Just as Topshop’s Unique show is now one of the highlights of London Fashion Week, J.Crew is set to become the hot ticket over in New York. The mainstream American brand has been given a style makeover in recent years, thanks to the First Lady Michelle Obama wearing J.Crew for state visits abroad and during her husband’s presidential campaign, and the genius of Creative Director Jenna Lyons. Lyons has brought her own personal mix of high-low style to J.Crew, giving the preppy all-American staples a fashion edge and her approach has been a big hit with the fashion pack, celebrities and everyday shoppers.
You couldn’t really wish for a bigger seal of approval than Beyoncé sitting front row at your debut New York fashion Week show and that’s exactly what J.Crew got. The pregnant star attended with her sister Solange – apparently causing Jenna Lyon’s to have a total fan girl moment – well who wouldn’t?
But what about the clothes? Well next spring, if J.Crew has anything to do with it (and they will – their website now ships to the UK!), we’ll be wearing candy bright colours in cutely clashing combinations. Sherbet yellow, bubblegum pink and aqua green all appeared, mixed up with a smattering of denim, camel and leopard print to prevent things becoming too sugary-sweet. Preppy basics like slouchy cashmere sweaters, button-down shirts and crisply tailored chinos will work hard in your wardrobe and as we’re not talking designer prices here, but high-end high street, you can justify the spend as the quality will mean they last for years.
Fashion Week 2011Marc by Marc Jacobs
Victoria Beckham
