The past year was a riotous year for J. Crew. The company’s profits drastically declined in 2015, which no one saw coming. They laid off close to 200 employees and fired Tom Mora, the head women’s wear designer for two years.
Buyers complained that J. Crew’s apparel was too eccentric, when it was once modern and chic.
The company hired Somsack Sikhounmuong to take Tom Mora’s position as head women’s wear designer. J. Crew hoped this change would take their company to the top once again.
New York Fashion Week 2015 was a chance for J. Crew to redeem their brand and without a doubt, they did.
J. Crew’s Spring 2016 collection takes us back to their original roots played with a creative spin. The brand takes their essential branding staples like plaid, seersucker, gingham and stripes and pieces them together in the trending cuts of the season such as, culottes, ankle pants, midi skirts and blouses.
The collection was most remembered for off the shoulder tunics and dresses, which we can expect to be a major trend this spring and summer.
Here are some the greatest looks from the runway:
If you have ever shopped at J. Crew or seen a J. Crew mannequin, then you know that J. Crew loves to layer. A striped button-down and blazer layered over a simple, white tunic paired with floral shorts is laid back and sophisticated.
Seersucker is a flattering fabric that involves minimal styling. Not to mention, culottes are a huge trend in the market, today.
There are many off-the-shoulder pieces in the 2016 collection to keep the style fresh in the midst of all the plaid because there’s a lot of it! Mixing plaid is J. Crew’s go to. Even though the plaid on the ankle-strap flats and the dress don’t match, they blend perfectly.
This look incorporated everything J. Crew prides themselves on: bright color, bold accessories and traditional print for an overall preppy look.
J. Crew stylists might be onto something: stacking of chunky necklaces. It sets their spring collection apart from any other brand or designer.
Can you believe canvas belts are back? Canvas belts from the 70s and 80s, or D-ring belts, are making their way back into our closets. Many outfits in the collection feature stripe canvas belts as an accent piece.
The deep v-neckline, big bow belt, and gingham pattern pull together a feminine and modern look.
It does not get any more “J. Crew’ than this because these outfits feature the perfect plaid pattern mixing.
Buyers will not complain this collection is too "eccentric" because this 2016 spring collection embodies bright colors, pattern mixing, laid back attire, and the importance that you can never be overdressed. Despite a rough year, J. Crew is making a comeback.
