SheFinds News: J. Crew Focuses on Individuality

In the effort to focus on unique craftsmanship, mass retailer J.Crew has teamed with New York’s Parsons, The New School for Design, and Fashion Institute of Technology on a limited-edition collection of one-of-a-kind denim. The collection, 82 pairs in total, consists of customized pieces. Julia Burns, Sariah Carson, Jennifer Manko and James Boone are graduates of the design schools who worked on the collection with Roula Nassar, a freelance designer with J. Crew. Styles have been embroidered, bleached or speckled with blue paint each reflecting the individual strengths of the designer. The jeans will retail at select J. Crew locations for $275. Sales began in October, but the majority will reach stores this January.

It’s nice that a retail chain is reaching out to upstart designers and no one can fault J.Crew for their desire to “freshen up” and maintain individuality. But only 82 pairs of jeans doesn’t exactly cut it, especially for a store that is located in every suburban shopping mall across the country. The price isn’t bad for one-of-a-kind fashion but where’s the accessibilty? Why not offer select pairs online?

That said, J.Crew’s Premium Denim is made to fit and there’s a good selection of washes to choose from. The jeans are sized by waist, allowing for an accurate fit. I find that the Bootcut style is the best. They below the waist but it’s not “thong on display” low and a bootcut leg is flattering to any body shape- looks great with heels or boots.

Find jeans, but not the individualized variety at jcrew.com.

Premium but not exactly unique denim at J.Crew.