J.Crew Fall 2017 - Runway Review

J.Crew once again tapped friends of the house, fashion types, artists and employees for its women’s and men’s fall presentation. Under the direction of women’s wear designer Somsack Sikhounmuong, that notion of “old friends” showed up in the collection itself: peeling a layer off the polished, preppy aesthetic thanks to revisiting traditional fabrics, motifs and silhouettes—the results of which were modern clothes that hinted at vintage favorites.

Khakis were revised as slouchy camo pants; a kilt skirt was infused with pretty tulle insets; shirting in white or seersucker stripes got new blouson shapes; a plaid fabric was crafted into an asymmetric ruffled skirt, while a cheery Fair Isle sweater was tucked into a ball skirt. The go-to blazer was given a more relaxed re-tailoring while a tuxedo jacket worn over a strapless jumpsuit with billowing pants was a chic evening option.

Over in men’s, designer Frank Muytjens brought back classic favorites like chinos and rugby shirts, but modernized them with updated silhouettes and details—not to mention fun critter patterns on ties and shirts,. What he called “a play on proportion” was evident in a wider-leg jean and an even baggier chino. Also new were rinsed carpenter pants in denim and the popular Ludlow suit modernized with a wider lapel.