencil from Talbots. I have a couple more skirts and tops on order and expect them to be winners as their fit has been quite consistent for me this year. All items have been made very well made and nothing has arrived damaged or even wrinkled. My buttercream Liberty of London shirt from JC arrived balled up in a 6x6 or so package. Very disappointing for a $118 shirt...

    Ann Taylor has been a great resource for reasonably priced basics like pencil skirts and merino and cashmere sweaters. Nothing wow, but everything has performed admirably and fits very nicely.

    Talbots has left me disappointed in the coat and sweater departments as both are just too big. They really need to offer coats in size 2 and adjust their xs sweaters so they run a little longer. The size small is huge across the board on me and the xs is too short in the body and sleeve on me and I am only 5'4." Still, if they keep on their current track, I am more likely to visit them and hit the JC store next door as an afterthought.

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  28. Roxy, I am glad to hear that the event met the expectations. Those are great gifts indeed!
    Would you mind sharing what Jenna was wearing? It's difficult to make it out from the pics. Was that the Elena lace dress or the more expensive sequined one? I am curious because I think I would have showed up in the Elena dress if I had the chance to go. TIA!

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  29. WMM and Desert Flower, how do Talbot's platform shoes fit compare to J Crew or other brand shoes? I love them but I never ordered Tal's shoes and I am not sure about the fit. I so wanted to get the laced up black platform booties but they sold out before I made up mi mind. I was so dissapointed.
    If by any chance somebody has a pair in 8.5 that they want to return I would love to buy them from you.

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  30. AJC, the majority of my many pairs of J. Crew shoes are size 7. I find a 7 in Talbots is comparable. I would say they are a TTS shoe, at least the three I've tried so far.

    I ordered those laced up black platform booties from a pop back! After they were gone from the site they popped back midweek and I grabbed them. I recommend checking the website periodically during the week.

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  31. Roxy--Thanks for the nice review of the event!

    I have been loving the designs which I thought were attributed to Ms. Lyons but now I guess the kudos have to go to Ms. Webb. Whoever is in charge (probably a good-sized team) they are doing a fine job IMHO.

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  32. @Jav: JC no longer gives price adjustment to sale items. It has to be full price within the 7 day window period. It kinda sucks compared to other retailers.

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  33. AJC, I find they fit TTS, but frankly, I find them much more comfortable. I tried the Coddingtons on in the store in Boston this summer and felt I might tilt over! Not so with my new bow platforms from Talbots - they do not seem to pitch you forward so much, if that makes any sense at all....

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  34. new to this blog and "blogging" in general :) im a huge jcrew fan and agree with roxy and tess - i find something new and unexpected every season. dont care what everyone else thinks but all the "copy cats" just dont do it as well. so i stay a true loyal jcrew costumer.

    im assuming that jenna doesnt have much to do with the design - and hasnt for many years. ive met some of the other designers that work with marissa and they're all so friendly and open. really nice group of people.
    im also looking forward to seeing whats to come next- a true jcrew junkie!

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  35. Ema - she wore the Elena dress. I'm sure Ms. Lyons would have appreciated your taste!

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  36. Speaking of "copy cats", I was thinking about the debate on here about J Crew being copied by other retailers and everyone copying from the runway, then it ocurred to me: J Crew, and most designers, blatantly copy from the past. Basically every trend J Crew touts has been done before and usually not by them. I know I would kill for my mom's coats from the 60s. J Crew's strength was taking classics and adding a whimsical twist. I don't think they do that much anymore.

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  37. Also, J Crew started out as a copy cat of LL Bean and Eddie Bauer. I have a fleece from J crew from the 80s that looks just like any fleece from those retailers. Thankfully, they realized that that niche was filled

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  38. Has anyone seen Michelle O wearing JCrew lately? She had on Talbots the other day.

    I shop where I like the clothes and the quality is there. That used to be 99% JCrew for MANY MANY years.

    Now, the quality is down and their items do not appeal to me much anymore. I will ALWAYS shop there but right now my $$$ is going to Talbots.

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