There's been a ton of buzz around Ann Taylor's new head designer Lisa Axelson and her efforts to elevate what has become a somewhat ho-hum, too-traditional brand. Maybe you've seen the ads touting "the new Ann." But have you seen the new Ann Taylor Loft fall catalog? Good gracious. I got one in the mail last week and all I could think was this is total rip-off of J.Crew. Right down to the ruffled shirts, statement jewelry, and model poses. Now, in the spirt of full disclosure, I am a J.Crew loyalist. I think that what creative director Jenna Lyons has done to replace the rugby stripes and barn jackets of yesteryear with offbeat colors, fresh layers, and luxurious accessories is nothing short of genius. HOWEVER. You can't copy it. You'll only miss the mark and end up looking like you're trying too hard to be something you're not—which is what happened to poor Ann. Please observe:
ANN TAYLOR LOFT J.CREW
Crazy, right? And there's so much more where that came from. I'm not saying that AT's clothes aren't nice, or that they won't sell. They will, and the price point is more accessible than J.Crew's. I just wish that they had done something to really differentiate themselves. To do something new, or to do something better.
Posted on Monday, September 28, 2009 in Permalink
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Reader Comments:
I am sorry... I don't see the similarities in the pictures that have been presented...The models poses are different poses. At the same time I will argue every store in the mall has some what similar merchandise, whether it is Ann Taylor, J Crew, Banana Republic it is all the same just priced differently and to a different demographic!
I understand what you're saying - there are similarities. Do you think that it might be that AT caters to women with curves, and J Crew just doesn't? From the bottom up, I love AT's curvy pants and jeans; J Crew doesn't offer anything close to this cut. Moving on up, check out the cut on the shell under the jacket. Once again, AT comes through with the perfect gracious hip length cut and J Crew comes up, well, short. Finally, the jackets at AT are more forgiving of women sporting chests on the ample side. The jewelry is a wash from both.
I think you're on to something, curvygrrl. Also just learned from a friend that Lisa Axelson poached a few designers from J.Crew to help formulate the New Ann. It's all coming together now . . . .
I, too, have seen the LOFT ads and thought they looked eerily similar to J.Crew (also, a loyalist). Then I stopped into one the yesterday. There were a few nice dresses that seemed different but there was so much stuff that was EXACT DUPLICATES of J.Crew pieces that I felt a little nauseous. I have this sweater from J.Crew from awhile back: http://gigisgoneshopping.blogspot.com/2009/02/j-crew-pinwheel-merino-cardigan.html
(not my website)
This is at LOFT right now: http://www.anntaylorloft.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=22044&N=1200006&categoryId=200&Ns=CATEGORY_SEQ_200&gridSize=sm&showAll=true&defaultColor=Gray%20Violet&defaultSizeType=Regular
From a distance they might not look as similar in design as they are, because they are SO similar in craft. J. Crew's pinwheels are made out of delicate materials and obviously handmade. LOFT's definitely seem machine made. They will probably hold up better but they look much less elegant.
Anyway, I might go back and try on those cute dresses, but I'll feel guilty about it the whole time.