Jenna Lyons and the J. Crew London pop-up
I met Jenna Lyons. I said, I MET JENNA LYONS. Can you believe it? Me neither. We said hi at the launch party for the J. Crew London pop-up shop (open today and tomorrow in King’s Cross).
I know, I could’ve brushed my hair. Only went over to take a photo, but J. Crew’s creative director was so warm and friendly, we ended up having a quick chat. Lyons told me that opening in London felt a bit like coming home.Having an English father meant that she’d spent summer holidays in Sussex as a child. I empathised saying that visiting Manhattan Brother meant I felt the same about New York. She asked what I did, so of course, I dropped That’s Not My Age into the conversation, ‘Oh I love it!’ came the reply, and mentioned writing for the FT’s How To Spend It, ‘ I was just at the Whitehouse reception with Lionel and his team, they’re so cool.’ Yeah, me and Jenna, so much in common.
Both the J. Crew staff and products at the London pop-up are lovely:
And if that wasn’t exciting enough, I got a preview of the autumn/winter collection. It’s fantastic. The usual mash-up of textures and prints, day and eveningwear. Check out Lyon’s beaded top over the smart white shirt. The 44-year-old really is the best advert for the brand. She’s a great stylist as well as a top-notch creative director, the way she puts outfits together is thoroughly inspirational, and much-copied. Particularly by some of the guests at the launch party. I was glad I’d worn my chandelier earrings, I can tell you. The J. Crew look is lively and modern and infinitely wearable. The go-anywhere appeal of this dressed-up daywear is what grown-up women want.
The J Crew pop-up is open 24 and 25 May at The Stables, 4 Stable Street, King’s Cross (down the side of the Central St Martin’s building). The London store is slated to open on Regent’s Street on November 1. Though the high pricing means I’ll probably place an order with Manhattan Brother or wait for my next trip to New York.
Discussion (15 Comments)
What a great event and opportunity to speak with Jenna! I do like her style alot and the beaded top she is wearing is amazing! Thanks for showing us the line…it has so many fun prints!
Lucky you! I've had a Jenna Lyons post in draft for a while–can't beat you meeting her though! Love her style.
There you are hanging out with yet another famous NBF – ha! And how great that she loves your blog too – quite right… Chandelier earrings must have felt very at home. JL clothing combination 10/10 – have to give that a go – solves the short sleeve/long sleeve dilemma too… Wonderful to see you again yesterday as well! S x
p.s. 🙁 my nail polish is chipped today – I can only last 24 hours with it….I've been thinking about Jenna Lyons since looking
at the red carpet pictures from the Met Gala in New
York. She's wearing a similar white shirt as in your
picture but for the gala she wore a clash t-shirt since
the theme was Punk. Here's the thing: I don't think the
shirt over a shirt really works. I can't imagine wearing
it. I think Jenna has resuscitated J.Crew but her look
is idiosyncratic. The key to her personal style is mixing up lots of looks. By copying Jenna's style, it is becomes
fake, not authentic. I think her influence will soon
start to wane but for the moment it is funky and fun
and a refreshing change from the preppy overdose.
If I were Mickey Drexel (Crew's CEO), I'd get off the speaker phone and look for another muse. Fashion is fickle.The go-anywhere appeal of this dressed-up daywear is what grown-up women want.
Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! This is what continues to appeal to me about J.Crew, even through some of the wackadoodle stuff. I'm so envious that you were able to attend this event and meet her!! And the fall merch looks great!
We've got Jenna, you've got Mary Portas— two such interesting, influential, strong, creative women. Really enjoyed your post and happy to hear she did not disappoint.
Wow, that is a brush with styling greatness if there ever was one. That oxford with the beaded top over it is inspirational, and like you said, it will be much-copied. By me.
I love J Crew and cannot wait for the store proper to open! Sadly I missed the pop-up. Hx
Lucky Jenna — she got to meet you! And once your book comes out, she'll be able to say she knew you when . . .
seriously, I love J Crew as well — I've been finding that it's the core of my wardrobe these days, and there's always new inspiration.
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All gorgeous stuff. I love the multicoloured jacket the customer is wearing. Did she buy it?