After I got off work last night, I decided to treat myself for making it through another long week of work by enjoying a night of my most favorite hobby, SHOPPING. I went to JC Penney, a store that has unfortunately been struggling the last several years to make a comeback despite fresh updated styles, clean store layouts, and revamped advertisements. I spent a good hour buying a birthday gift for my father and picking out a few items for myself as well. As I struggled to find a checkout counter (JCP you're going to have to do better about that), I was completely ENAMORED by the bright, bold prints emanating from a section that I had never seen before. These prints belonged to an exclusive collection provided through a collaboration between JCP and Nigerian designer, Duro Olowu. The section was a small floor space, positioned right in the middle of the handbag department. I was immediately pulled into the section by what seemed like the same gravitational force which keeps us from floating into outer space! The bold, colorful prints are all distributed by a variety of classic American-styled separates that can all be mixed and matched. From knee-length a-line skirts, mixed print blouses, pants, dresses, and jackets, the collection is impeccable! Sadly, I am upset at the fact that I had no idea that this collection was even at JCP, and here it was slapping me in the face with clearance stickers all over it. The conservative style that is often had by people of the Midwest, I'm sure has a lot to do with the limited exposure of the collection in this market. However, there are many fashionistas like myself in the region who crave stylish, couture, bold looks. I give kudos for JCP buyers for taking a chance on the Midwest by offering such looks in its stores. There are so many retail stores who offer exclusive designer collections to set themselves apart from competitors and give exposure to the designers, who the general public may never otherwise know about. Which brings me to Duro Olowu, the designer of this collection.
Duro Olowu is a London-based designer who is known for mixing bold African-like prints with conservative Western prints and blending them together into classic Western styles. His ready-to-wear separates have been seen on numerous celebrities as well as our always fashionable First Lady, Michelle Obama. Mr. Olowu did not spare his talents and styling techniques when designing his collection for JCP. Floral prints, batik prints, plaids, and brocades were splashed and intermingled throughout the entire collection. I have to say that I wanted EVERY piece in the collection! If they had had my size in more items I would have bought a brand new wardrobe last night. I wish that they had my size in more of the pieces but maybe it's for the best that they didn't. I would have hated to go broke buying a whole new wardrobe on payday. smh. The collection also exhibits the prints in mix-and-match pieces for the home as well. I really liked that aspect. I love to present my personal style through my clothing, but I also love to express myself through my decor in my home as well. The collection also features shoes and accessories including jewelry and handbags. I was trying to be good so I only bought a blouse, a skirt, and a bangle. Hopefully they don't sell out of a couple of the Native American-inspired beaded handbags before I go back to buy one.
Again I must give props to JCP for exposing the sometimes sheltered and conservative "wack-arnolds" of the Midwest to up-and-coming designers like Duro Olowu. Hopefully this won't be the last "collabo" that we see between JCP and Mr. Olowu. And even if the delayed reaction of the St. Louis region to this collection means that we'll never see a collection like this again at JC Penney, I'm glad that it at least exposed me to the designs of Duro Olowu. Mr. Olowu, you have me as a fan for life. Especially when your designer collections look so amazing! See below if you don't believe me.
