As youve probably gathered by now the much discussed J Crew store opens on Regent Street tomorrow, hot on the heels of its mens store which opened on Lambs Conduit Street last month. We went down yesterday for a first look at the store weve picked out the pieces we cant wait to buy here and to see the installations created especially by set designer Shona Heath. And, most excitingly, we got to meet Jenna Lyons, the brands President and Creative Director whose effortlessly cool style is talked about almost as much as the pieces shes responsible for overseeing. This is what we talked about.
How would you describe J Crew to someone whos unfamiliar with it?
Theres always an undertow of menswear, thats the baseline that we start with for everything, whether it be an outfit or an item, because that feels most honest to the integrity of where we started and also what we like in terms of style. And then thats off-set by something a little Mad Hatter-grandma, whether that be a crazy, sparkly necklace or a chambray shirt with sparkles all over it or a crazy mix of pattern, a little bit of madness that goes on top. Thats our ethos.
We also love and appreciate everyones own sense of style. I hate using the phrase something for everyone because that can sound really ubiquitous and uninteresting, but I know weve hit on something amazing when I find I want to buy it, my mum wants to buy it and the 22 year old girl from the office wants to buy it.
Do you have an amazing archive of J Crew pieces?
I should and I dont, probably because Im not a keeper, I give stuff away. I keep the really special pieces that have a place in my heart and then Im happy to welcome in the new. I have a huge storage space filled with clothes and yes, theres a lot of J Crew but its nowhere near the scope or size that it could or should be
Do you mind that your own style is talked about as much as J Crew?
Im flattered. I think when you do something for as long as I have it becomes a part of you whether you intend it to or not. If they like it and they associate it with me thats great and if they dont like it and they associate it with me I feel bad!
Where do you shop?
The list is endless. Im attracted to menswear so I like the mens side of Thom Browne but at the same time I would love , I love those insane, mystic patterns that she does. I love, I could go on and on about him.I dont discriminate really, I like all clothes. Im a voracious shopper. I spend a lot of time between First Dibs, Net-a-Porter, La Garconne and J Crew, theyre always up on my computer screen. Its kind of embarrassing actually, I cant help myself.
Are there any British celebrities youre hoping to dress?
Its been really fun to watch
Michelle Obama and
Beyonce and Solange wearing it, but I get so much pleasure from making clothes for normal people, where a dress doesnt have to cost $2000, it feels good to touch peoples lives in that weird way and yeah, I love walking through an airport and seeing something we did. It doesnt mean there arent people we wouldnt like to dress though. I love Helen Mirren, shes so chic and smart and lovely, and then theres
Kate Moss. And Judi Dench, Im obsessed with her, shes awesome. And Im sure theres a whole host of cool, younger girls that I dont know yet.
ELLE edits J Crew a/w 2013