Few things bestow instant cool-girl status on an outfit like the Breton stripe. And no print is as classic or as representative of J.Crew’s signature style, according to company president and creative director Jenna Lyons—which is why today the brand is launching a 25-piece capsule collection for luxury e-tailer Net-a-Porter featuring coats, skirts and sneakers all inspired by the iconic stripe. Originally conceived in 1858 as part of the official French navy uniform, the Breton stripe caught the eye of storied designer Coco Chanel, who adapted it in her 1917 nautical collection. Nowadays it’s a staple in every fashion girl’s wardrobe. Of J.Crew’s modern take for fall, Jenna says to expect both “tradition and surprise—the magic is in the mix.” Here, a preview.
