Is J Crew Cool Again?

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Turning 40 in 2023, the American prep stalwart J Crew has experienced extreme ups and downs. Going from one of the most celebrated commercial brands in the 2000s, to financially bankrupt and aesthetically outdated in 2020. Now with the appointment of former Supreme creative director and Noah founder, Brendon Babezien, as the new lead for menswear, is J Crew cool again?
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[@BraveNewWear]

So J Crew isn't exactly the most hyped brand, but I think for a lot of Americans it's accessible. Does elevating a mall staple like this "help" fashion or maybe people just getting into "style?" Any chance you'll check out J Crew now? Lmk

[@fy_pool_day2]

One of the most valuable lessons you can take away from J.Crew if you're just getting into fashion, is that clothing without big logos makes you focus on the singularity of your outfit moreso than logos or graphics

[@williamtkaczuk4825]

I was a big J Crew boy back in the early to mid 2010s and haven't picked up anything from them since. Thanks for putting the brand back on my radar, just scrolling through the site there are some interesting, 'classic with a twist' options that would fit well with my more refined (picky) tastes Good vid

[@BraveNewWear]

I can see that, not to be trite but basically focusing on building the elements of the wardrobe 1st @@fy_pool_day2

[@robg2657]

The main issue at J. Crew is quality. The majority of the items are made in china on the cheap and DO NOT justify the price point. The brand leans to heavy on their "heritage" image. Wait until the inevitable 40% - 60% off markdown sale. The sale prices are more reflective of the quality you get. Also, J. Crew will match online sales in store, and offer price adjustments on full price items if they go on sale within a week of original purchase. As a former FT manager for the brand, for five years, in two major American cities, my advice is no one should pay full price for anything from J. Crew.

[@BraveNewWear]

I dont disagree that brands with persistent markdown strategies make the true "value" of their product difficult for consumers to pin down. Its similar to the problem the Gap faced, it had the same strategy of constantly running different markdown sales and it deluded the perceived value of the brand. And I'm saying all of that REGARDLESS of what the actual quality is.

[@fy_pool_day2]

THERE HE IS!!!!! COMEBACK IMMINENT?

[@BraveNewWear]

don't call it a comeback 😤

[@fy_pool_day2]

@@BraveNewWear My bad king, you got the most enjoyable fashion content out here and i'm just happy to see you upload

[@Americansikkunt]

I don’t always instantly click to view newly posted KZbin videos, but when I do, it’s Brave New Wear.

[@BraveNewWear]

stay thirsty my friends (for content)

[@johnathanblack836]

I'll forever associate J Crew with MFA on reddit. That whole look is a bit cringe now, but it's what got me interested in fashion.

[@BraveNewWear]

I should post this vid on MFA for the memories

[@oleggator7513]

Whats not cringe? Dress like clown or like a hobo?

[@bestplayeralive]

What is MFA?

[@Jorge-lm4bg]

Holyshit throwback. I remember building the “basic bastard” wardrobe. I still cringe to this day.

[@themerrybeggar941]

@@bestplayeralivemen’s fashion advice

[@johnnyc.3261]

They have an amazing offshoot company, Wallace and Barnes. Basically, WW2 era fashion but slightly modernized, I get that a lot.

[@paulstefanpopa-bratu9521]

it really is

[@terry2588]

Love Love J.Crew Amazing Brand with Quality product and service 👍🏾👍🏾

[@COld-j2b]

Anyone know what jacket that is behind him! Wish he took us on his wardrobe tour. Love it five ⭐️

[@3C7S]

Love the direction J. Crew has been heading in. The giant fit chinos and courduroys are staples in my wardrobe. I hope they do a denim iteration

[@aciv132]

Big smile seeing you on my front page.

[@BraveNewWear]

bless up brother

[@ALT3RZxx]

Used to work at J Crew inn highschool/college and always thought about this stuff. Great vid Christian. Glad to see you're back!

[@ALT3RZxx]

You should do Abercrombie next 👀👀👀

[@baseballcrank]

Preppy people do be loving the ocean

[@christinegogo1880]

How dare you practice real journalism!? I love this take on jcrew...to be honest I'm here from the Understitch video on J crew. J crew is only back if they go back to using high quality wools and fabrics. And yes i loved Severance...that ending was chef's kiss.

[@kellylonergan736]

Ok this video is fabulous 👌✨ also I love J Crew

[@dylannelkin]

Like J crew, do you think I will ever be cool again

[@BraveNewWear]

no sorry

[@frankiefrank2302]

OOOOOOO LALA.! Do more of these! It'd be interesting to hear you talk about how it's legal for example Steve Madden to make knock offs of a Ganni shoe & how smaller name brands can make dupes... idk what I'm trying to say but I'm sure you get it lol. Do a little video of pieces you bought & why you bought them. Or what about the 2nd hand industry in compared to fast fashion... xoxo

[@tenderoni2997]

Those giant chinos look fun. Excellent vid, per uge 👌🏾👏🏾👌🏾👏🏾

[@BraveNewWear]

ty, if nothing else I think the chinos are WORTH copping

[@itsnotabouthollywood]

Welcome back Christiano 🤌!!!

[@BraveNewWear]

👌🏻🫰🏻

[@basedtom1]

Bro you are the most underrated fashion channel. This is some high quality, hilarious shit

[@skylersloves]

I like the big pants from j.crew. They look like Regular fit dockers. I like when brands are willing to experiment and try new fabrics, designs, textures. Idk how to explain it but j.crew previous looks reminds me of anyone who works in middle management lol.

[@eyespy3001]

Experiment? J Crew were doing “giant fit” in ‘94. They just brought them back because kids were hyping the 90’s again.

[@thespokanekid]

We're so back boys

[@BraveNewWear]

LETS GO BOYS

[@FJLC93]

Verrrrrrrry interesting sir. I stopped shopping at j.crew because everything became stretch and slim. This led me to realize I preferred 100% cotton and roomier fits, which ultimately led me to having an interest in fashion, which ultimately brought me to your channel. I will like the video.

[@tristanstreet3915]

yass so glad you talked about them, i worked there last year and i honestly didn’t like a lot what they had in store, but i definitely noticed the rebranding and was why i was hired lol, got to pick out a fit for free and literally got the giant chinos because it was so reminiscent of ralph. too bad the customer base still seemed to be middle age housewives who definitely didn’t want a queer telling them how to dress lolllll

[@BraveNewWear]

lol is right, at least you got the free fit out of the deal!

[@BlueNutella_]

I've had that black rugby polo for about a year now and holy heck does it get A LOT of wear! It's like right where I want to be in the dress-up/dressed-down spectrum, and I get so many compliments when I wear it!

[@BraveNewWear]

seems like a pretty nice piece IMO, nice material, clean aesthetic

[@dariusdevonking]

oh he’s back back

[@PatKellyTeaches]

This was super entertaining. Thanks for the breakdown and history

[@ellis0]

yippeeeeee!

[@thezackyard]

Some of my favorite pieces I have purchased within the last year have been from J Crew. I am still trying to discover my style, and some pieces I have gotten there have pushed me out of my more streetwear/sporty style into a more "preppy" look. Great to know the history, and understand why I have also noticed a good shift in the stuff the are releasing. When I go to the mall now, I actually like stopping into my J crew. I might have to get a pair of the giant chinos too👀👀

[@BraveNewWear]

J crew is giving people everywhere a reason to shop at the mall again 🇺🇲

[@ianhucke3031]

Oh my goodness is j crew is cool now that makes fashion way easier!

[@BraveNewWear]

trying to get fashion put on easy mode

[@gg_2315]

Picked up a lot of pieces from Jcrew last year and more on my watch list. Love the direction they have been going. And can’t beat the amazing sales they have

[@duncanlester]

😂😂😂 So good bro

[@777Justin]

I was married in a Ludlow suit. It was a hot Summer day, and I love the breathable linen/cotton blend. The jacket still fits l, but the silly pants are too small now.

[@xyZebrAce]

The Hermès scarves lined with leather jackets is something Josh Gabbard has been doing for them since 2006. Designing celebrities cars bathrooms or dressing life size Barbies cool right? It’s $ in Tokyo or CH jewelry and eyewear that support them and their beautiful empty gallery stores. Mattyboy and his pop art lips is stuff nyc kids in art camp paint on white Levi’s with fleur de lis and then hang out all summer in them. Clothing line with Bella didn’t do They don’t do shows cause they would have to have a vision statement on fashion and they don’t want to. Kamali doesn’t really do shows anymore but she’s had statements and moved the needle on fashion. Still does. Their Fleur-de-lis signature isn’t even theirs. There isn’t one thing that they only created. They are excellent craftsmen in leather and silver. And without their group of pattern makers leather artisans in N Mansfieldand Mattyboy’s relationship with hip hop or skater culture .. even his lips is something he saw from the 1970’s. But that’s ok. Everything now is regurgitated. But the stark family who likes to think they are outside the norm in the end spent a pandemic on their yacht or home in St-Barth. I mean how seriously are we to take anyone in fashion who says: The first time I came to St Barth’s was fifteen years ago with Gilles Bensimon and Diana Picasso, and they took me to Rudolph Nureyev’s house. :)

[@benjaminhooper6076]

This is a brilliant video. It's great to get detailed insight into what we are experiencing on the street. This has 100% been on the rise in London also over the past 5 years or so. ALD definately is a mecca for people who want supreme and ralph lauren to have a baby, it's reflected in their outlets themselves. Not a fan persoanlly, finding it all very cheasey. Fantastic education on J Crew's tradjectory, I have time for them. By the appearance of that catalogue, they are certainly style affectations and colour combnations you will also be seeing at Drakes, which has really risen in stock in recent years. Interesting move with those wider pants at a prep outlet like J Crew. Same thing happening at Drakes, almost a prep 'Skater Suit' for one of a better term seems to be on the rise. I try and throw together these prep styles and city combinations myself from time to time and fair ok, however I would point out that these styles take a lot more thought and consideration when it comes to colour. Is it weird that I'm finding myself in Nike prestos, track pants and a plain hoodie a lot recently. I can't go near the maximalist appraoch of the 'new prep' for fear I won't be able to afford lunch. Last thought Christian, I'd love to hear your opinion on my latest musing (Regardless of whether it's a uniue take or not I feel right NOW it's a particularly prevelent one) : 'Streetwear eats everything' - All other styles are now at the mercy of the streetwear cuts and fits. No matter which revival of styles are brought in next - the streetwear establishment will mold the aestetic (i.e Prep, Gorp(outdoor wear), Italian sportswear (stone island/CP), English classics (Burberry Macs), City boy Americana) and the stockists will stock it. It may appear to be leaving the circle of streetwear, but it will soon be appropriated back into the same subculture of individuals over and over again. Leading to the notion that these sub-aethetics are 'plaid out' or 'over'. This is what I've found. Is it the same in NYC/ All over? Thanks as usual, Benji

[@VuNguyen-fv5jl]

I remember when J Crew’s blue gingham shirt had a chokehold for a period of time. There was an instagram account dedicated to that shirt too

[@lmc2664]

Today's fashion is plain and boring. Most clothes are boxy or oversized, lacking excitement and taste. The so-called designs feel uninspired and unoriginal.

[@jonathanlander3631]

Regardless of the JC aesthetic, the quality is crap which is a shame given that years ago the quality was quite nice.

[@thechancellor842]

I just went to j crew and got a shirt first time in years lol

[@BraveNewWear]

congrats big pick up

[@fegelxx8191]

Interesting that while jcrew floundered beams+ maintained relevance

[@rotisseriechickenlover-jb4cc]

the goat is back

[@evant6288]

4:12 Not rhyming Don Draper with Tyler, the Creator was a missed opportunity

[@BraveNewWear]

shit...do you think its too late? Like maybe I can just reupload the video and no one will notice?

[@evant6288]

@@BraveNewWear🤐 key thrown out the proverbial door

[@alfredbonnabel7022]

Not for my money...I bought and today I have nothing in my closet.

[@noraesejohnson3141]

Perez Maria Thompson Michelle Jones Richard

[@ThomasMart-i5e]

Jones Richard Garcia Ruth Young Larry

[@Mushr00mTea]

THE LEGEND

[@yvonneoldman9366]

Brown Jason Gonzalez Frank Gonzalez Michael

[@UlisesYaniz]

Wheres the black denim jacket from?!

[@ownwhoyouare]

Hilarious dead name joke. Super smart joke.

[@daviseaustin5648]

Clark Jennifer Lewis Matthew Moore Kenneth

[@FlamingSwordful]

Another banger

[@lu_re7198]

Excellent review, derisive attitude and persistent greed. 🤑😆

[@samsonblue3444]

ur like a fashion drew gooden but less annoying

[@BraveNewWear]

honestly i'd just settle for being drew gooden he seems to be doing alright.

[@harryshackley9584]

Miller John Taylor Joseph Jones Brian

[@chuck4316]

Looking good Matthew Broderick. Thinking J Press is making a comeback.

[@BraveNewWear]

I'll take that since most people tell me i look like Steve Buscemi (great actor, but you know)

[@sprcrzy110]

Your personality and sense of humor are electric and so entertaining. You got my subscription.

[@MADOUT_VPS]

Quite the opposite for me 😂

[@BraveNewWear]

u can't win everybody but i appreciate the comment

[@BraveNewWear]

really appreciate that dude glad to have u join the club :)

[@LOWluxury]

the black look is some Dylan Rieder chic. Which also goes full circle in a way with the Supreme/Noah/FA thing.

[@BraveNewWear]

you've probably never heard this but time is a flat circle

[@BraveNewWear]

i'm also currently rewatching s1 of true detective

[@LOWluxury]

@@BraveNewWear iconic but also formula got ran into the ground immediately thereafter

[@austinb2177]

Personally, I just like to dress smart casual. Sharp but nothing crazy - like you said, “conservative”. So I have a lot of the J. Crew oxford shirts (cotton and linen) and chinos. Also a few belts. I really like their clothing tbh.

[@SC_Lost]

I love Jcrew. I lost weight a few years ago and decided to change my style to a classic style and go from there. The washes,cuts and colors are very timeless and made shopping real easy for me. I have some shorts that i bought 3 years ago on sale and they still look good but i also bought a simple t shirt and it looked bad after a few wears. Also shop at their upscale “Madewell” stores and the quality is very good. I do 95 percent of my shopping at Jcrew, Madewell, Banana Republic in that order.

[@silhill3914]

Great video keep on going wit da work

[@BraveNewWear]

ty bub

[@JafacaksWasTaken]

4 d algo

[@BobbyReed]

You must learn how to pronounce Ralph Lauren's last name. Really.

[@adriangarcia5212]

Missed you ¡

[@KindaNiceHoodies]

Love the content man keep it up!

[@BraveNewWear]

[@ownwhoyouare]

Interesting to hear a fashion critique focused on aesthetics. I worked in fashion across the board with a focus on manufacturing and market week. Ice always seen things from the business and corporate perspective as the fashion industry becomes very profits driven and the second shareholders are involved no matter how few, you can be sued for making art that doesn’t profit. Art for the sake of art in fashion is a crime due to business corporate structures required for basic contract work in fashion. Anyways, so interesting to be outside myself. Love the video.

[@cms3000]

What's your height? You look shorter with the wide black chinos pants.

[@aceymac]

Did JC embrace streetwear or do the men who have always bought JC no longer fit into slim cut? Maybe they just got older and wider.

[@22lagoon]

Always great to see you upload!

[@latinballa88]

He’s back! Edit: would love an Abercrombie video next 😉

[@BraveNewWear]

That is actually a great idea I'll add it to my idea board

[@latinballa88]

@@BraveNewWear my man!

[@Julius_Pringlz]

I’ve been out of the fashion game since I realized I’m too broke to play. Would LOVE a video on navigating being a fashion hobbyist within a budget (for example however you manage it). I’m a new subscriber and wanted to say you have great videos and got me back into the fashion zeitgeist! Edit: I usually find silhouettes I like and substitute with more “mall brands” and stick to finding interesting thrift finds for more statement like pieces

[@michael_galicia]

What 'bout Palace? Can we throw them in the mix?

[@BraveNewWear]

ok lets get them into the mixer

[@vinoblancoypescado6044]

Great stuff!

[@Thomas-nz4si]

I was wondering about where you'd been very recently. Good to see you're back. As much as I personally enjoy longer videos, I don't think 20 minute videos are going to get you out of this subscriber stagnation pit you've been at for as long as I've watched you. You need to be more concise with your approach with 8-11 minute videos that get more to the point. This doesn't mean you don't drop your personality for the sake of time, but maybe cut some of the needless (but again, interesting to me) fat from your output.

[@BraveNewWear]

Bro are you calling my videos FAT? bold feedback but I appreciate it regardless, either way I’m still around so feel free to drop by. (I do appreciate hearing what u guys think about the content so ty for commenting)

[@Thomas-nz4si]

@@BraveNewWear 20 minutes is background noise while I play sudoku or allow my mind to wander. 8-11 minutes is more direct.

[@itsnotabouthollywood]

@@BraveNewWear 💀#theaudacity

[@memelord3348]

brother remembered his YT password💀

[@BraveNewWear]

I couldnt figure out the captcha so my older brother did it for me and thats how i uploaded the video

[@johngraham4584]

loved looking through the catalog another great vid🔥

[@BraveNewWear]

i know you love it

[@ShantoPwnage]

It was nice meeting you tonight Christian xD

[@VuNguyen-fv5jl]

Unemployed Chrstian = resumes uploading bussin ong fashion videos. Idk how I feel about this

[@BraveNewWear]

you can't prove that

[@crimnvL]

i mean i like jcrew

[@BraveNewWear]

i mean, i am wearing a j crew suit in the vid

[@jicalzad]

in my opinion, J. Crew's only flaw is that they're overpriced.

[@Mr20001]

They have decent sales from time to time. I’d keep an eye out.

[@turmjo]

i didnt know reviewbrah had a brother

[@JGKassel]

Christian, thanks for the great video! Are you wearing the Ludlow unstructured cotton suit?😮

[@BraveNewWear]

its something like that, Its the cotton workwear suit, I think this is another version of the same blazer www.jcrew.com/p/mens/categories/clothing/blazers/casual-blazers/garment-dyed-cotton-linen-chino-suit-jacket/AX270

[@kingjoe97]

9:07 made me laugh lol

[@BraveNewWear]

BUT IM MOCKING YOU!

[@desallen5966]

As someone who used to work visual at a J.Crew store the observation about the merchandising is so spot on lol They're so out of touch with guys transition from streetwear to traditional menswear

[@kqw1176]

You look so handsome❤

[@FromOwen]

🍖y vid

[@dollarcans1297]

i j crewd my pants when i saw a new video from here on my feed 🙏 btw wheres that jacket from??

[@BraveNewWear]

My jacket? its from J Crew :o

[@seancatacombs]

Once Aime Leon Dore hacked the matrix and figured out how to hybridize preppy/Trad stuff with streetwear style and attitude J Crew - i.e. commoditized version of the not-Wall Street Manhattan douchebag look - and its whole aesthetic became obsolete sort of overnight.

[@BraveNewWear]

ah yes! the not-wall street manhattan douchebag look, I know it well!

[@danielchen1813]

🎉🎉🎉

[@GrizzlyXC3]

“It looks like a way that would dress her boring boyfriend” 17:26 😂😂😂😂 Bruh hell naw! I went recently to a J.Crew and I didn’t even bother looking for the Giant Chinos since it was so bland and preppy. Maybe next time I go in and I’ll try them on Great vid!

[@Mr20001]

Unless you prefer loud, urban streetwear, just about anyone can find something at J.Crew that they could incorporate into their daily style…

[@eyespy3001]

18:28 My man, at your height, you should _not_ be wearing giant fit anything. You look like a toddler wearing his dad’s clothes. It’s brutal honesty, but it’s the truth. It’s not just you, though. It’s 90% of guys who have adopted this trendy oversized look. It’s not flattering on anyone under 6’2”. Always go for a tailored look; not necessarily _slim,_ but tailored. You want to look like the clothes were made for you. That will always look timeless, and not like you’re trying too hard.

[@BraveNewWear]

sir, I am 7"1' tall, and while I genuinely love to see a discussion of fit and silhouette I would make this challenge to your argument - Not to say...certain body types dont lend themselves to certain aesthetics better, but I think there are designers and consumers who are interested in obscuring and warping norms. Like, maybe I want to be a toddler.

[@stevenwells5069]

@@BraveNewWear 😂😂

[@trailerfilms9530]

what i think ? there is nothing to think straight up no no fast garbage fashion j speeeew.....

[@Mr20001]

Not “fast fashion” at all. J.Crew has, for the most part, kept its style pretty consistent, avoiding obnoxious on-trend styles.

[@ThisToxicStudMuffin]

Great video and glad to see you back. Hair looks fantastic as always. Slightly off topic but you should check out Buck Mason sometime. Stumbled in to one of their stores a few days ago and was really impressed and their retail stores are beautiful.

[@Jorge-lm4bg]

Most underrated KZbin channel fr