Frank Muytens is the gentleman credited with breathing new life into the J Crew menswear collection. We caught up with the VP of men’s design and asked him a few questions…
You’ve managed to create clothes that appeal to both the cutting edge fashion crowd and the more mainstream consumer, which is something many designers aspire to do, but few actually execute successfully. What’s your approach when designing?
I like our pieces to have gravity and a heart, so we look at authentic references from the past, American culture, using elements from surplus and army /navy world, but also looking at the formal old world classic menswear pieces and making them modern and relevant again but still make them feel masculine and effortless. Almost lived in, like you had them forever, we pay a lot of attention to wash. I like our garments to tell a story. I think our guy appreciates the references we use because he is slightly familiar with them, but the way we put looks together is how you make it exciting again.
What are 3 menswear items that you can’t live without right now?
Dark Levis XX
Russell Moccasins
Navy wool Ludlow jacket
How do you see the traditional Americana look evolving?
I think we will get a little bit more sophisticated and precise, still looking at the past, but just more cleaned up. It’s an evolution…To me there’s nothing better then a sharp, understated, well- fitting suit.
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