JCREW Spring 2014 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

The common denominator of spring-summer collections, as fact, is always bold colors and prints. And for J.Crew’s women’s head designer, Tom Mora, those are the elements that connote accurately the casual spirit of the brand – though, the brand always has a rich and upscale meaning about summer. For the season, Mora’s inspiration started with the bright California coast (and the easy laid-back lifestyle of surfers), then it ended with Venice Lido lifestyle. And while Venice is much dressier with nautical inspired clothes that go in hand with the brand’s casual-epitome, the California Beaches dress-code, by contrary, is way too effortless – if anything, these two seem not to be the perfect-match. But opposites attract, and that’s enough reason to please the J.Crew clientele. The outcome of Mora’s overseas trip was straight to the point. Nautical stripes were successfully achieved on a bag-clutch and on a python embossed-leather jacket. Other rich textures like crisp-white lace, tweeds with lurex, and tribal jacquards are also seen throughout the looks. The bright and effortless approach also presented a surprise with the women’s footwear; which this spring season is designed in collaboration with Sophia Webster.

By contrast, the men’s collection was undoubtedly, in all aspects, J.Crew menswear signature. The collection, designed by Franks Muytjens, presents a bold effortless-tailored concept – country, summery, and city-casual inspired. Here, blazers and suits define the collection’s highlight. A seersucker suit, and a creamy white rounded-lapel one, both are perfect to continue Mora’s idea of Venice beach – or even for Saint Tropez to imply an extra reference. Denim shirts, chambray blazers, and bomber jackets, those added an urban feeling; the highlight: a suede bomber-jacket with contrasting sleeves – all eyes were on that piece the day of the presentation. Elsewhere, turtle-neck sweaters are seen with nautical stripes, while khaki pants are left behind and replaced for shorts.

By Jhon Jairo Santos
Fashion Director USA

Photos by J.C. Parra

WEB BY:NIVEKSTUDIO
WEB BY:NIVEKSTUDIO