J.Crew Email: A VIP look at a design team favorite

J.Crew is a busy bee with all these emails sent out today! ;) "Thanks!" to Walt, who let us know about another email J.Crew sent out to the Guys today.

The email above features the not-yet-officially-released-online Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots (Item 20853; $595.00). J.Crew describes these shoes as:

A handcrafted masterpiece in genuine shell cordovan leather by Alden® (est. 1884), an icon of old-school American shoemaking—and it's ours alone. Alden's integrity and attention to craft have long made us loyal followers, and these boots are no exception. Each one is handcrafted entirely in the U.S. using shell cordovan (for its magnificent lustre and extraordinary durability), which is vegetable tanned for six months at one of the country's oldest tanneries. Features all of Alden's hallmark details including their famed Goodyear® welt, full-leather lining and tempered steel shank. They don't make them like this anymore. If properly cared for, these boots will last for generations (to make sure they do, you can send them back to Alden for resoling). Because these are handmade, your size may be on back order. We recommend putting yourself on the waiting list (trust us, it's the worth the wait). Double leather outsole. USA. This shoe was shaped over a Barrie last and runs o

The description is pretty interesting for a few reasons: (1) It looks like they didn't get to finish it. The last sentence leaves me wanting more. (2) I like how they state up-front that these shoes may *already* be on back-order. Didn't they *just* come out? (3) I love that they insist you get on the wait-list staring now. How about ordering enough so no wait-list is needed? ;)

As for the shoes itself, they do look pretty darn awesome! And I have to give it to Alden for actually resoling shoes for customers anytime. (I am curious, will they offer this service for free or for a fee? If it's free, than the price of the shoes seem way more reasonable.)

What are your thoughts on the Alden® for J.Crew Cap Toe Cordovan Boots? Do you like the shoes? Will you order it?

The A-Team? Nope, the J-Team!

A big "thanks!" to Gem Twin who shared the following article & video about J.Crew's Creative-Team over at Details (click here).

Tastemakers: The J.Crew Team
Jenna Lyons, Frank Muytjens, and Andy Spade on the American classics they can't live without
Photograph by Rebecca Greenfield
June 2010

On the one hand, little has changed for J.Crew since it published its first mail-order catalog in 1983: It's still the go-to purveyor of preppy staples. On the other hand, the brand has grown into a $1.6 billion enterprise and spawned a slew of copycats. All of which provides the company's brain trust—executive creative director Jenna Lyons, head of men's design Frank Muytjens, and collaborator Andy Spade—with the challenge of keeping the label at once classic and ahead of the pack. We asked this trio of style arbiters to weigh in on what to wear, eat, and do this summer.

Alden for J. Crew white suede bucks: "They're completely masculine and elegant. They go great with shorts or jeans, and they will look even better with age."—Frank Muytjens

Lemon and beer: "Adding lemon and ice to a beer makes for the most refreshing summer drink you can have."—Jenna Lyons

Straw hat: "I wore one when I was a lifeguard and just never took it off."—Andy Spade

Vintage army tent: "In my back yard in the country, I'm putting up an old canvas tent that I bought on eBay. When it gets too warm in the house, I'll spend some summer nights camping in my own yard—that's my way of roughing it."—Frank Muytjens

California Baby sunscreen: "It's the only sunblock that doesn't wear off."—Jenna Lyons

Bermuda shorts: "They're part of my summer uniform—always have been and always will be. Those really short shorts are for roller skaters."—Andy Spade

Saint James striped T-shirt customized for J.Crew by Mister Freedom: "Saint James is based in France and is known for its classic Breton striped sailor shirts. Christophe Loiron of the vintage Los Angeles shop Mister Freedom added graphics to them. We call it the tri-laboration: It's like Picasso meeting Jacques Cousteau."—Frank Muytjens

Barbecued ribs: "My husband, Vince, does the best barbecue: He makes dry-rubbed baby back ribs, applewood smoked for four hours in his Stump's Smoker and finished with a North Carolina barbecue sauce. There's nothing better. It's the perfect summer meal, especially because I don't have to do anything."—Jenna Lyons

New Balance running shoes: "I'm tired of the crazy-colored-sneaker trend. New Balance is like Switzerland—neutral. They're also semi-orthopedic and allow me to run on the beach without getting much sand in my shoes."—Andy Spade

Philip Johnson's Glass House in Connecticut: "It's such an iconic, quietly powerful place, and it is now open to the public. I can't wait to be able to actually walk in it."—Frank Muytjens

Polaroid camera: "I love capturing a moment with friends and then being able to let them take some pictures home. It's the perfect memento from a great weekend."—Jenna Lyons

Classic books: "Even if you're not at the beach, you can instantly get away in a really good vintage bookstore. I love losing track of time in one. They keep me inspired."—Frank Muytjens

I give credit to Jenna for wearing those sequin pants again. Why? Because she truly shops her closet and I actually like that message. It's great to see a piece of clothing being worn in various ways, to get the most value out of it. As for the $650 sequin pants (only 4 in production!) ...it's a pass for me. ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Are there any quotes you found particularly interesting? If so, please share. :)

Another Interview with J.Crew's Frank Muytjens

The following is a portion of an interview with Frank Muytjens over at MLive (click here to read it in its entirety):

Grand Fashion: An interview with J.Crew's Frank Muytjens
By Todd Truman
April 27, 2010

...Born in the Netherlands, Mr.Muytjens long held a strong affinity for Americana. After graduating from college, Frank spent eight years at Ralph Lauren as Design Director of Outwear, first at RRL and then onto the Blue Label. When the opportunity came along for design within a broader collection at J.Crew, he jumped on it.

He had been designing for four years as Senior Design Director of women's and as Design Director for outerwear and pants when in 2008, he became Head of Men's Design.

I recently had the opportunity to exchange some questions and answers with Frank Muytjens:

Todd Truman: You've done a wonderful job turning America on to its own Americana. Will those re-discoveries continue to play a role in upcoming J.Crew offerings?
Frank Muytjens: They will continue to play a role in our collections. I think authentic, cultural references give J.Crew a foundation to expand upon. At the same time i think it is important to keep our eyes open and let other influences play a role in the design process. At the moment, I'm looking at the Danish painter, Vilhelm Hammershoi and the works of Belgian architect, Vincent Van Duysen. I think that mix of different cultural references is interesting and creates distortion, and that's what we're after.

TT: We have a J.Crew store in Grand Rapids, Michigan where, for men, slim fits are now becoming a part of the landscape. When the trend begins to move away from fitted suits and shirtings, wouldn't the obvious backlash be a return toward a more relaxed fit?
FM: I think that's part of the ever changing landscape...but I think for Men's it will be gradually. I think it took a decade to get guys to buy a two button blazer instead of a three button...

TT: I see a lot of 50s,60s and 70s influence in J.Crew. What are some other sources of reference for you that may not be so obvious?
FM: We're always looking at vintage army/navy surplus and we love the functional details. They serve a purpose and there's a lot of thought behind them because they need to be functional. We pay a lot of attention to the details like vintage buttons, stitch colors and interior details.

TT: The Midwest may be one of the last regions to shake off the recession. Folks here might be more likely to forage through their closets first before parting with precious dollars on something new. But that's the beauty, I think, of your "Secret Wash" shirts. They are almost timeless. And isn't that the desired effect?
FM: I think guys like old stuff, things with a patina, weathered pieces with a history. If you ask a guy what he loves most in his closet, he will show you his most tattered leather jacket or cashmere sweater with the hole in the elbow. We're trying to give him a piece of his heritage which he can wear for more than one season, and it will only get better with age. ...

J.Crew's Frank Muytjens is getting a lot of press lately! It's nice to see him get his well-deserved acknowledgments from the fashion community.

As for the article... I love that he & his team are creating pieces that will have staying power. It's great to own items that just get better with age. And the quote about what guys love in their closet seemed to really resonate with me too. :)

What are your thoughts on the interview? Disagree or agree with any of the points made? Did it take a long time to convert you (or the man in your life) from 3 to 2 buttons? Is the item you cherish the most, have the most history?

J.Crew's Frank Muytjens on Hand to Talk {D.C. edition}

A big "thanks!" to Drewablank (check out her {fabulous} "this-that-and-whatnot" blog), who shared the following {exciting!} news with us.

Over at the {fantastic} Project Beltway blog (click here), there is word that a "little get-together" is planned for this Wednesday evening with J.Crew's VP of Men’s Design, Frank Muytjens. How exciting! :)

The details of this fantastic event includes:

J.CREW REQUESTS the PLEASURE of YOUR COMPANY
for SOME SINGLE MALT (AND A BIT of STYLE TOO)

Our head men’s designer Frank Muytjens
will be on hand to talk shop.
(ask him about the elements of a great suit, what’s in
our Secret Wash or other burning questions…)

Wednesday, April 28th
6–8pm

Hosted by:
Grant Allen
Vinoda Basnayake
Matthew Donohue
Walker Lamond
Andrew Reese
David Smith

J.Crew Men’s Shop
3222 M St. NW
Washington DC
Kindly RSVP to: 212 209 2737

Guests will received 15% off all purchases
(exclusions may apply)

Seriously, this event sounds amazing. I love that Frank Muytjens will personally appear to share his advice & skills. He has been doing an amazing job at J.Crew over the past few years. :)

Congrats to all the shoppers in the area! If you plan to attend, please, please, please share details! :)

J.Crew Teams Up with Warehouse Denim

"Thanks!" to James & AppGal who shared the following news with us.

Over at the DenimBlog (click here), there is news that J.Crew is teaming up with the Japanese denim label, Warehouse Denim. The post shares the following:

J.Crew to Collaborate with Warehouse
By Jennifer
April 13, 2010

Once known for it’s American classics, J.Crew has quickly becoming a haute fashion Mecca. J.Crew’s popularity is sure to increase with the brand’s collaboration with Japanese denim designer, Warehouse.

Frank Muytjens, J.Crew’s head of men’s design, said he discovered Warehouse denim while on a trip to Tokyo last year. “I haven’t been able to take them off since,” said Muytjens of his jeans.

The collaboration will be called Lot 484 (named after J.Crew’s 484 fit as well as the Men’s shop address in NYC), which will be constructed from Warehouse’s 14 ounce selvedge denim. The fabric originates with cotton grown in Memphis and dyed in Japan, that will be untreated, yielding a beautiful fade with wear.

Lot 484 will feature traditional Warehouse signatures, such as a 34-inch inseam, rivets and fly buttons. The collection should have a similar price point to previous collections, around $170 and should be in stores soon.

Moreover, HypeBeast (click here) add the following:

New York retailer J.Crew has collaborated with Japanese selvedge denim label Warehouse on this exclusive men’s style, the “Lot 484″. The Lot 484 has been created from Warehouse’s 14-ounce selvedge denim; with the fabric being composed entirely of Memphis-grown cotton that has been both woven and dyed in Japan. Details include steel rivets and fly buttons that have been designed to rust over time. The Lot 484 will retail at $300 USD and will become available on J.Crew’s webstore and within its Men’s Shop and Liquor Store locations.

This brand is for the "diehard of denim aficionados". So it makes sense for J.Crew to seek out a partnership with them. However, call me crazy, but I don't understand paying close to $200-300 for steel rivets and fly buttons that "rust over time". It seems like that would be a flaw, not a feature of the jeans.

What are your thoughts on the latest collaboration? Are you a fan of Warehouse Denim? :)

Lucky Magazine Shares Jenna's Shopping Secrets

Over at J.Crew's Facebook page (click here), they shared with us a video from Lucky Magazine (click here). According to J.Crew:

Check out this behind the scenes video with Jenna (our creative director) sharing her shopping secrets with Andrea Linett (Lucky Magazine’s creative director)

It is another behind-the-scenes look with J.Crew's Creative Director. Jenna Lyons discusses lots of topics, including what items she likes to buy over and over again. One thing that interested me, that she likes to shop alone. Frankly, I do too! Overall, it is a fun watch. :)

P.S. Is wearing all-denim the latest trend? If so, I am going to have to "sit out" on that one. ;)

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you like the tidbits that Jenna shared with us? Was there anything that struck you as interesting or note-worthy? :)

Sidenote: There is also an article interviewing J.Crew's Menswear Designer Frank Muytjens, over at Hells Kitchen (click here to read). Unfortunately, it is not in English. However, there are lots of great images. Also, if you happen to have the latest Firefox (it's an Internet Browser)... then click on the "Translate" button to translate the entire page into English. It does a pretty decent job too! :)

Behind the Scenes with Frank

"Thanks!" to Ross, Fidel, & J.Crew Guy In Canada, who shared the following behind-the-scenes video of J.Crew Men’s Designer Frank Muytjens. As mentioned in previous posts, he was recently recognized as one of GQ magazine's Best American Menswear Designers 2010.

From the GQ site (click here):

Behind the Scenes: J.Crew
By GQ
Video by Gordon Steiner
March 11, 2010

The last in our series of studio visits, today our video features menswear designer Frank Muytjens, a 2010 Best New Designer in America finalist whose updated looks revitalized the no-longer-just-preppy J.Crew.

What are your thoughts on the video? Do you like the direction that Frank is taking the Men's Collection at J.Crew?

J.Crew as an American {fashion} Icon

There is an interesting article over at BNet touting J.Crew as becoming an American icon.

UPDATE: Entire article removed as a result of the following comment posted in this thread:

I'd have emailed, but couldn't find an address for you.

I'm Lydia's editor at CBS Interactive. I'd like to ask you to revise your post so that you're not reprinting Lydia's entire item without permission. Quoting a few paragraphs and linking back is fine; reposting the whole thing is not cool -- and is technically a copyright violation.

I do appreciate the fact that you included a link to the original, but that doesn't change the issue created by reprinting an entire blog post.

Thanks in advance for your help.
Best, David Hamilton

My response: I did not know that. I have had authors contact me to post their entire article as it would drive traffic back to the original site. And as he noted I did have a link back to the original source, as well provided the author's name. I respect his decision to not have the article entirely re-posted. So I thought it was best to remove it altogether. Apologies for any inconvenience.

What are your thoughts on the article? Disagree or agree with any of the points made? Do you like seeing J.Crew's executives being used in the marketing campaign? Are there any marketing features you want to see more or less of?

Q & A Time with J.Crew's Frank Muytjens

Another big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada, who shared with us a great interview with one of J.Crew's top employees over at Prepidemic (click here).

8 Questions for Frank Muytjens of J.Crew
By Prepidemic
March 4, 2010

J.Crew Men’s Designer Frank Muytjens has been making waves in the fashion world since he took the helm in 2008. Under his reign, we have seen a once freakishly preppy company converted into a brand with awesome masculine tailoring, a military edge, and the same timeless appeal it’s always had. Not to mention numerous collaborations and, the opening of the Liquor Store, and a recent write-up in GQ as one of the best new designers in America. We were thrilled to speak with the man that is redefining affordable menswear, setting the trends for guys everywhere, and crushing the competition.

Prepidemic: What is the quintessential J.Crew outfit?
Frank Muytjens: The quintessential J.Crew look to me is a slimmer washed chino, rolled up at the hem, wingtip oxfords, no socks, chambray workshirt and a navy tropical wool Ludlow sportcoat. And if you want dress it up, add a narrow black tie (matte, not shiny) and a silver tie-clip.

Prepidemic: Does that sort of casual aesthetic limit the times and places one can wear J.Crew products?
Frank Muytjens: I think you can wear J.Crew at every occasion…from dinner jackets and Ludlow suits to slim fit jeans and workshirts.

Prepidemic: What’s so great about this casual aesthetic to you? Why should men be honing this sort of look?
Frank Muytjens: We like to make it easy for our guy by showing him how he can take elements from our line, and put them together in a way which creates distortion…You can put on a suit shirt and tie, but maybe it’s more interesting to put a chambray workshirt under your suit instead of a dress shirt. All elements of our line are interchangeable, but it’s how you put them together which makes the difference. That’s why we have the ‘Always List’ in the catalogue — just trying to make it easy for him, to edit his wardrobe for him, suggesting to him what to wear, not to make it more complicated. And I think our garments are easy to understand, and you know the fit is going to be great, the wash feels good, and the colors are easy to combine. You don’t have to worry – we did the worrying for him.

Prepidemic: Given the somewhat pronounced J.Crew look, how can one infuse his own individuality into his outfit if he’s wearing all J.Crew products?
Frank Muytjens: By trying to mix two different worlds together in one outfit: go for the high and low, like sneakers with a suit, pair a denim shirt with dress pants. Pair dress shoes with distressed jeans. Mix vintage with new. This is where the catalogue comes in handy, and on the website we have a great service called ‘Ask Jack’ he will answer all your sartorial questions. And the main rule is… don’t try too hard, the point is to make it look effortless, not overwrought. And also, keep on top of shifts in fit, for instance denim is getting more narrow, so instead of a straight or baggy fit, try a more fitted jean in a dark wash.

Prepidemic: To what extent is J.Crew still sticking to its heritage as a company for hardcore preppies?
Frank Muytjens: We re-looked at our heritage, tweaked it and brought in more authentic classic high-end menswear pieces, but with an updated fit, color or fabric. Like a double breasted trench in a navy wool instead of a khaki gabardine.

We always like to tell a story with a garment or a look. We lift elements from American history, work wear, vintage military etc because those garments are authentic and every detail served a purpose and was functional. We are looking for a lived in, effortless feel. I think a guy reacts to a garment when it feels he had it forever. But I also love to take garments out of their context and do something unexpected with them, to create tension.

Prepidemic: So many awesome collaborations for the brand: how do you choose companies with which you collaborate and what are you looking for in them?
Frank Muytjens: I love things with a history, I like our like our line to be steeped in authentic references, to keep a slightly familiar feel. I think a guy feels comfortable with that…I know I do…so when we started with the collaborations we were seeking brands steeped in history as well, the most authentic brands we could find, like Alden (since 1884), Red Wing (since 1905) and Russell Moccasins (since 1893). They’ve been around forever, just doing what they do best, not bothered by trends or feeling the need to update their logo. And I think it’s amazing that what they do now is still the same as what they did more then a century ago.

Prepidemic: What makes a J.Crew garment great?
Frank Muytjens: I think our guy loves quality and newness, but he doesn’t want to be the center of attention by the way he looks, he’s more subtle and understated. And he appreciates a more classic approach to fashion so he doesn’t have to change his wardrobe every season. He’s in it for the long run. And he wants his garments to look better with age.

Prepidemic: Coming from Holland how did you end up designing for Ralph Lauren and J.Crew? Got a thing for the classic American prep?
Frank Muytjens: I was always inspired by all things American since my first visit to NY in 1984…ranging from the Goldrush to the pictures of Dorothea Lange to Big Sur, so to move to NY in 1994 seemed the natural thing to do. I felt Polo was a great fit, I designed outerwear, and I was able to sharpen my eye there and immerse myself even more in American History and culture. When J.Crew came along I jumped at the chance to be able to put my sensibility on a full line instead of just part of a line.

Every time I read an interview with the guy I walk away thinking, "I like him!" I also like what he has been doing for the Men's line. Along his quote "doesn’t have to change his wardrobe every season", the items for Men have a classic appeal that seems to last for several years.

What are your thoughts on the interview? Are there any comments that Frank made that you particularly agreed or disagreed with?

J.Crew Email: Give it up for Frank...

"Thanks!" to many of you, including Marietta, who shared with us the latest email from J.Crew this morning.

The email shares the following:

Meet Frank... He's the fearless leader of our men's design team (and the guy responsible for those perfect fitting Ludlow suits and broken-in chinos). Kudos to our resident design Dutchman (Frank's from Holland) for being recognized as one of GQ mag's Best American Menswear Designers 2010.

To learn more about Frank, pick up the March issue of GQ.

The news on J.Crew's Frank Muytjens as a GQ finalist was mentioned in the February 3rd "J.Crew Makes It To GQ's Best New Menswear Designer..." post, as well as the February 17th "J.Crew Men's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection {already?}" post. To see the behind-the-scenes of J.Crew with Frank, refer to the February 10th "J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Frank Muytjens & {Ask} Jack" post.

I am really happy to see Frank Muytjens get recognized for his excellent work in J.Crew's menswear collection. :)

J.Crew Men's Fall/Winter 2010 Collection {already?}

"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada, who shared a post over at the Mister Crew Blog (click here) that features J.Crew's Frank Muytjens & the upcoming Fall/Winter 2010 Collection. There are additional images of the collection over at the "Oh, you'll love it. I promise." blog (click here to view).

The collection was a part of the GQ event to select America's top menswear designer (refer to the February 3rd "J.Crew Makes It To GQ's Best New Menswear Designer..." post). J.Crew's Frank Muytjens is nominated as one of the finalist.

What are your thoughts on the Men's Fall & Winter 2010 Collection? Are you "loving it" or "not feeling it"?

J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Frank Muytjens & {Ask} Jack

As mentioned in the January 30th "J.Crew's Look Behind the Design with Jenna Lyons" post, J.Crew's latest website update with new Spring arrivals has provided all sorts of behind the scenes look.

"Thanks!" to HDNB (behind the great Hotdish & Bars blog) who let us know that there is another short video (under 3 minutes) showing the "behind the design" of the latest Spring & Summer 2010 collection for Men.

The video (click here to view it) features J.Crew's Head of Men's Design Frank Muytjens & Men's Stylist Jack O’Connor (also known from the "Jack Knows Best" marketing campaign), and their inspirations for the latest collection.

I love these behind the scenes peeks and how J.Crew puts it altogether. :)

What are your thoughts on the video? Are there any points or scenes that you found particularly interesting? Do you care (or not care) for these "behind the scene" looks?

J.Crew's Frank Muytjens in the News (& us in his closet!)

"Thanks!" to J.Crew Guy In Canada, as well as Robin (in this post), who shared a post over at the Mister Crew Blog (click here) that features J.Crew's Frank Muytjens.

Frank Muytjens in Free & Easy
By R.A. Schenck
Published: January 29, 2010

Not paying much attention to this month’s issue of Free & Easy, StartWithTypewriters had to point out to me that there was a cool section in it on Frank Muytjens, VP of menswear design at J.Crew. The eight page spread shows off some of his favorite pieces from his wardrobe and home, and besides the obvious J.Crew stuff there were some surprising things listed.

To view all the images that are in the magazine spread, click here.

I am a big fan of Mr. Frank's work. Although, I do *not* think the image of him that is used in this article is his best one. So I have gone ahead and included one of his better pictures (shown to the right), where I think it more accurately represents his J.Crew-inspired style. :)

What are your thoughts on the items selected for the article? Do you like or dislike any of his selections? Are you a fan of Frank Muytjens' style?

J.Crew Makes It To GQ's Best New Menswear Designers

A big "thanks!" to Audrey, who let us know some exciting news for J.Crew over at GQ (click here).

J.Crew's Frank Muytjens has been nominated as one of "GQ's Best New Menswear Designers in America". Sometime this week, GQ will also be providing a behind-the-scenes video with Frank Muytjens too.

I personally love J.Crew's menswear line. "Phenomenal styling" comes to mind as they bring their "a-game" to the fashion field each season. So if it is not obvious yet, my vote for best Menswear Designer in America goes to Mr. Muytjens. ;)

What do you think of J.Crew's Frank Muytjens inclusion in this award? Do you think J.Crew's menswear line should be celebrated or critiqued?