In several posts around the JCA Blog (most recent examples include "J.Crew Works Fashion Week {2012}" and "Looking to VENT" with J.Crew"), there have been comments surrounding Jenna Lyons— from her fashion to her style direction at J.Crew, to even her overall likeability.One area of discussion is about the "Jenna" look. (You know the look, which includes signature black framed glasses. Refer to image in the post as a visual example.) Some JCAs are tired of seeing spitting images pop up at J.Crew (and even Madewell). While others are eager to copy that style.
Another topic relating to Jenna is worded best by WellFedFred (in this post):
st has raised a point worthy of serious consideration. I've noticed that no one criticizes Jenna directly, but we do see many statements that begin "I really like Jenna, but..." or "Jenna's wonderful, but..." So if design has a certain monotony, if prices bear no relation to value, if inventory control is a joke, if items rush to markdown suspiciously early, if fabrics are thin and skeezy, who is responsible? Who should step up and say "I'm the president of the company and something is wrong and I'm going to fix it?" I will be the one who dares to suggest that the president of the company should step off the pedestal of adoration and earn that famous paycheck. Although I really adore Jenna, it's just...Lastly, there is overall "Jenna fatigue". Don't get me wrong, there are several JCAs who cannot get enough of Ms. Lyons (whether it be at fashion shows or store openings). However, there are some who are tired of seeing her and reading the same type of interviews from her.
I find it really interesting all the conversations that are going on about one particular member of the J.Crew family. So I thought it would be great if we could have a post to centralize those thoughts.
Quick Poll: What are your thoughts on J.Crew's Jenna Lyons?
If only J. crew was as attentive to feedback as you are Alexis.
ReplyDeleteD*ska: LOL! I know right!? :) Then we would have a "wish list" and "customer reviews" for product pages on the J.Crew website by now. ;)
ReplyDeleteI've honestly always been more interested in Marissa Webb's look than Jenna's. It seemed edgier and more wearable than the geek/glam thing Jenna has going on. However, Marissa is no longer with the company and their catalog stylings have been looking more pleasing than the layered on bat-shit crazy it was for a while, so I don't know if that is an effect of Jenna moving up and Marissa out, or just a company response to the outcries of thousands of baffled shoppers.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Ms. Lyons' look is outside of my personal aesthetic, I really admire her J.Crew story. I love that she started as a junior designer and has risen all the way to President -- I think any aspiring future company President/COO/CEO could use her story as motivation!
ReplyDeleteI think that a lot of the frustration lobbed at Ms. Lyons (or Mr. Drexler) is less about them and more about issues with the brand, quality, etc as you stated Alexis. I really don't get it when people say they hate Jenna though. We don't even know her! By all accounts she seems to be doing a great job at J.Crew. That's really all I can ask for.
Now, if the production team would start pushing for higher quality fabrics and materials, and if the board would listen...that would be awesome. I hate the constant bottom-line motivation that plagues the business. Wise up!!
I'm just kind of over the whole foo-foo version of Urban Outfitters look in general, not necessarily Jenna herself.
ReplyDeleteI work at a university, and half the kids on campus have those glasses, for example. Just seems a little played-out at this point, IMO, especially for a company that's trying to brand itself as more high-fashion than fast-fashion.
Lisa: I {heart} Marissa Webb too! JCAs, please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe it was Marissa who brought an end to the layering madness at J.Crew and not Jenna. Her influence on the last few collections really were amazing (I think I read a comment that she finished designing up through the Summer 2012 collections). I don't know what she is up to now, but I can't wait to hear from her soon! :)
ReplyDeleteRoxy Turtle: I love her back story too. It really is an inspirational story and kudos to her! :) However, I think WFF had a great point about who is ultimately responsible for issues that arise at J.Crew. I think that sometimes we give a pass to certain executives because of their personalities. And that is interesting within itself.
Disco George: I love your line of "high-fashion than fast-fashion". What a great insight on what is happening! :)
@roxy turtle: THIS. Well put.
ReplyDeleteI've never cared for all the Jenna hype in the media. Frankly, I don't give a rip who is designing the clothing at J.Crew... if I like it, I buy it. If I don't, I wont. Back in the good old days (2004-2008) I don't remember hearing about Jenna every second, and the clothes were of better quality with better designs than we are seeing now. In my opinion, anyway. Instead of focusing on Jenna's face being on everything, let's just focus on the clothes not being disposable garbage!
ReplyDeleteLisa, "layered on bat-shit crazy"... LOL!
You know, I think it should be like journalism, her personal bias shouldn't come out in the designs.
ReplyDeleteI do love geek specs but I'm past the age where it's cute.
I'm pretty much over it... nothing against Jenna, or her overexposure, or even those black rimmed glasses. It's just the same old, same old at JCrew and while I still love the double-serge wool pencil skirts and the fabulous color selection, I'm less excited about individual pieces, whose quality & price don't stand up to the hype.
ReplyDeleteAfter viewing this last collection, I wondered where Marissa Webb is these days. I really liked her "stamp" on last spring & fall's collection.
Interesting Alexis that Marissa designed through Summer 2012 only, that could explain the Fall 2012 looks certainly.
ReplyDeleteI do wish JCrew would take the approach of good design using the best materials they can afford to use. This is what I am looking for as a consumer, a good fit, stylish look, in the best fabrics I can afford. The synthetic fabrics have really increased: even the bridesmaids dresses are now that tricotine stuff or whatever it is.
I am interested in the bags and the basic skirts for their colors, nothing else is grabbing me anymore.
Thanks for devoting a post to this topic Alexis!
I think it's a mistake in general to pin all of company's hopes, dreams and image on one person. Jenna's nerd chic style can be fun, but sometimes I still roll my eyes at her pairings (and I loathe those pants she's wearing in the pic you posted). I like that Jenna is a down-to-earth beatuy--not too glamorous, not too model perfect. And I also like her general sense of color, pattern, and cut.
ReplyDeleteWhat I don't like is that J Crew's look hasn't evolved much in the past few years. This year was stronger overall than last year, imo, but I'm definitely a little bored with the styles and despite the rave reviews fashion journalists seemed to have for the upcoming Fall line, there wasn't much I'd consider buying.
I also dislike J Crew's pricing (they start way too high and mark down way too fast--why not just start at a more reasonable price?) and the raggedy look of many of their fabrics. So I definitely agree with those that mention the consistent problems with quality. For a company with a CEO and President who constantly talk about their laser focus on quality control, there are way too many issues with fabric and construction.
I have no personal gripe with Ms.Lyon. It just seemed like the designs became more aligned with her personal aesthetic. For a moment there it seemed like the designs were completely out of left field and the quality wasn't what it used to be.
ReplyDeleteWhen you start to become the proverbial face of a brand then we move into murky territory. With JCrew, the clothing used to speak for itself, and that was all the convincing customers needed.
Attitudes began to change when we saw her face everywhere while simultaneously not being impressed or excited with some of the designs and quality. (C'mon, more than $20 for a plain tissue tee with ruffles -_- ... I thought they were on another planet!)
With all that said I still love the brand and I always find something to love.
I agree with Lisa; I was more into Marissa Webb's style than Jenna's. I think we have Jenna Fatigue.
ReplyDeleteI like the styling and pairings now more than I did most years before with the exception of 2007-2008. I find a lot of the other looks are dated and the styling boring(and even some of years too in all honesty).
ReplyDeleteI like the unexpected pairings I see each month in the catalogs and I don't find what they've been doing lately to be a repeat of previous seasons. But maybe that is because I HATED 2009 and early 2010. I'm not bored with what we got in 2011 and while the fall preview didn't wow me, I reserve judgement. I'm digging spring and only wish my budget could afford all of the lovelies I'd like to add to my closet.
However, the quality isn't the same. Not sure if that is Jenna or Mickey. I'd lean towards the later. The construction on most of their "garments of yore" are vastly superior. I'd say I have pretty good luck with things not falling apart on me but I do miss the days of the beautiful linings and all of the extras that turned a jacket into a prized posession.
Just my two cents, I think all of this is really our own subjective opinions. I mean, I HATED critter pants too but I stuck those days out and the pants eventually went away, lol.
I too never understood the appeal and attention surrounding Jenna. I personally find her style a bit dorky, especially with those over-sized Harry Caray glasses. It's annoying that she could throw on a Snuggie and people would be in awe. sorry, I know I might sound jaded, but I just don't get it. ;)
ReplyDeleteI don't give much thought to her one way or the other (which is why I answered 'meh' on the poll) ... they've created a persona for her to help sell clothes. That's cool. And I still like the clothes on the whole, so that's ok too. I like to see her 'picks' and I like to read about the inspirations on the JC blog-like thing (?770).
ReplyDeleteIt was creepy to me to see the model dolled up like her doppelganger though. It was a little too much, and I think those nerd glasses have had their moment and now they're mainstream ... so maybe I'm looking for the next big thing from her?
I dunno. I hope those Cosby sweaters aren't it, lol.
I guess
I have been wearing J.Crew basically since the company was founded. I am as comfortable wearing its clothing in my 40's as I was in high school. The classic and timeless nature of the pieces (both in design and quality) is what has continued to appeal to me over the years. However, when I look at Jenna, "classic" and "timeless" are just not the words that come to mind. I think the backlash against her comes from her being an embodiment of how the brand has changed from what we used to know and love.
ReplyDeleteI second what carribelle said, "With JCrew, the clothing used to speak for itself, and that was all the convincing customers needed."
ReplyDeleteIt's current marketing just like giving every item a name, although Anthro does that better than anyone. We're supposed to identify with the brand, the clothes, the designer. When we see the collection we should be connected, as if we are close personal friends of Jenna's.
That said (go ahead and laugh wellfedfred), I am impressed with her career and what she has accomplished, she's done very well for herself. For the brand, I'm not so sure.
I contacted Jenna about a year and a half ago about an issue of concern to me. I not only received a response, but a follow up. She was kind and incredibly receptive to my comment. I know of no other major brand where the regular customer receives such respect and individual attention. I have received the same level of kindness from Mickey et al. I am by no means a big spender, but I am loyal to the brand, and I will continue to be so.
ReplyDeleteI admire Jenna's creative vision and her willingness to undergo public scrutiny. I would not hold up as well under the same. And hey, I'm certainly guilty of a style rut or two--aren't we all?
My main grip is with quality. It has just gone downhill so fast while the prices have gone up.
ReplyDeleteI don't hate anything JCrew puts out though. (Unlike a previous poster has stated.)Fashion likes and dislikes are very personal and I glad for all the variety over the years.
I really enjoyed and still wear all my critter items. Fun is what I think of when I think of fashion. Don't take it too seriously.
What I do take seriously is quality and price point.
@(original) Genny, I hope you weren't offended by my mention of the critter pants. I know people loved them but they were a little too East Coast preppy for my taste! I think you did echo my point though that all of this is subjective. :-) Anway, just wanted to make sure that I didn't sound like I was calling out the critters.
ReplyDeleteJCrew promoting Jenna all over the place doesn't bother me, although I really prefer they remain a faceless brand.
ReplyDeleteLet's just hope JCrew sticks with the styles, quality and anonymity of the brand that attracted customers to JCrew in the first place; no little ponies or logos on my clothes please (critters optional). :) Stick with those attributes, and happy, nameless models, and I can live with Jenna.
I don't care for her style, but thing that bothers me is that she seems to design clothing for herself rather than for the company's customers.
ReplyDeleteWell. Thanks, Alexis, for this thoughtful and provocative post, and thanks also to all who took the time to offer such well-thought-out comments.
ReplyDeleteRegular comments about quality, craftsmanship, fit, fabric, consistently do not jibe with the comments about the performance of the company's president. Nor, frankly, about the design abilities of the company's president, given that design these days is more than a sketch but must take into account fabric sourcing, notions, fit, purpose. Many successful designers have had a Muse on the payroll, an individual whose magnetism and personal style inspire the head of design, and when touted in the media, inspire customers. Many of us are impressed by JL's muse-like qualities, but dubious about her ability to run a business or to handle the demands of 21st-century design. Frankly I don't understand the logic of those who are all over JL but criticize the way the company is run. I don't care to dress like her, but would understand her as a Muse, if not as a businesswoman.
I wish JC would just make nice clothes that offer value for money. I participate in every survey I receive from places where I shop, whether online or in store.I am candid and forthright, and I assume my comments are appreciated because of all the discount codes, gift cards and special offers I receive in return. If JC had a place for user reviews probably many of my comments would show up there.
My inspiration: Christine Lagarde.
Jenna sucks. I'd like to know the return policy on her.
ReplyDeleteYes. This has become a strange discussion/post. Just plain confused. Don't care abt Jenna. Just want the old jcrew back in all.....
ReplyDeleteI actually think that Jenna is a great asset to J.Crew. If you look at what other designers are doing for fall 2012 you can see that J.Crew is on the mark to what is in style. Lobster print and book print on clothing is over. I think that she has helped J.Crew evolve to higher fashion rather than dowdy ruffles and out of date prints.
ReplyDeleteI think that Jenna's style works great for her. There aren't too many who could pull it off, and the direction of J Crew has seemed to have gone in the same direction.
ReplyDeleteThe vast majority can wear classics, and even most of the lovely prints in Alexis' post all feature items (length wise and nor form fitting) that the majority of clients could pull off rather than the minority that J Crew seems to cater to today.
The quality issues MUST be addressed. Especially in light of the prices these days.
I do wish Jenna would show her face more often, her cuteness is always hidden behind those dorky glasses!
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteI think you are right.
For me: Classics and classy prints are what most people can wear...J.Crew has become too trendy and the clothing is disposable like trendy clothing tends to be.
Critters and tasteful prints will never go out of style...
WFF, I also think Christine Lagarde is a style inspiration ... Thought I was the only one! ;) She always looks elegant and modern.
ReplyDeleteI just Googled Marissa Webb and got a Refinery 29 pic of her at Fashion Week - they referred to her as an entrepreneur - hmmm.
You may not like every look but I think Jenna grew that brand an updated quite a bit and I'm not sure if we would even be paying attention to it nearly as much as we do if it weren't for her. Personally I think she's still killing it too! Team Jenna!
ReplyDeleteSky's the limit for self-promotion?
ReplyDeleteDid it ever occur to Micky that there might be a backslash of some sort?
I used to love J. Crew, but I've gotta say, I'm tired of Jenna's look. She just copied from other people who were working similar looks decades ago. J. Crew really needs a new muse; this one is tired.
ReplyDelete