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We’d argue that J. Crew has cornered the market for All-American outfitting. And that being said, it’s only fitting that the wearable brand would work with up-and-coming designers. Hence the shop’s latest endeavor with the three finalists from the annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, which rewards emerging designers with monetary support to help launch their lines to a wider audience.
Joseph Altuzarra won this year’s prize, and, along with other perks, that means his seven-piece capsule collection for the shop was released first. It’s currently available at J. Crew’s online shop — as well as its flagship store in New York — and proves a great opportunity to pick up pieces from this soon-to-be-huge designer, with prices ranging from $85 for a top to $345 for a pair of wedges. Mini-lines from runners-up Pamela Love and Creatures of the Wind will be released in the same fashion May 17 and June 14. respectively.
Inspired by Jane Seberg in Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless, the collection is full of stripes and has a distinctly Parisian elevated casual simplicity. But, as it goes with diffusion lines, some of it we love, some of it we hate, and some of it leaves us puzzled.
The Good
Patricia Top : A lovely lightweight poolside coverup with nautical navy stripes. Count us in. (left)
Sabrina Dress: We can picture taking this delightful sun dress on a leisurely stroll down a cobblestone street. Sigh. (top right)
Odette Blouse: With long shirttails and a tie-front waist, this gingham shirt screams Brigitte Bardot. (bottom right)
The Bad
Corinne Espadrille: While this shoe is technically wearable (even cute!), we can already smell the sweaty feet that would result from this suede loafer-espadrille hybrid. No, thanks.
The Ugly
Serge Sweater: No, we aren’t going to shovel out $295 for a sweater with fabricated holes — even if its namesake is that of our all-time favorite Frenchman, Monsieur Gainsbourg.
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