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J.Crew and British footwear ingenue Sophia Webster have teamed up for a capsule collection that will debut with the brand's spring 2014 presentation tomorrow morning. But unlike the ill-fated Manolo Blahnik collab of yore, these shoes will actually be available for purchase. Prices aren't confirmed yet, but 12 styles will be available in-store and online next year, and will include stilettos, pumps, and Webster's signature Aztec sandals.
The collaboration is a far cry from the brand's new, back-to-basics direction. Webster is known for bright, irreverent, and borderline kitschy footwear, but perhaps it was the designer's preference for colorful femininity that attracted exec creative director Jenna Lyons as the company tables its more androgynous looks. Plus, they've made a major shoe push recently. Jenna reprised her Jenna-isms to describe them: The shoes "are like miniature sets—a beautiful world for your feet to spend the day in. Each shoe tells a unique story."
· J. Crew Teams With Sophia Webster [WWD]
· Jenna Lyons Owns 289 Pairs of Shoes [Racked]
· Is This the J.Crew You Asked For? [Racked]