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Here's your so-close-you-can-feel-it look at J.Crew's fall Collection line, the premium stuff the brand shows twice yearly at New York Fashion Week. Yesterday, the company invited press to take a better look at the pieces, which include a double-face cashmere baja hoodie, faux-fur scarves in super-saturated colors, and fringed skirts from mini to maxi.
We walked through the line with Tom Mora, head of women's design, who said that he—and Jenna Lyons, and everyone else on staff—are especially excited by the super duper wide-leg trousers in the collection, as well as a beaded maxi skirt. "Anything with beading does well for us," he said. "Our girl loves sparkle." (We know, Tom, we know.)
Mora explained that outerwear is a category the Collection shopper is excited for season after season, and J.Crew didn't skimp on options here. Standouts include a pair of sleeveless jackets in boiled wool, an anorak with a shearling lining in shocking yellow, and a burgundy shearling lined in suede.
Each and every piece in the Collection line needs to be "special" enough to justify its price tag, which is considerably higher than J.Crew's main line. This is done through premium fabrics, details like sequin beading, or an especially bold color that's costly to achieve (not all dyes are created equal, and not all fibers take them well—that's why the yellow at Forever 21 looks a lot different than the yellow at Céline). This "oooh"-factor extends to accessories, which include plenty of embellished clutches and heels. A watercolor hologram effect is a staff favorite, seen in pumps, clutches, and a tote style that'll be in stores by June. Shoes this season were designed in-house by J.Crew, and not with Sophia Webster (though Mora tells us that door isn't closed). Among the pumps with tassel-adorned ankle wraps and the glittery block heel sandals are a new, pointed ballet flat that we see becoming a J.Crew staple.
Each of the 30 women's looks is so packed with layers of rich fabric and eye-pleasing color combos that a proper zoom-in is necessary. Take a browse through our detail shots above, and start drafting that shopping list.
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