The Tamesis
J.Crew’s turtleneck has been a staple of American style since its debut in the late 1980s. With everyone’s necks crying out for more warmth this winter, the brand is handing over the keys to its archives to five independent New York labels to put their own stamp on the classics. Buci NYC, Collina Strada, Eckhaus Latta, Patrick Taylor, and Tanner Fletcher each put their own unique spin on this garment, aptly named Rollneck Remix. Ahead of New York Fashion Week, this virtually available capsule collection is cause for celebration.
Tuesday night’s guest list included a mix of fashion industry mainstays and J. Crew regulars, including AnnaSophia Robb, Jemima Kirke, Chris Black, Ella Emhoff, Chloe Wise, Coco Baudelle and Christopher John Rogers; former J.Crew collaborators.
Buci founder Misha Ivanovic was accompanied by her mom and two sisters, who proudly photographed her in front of her version. The crowd of twentysomethings surrounding Mike Eckhaus (one half of Eckhaus Latta) gushed congratulations, clinked glasses and chatted while listening to Jilly Chen’s dance numbers. The model and DJ has been working with J. Crew for years and is one of their regulars—it was “a complete coincidence” that she was booked for the event, she laughs.
Guests immersed themselves in colorful dishes created by food artist Thu Buser, who assembled an edible concoction inspired by each look. Inspired by Collina Strada sweaters, bold patchwork pieces in pink and earth tones are a hit.
For Olympia Gayot, J.Crew’s creative director, it’s exciting to see designers push familiar silhouettes into unexpected territories. The turtleneck is a “blank canvas,” she says, because it’s made from 100% cotton, making it the perfect base for reinterpretation. “One of the reasons I love doing these types of projects is that it helps you think outside the box,” she said, highlighting Buci’s version as an example. “Misha made it sexy, young, and cool. Everyone in our office who saw it said, ‘Oh my God, I want that!'”
Of course, most guests were wearing turtlenecks, whether they were 30-year-old knitwear, a reissue from last year, or one of the brand new options. Fletcher Kasell recalls being introduced to J.Crew by their co-founder and now-husband Tanner Richie during their freshman year of college, where they were roommates. The pair are now very happy with their turtlenecks, which feature a scalloped sailor tie and crochet details. Meanwhile, Patrick Taylor recalled the sailing sweaters he wore as a kid, which prompted him to create a design featuring a faux logo. J.Crew Sailing Club.
The party was held at the Olney Gleason Gallery in West Chelsea until 10 p.m., and no one was in a rush to get back out in the cold. “I love the idea of having a fashion week party where you can encourage said one fashion editor. (Good job, J.Crew.)
