If it seems like J.Crew’s designer collaborations keep one-upping themselves, you’re not wrong—its latest with London-based founder and creative director of namesake label Alex Eagle Studio, furthers that sentiment. Together, their 33-piece collection is an expression of two Sohos, built around ideas of Americana, prep, and sport but anchored in traditional British flair; in short, the perfect fall capsule. Ranging from $50 to $998, expect to find plenty of tailoring, denim, and shirting—with a few surprises along the way. Vogue readers get exclusive access to shop the collection 24 hours ahead of its official release on Tuesday, October 14.
Teaming up with Eagle was only a matter of time for Olympia Gayot, creative director and head of design for women and Crewcuts at J.Crew, who has admired the Brit’s sense of style and point of view from afar for years. Bridging their respective turfs started, as most collections do, with a really good mood board. “[Alex] had some amazing images, very sporty Americana, Ivy League references—old, great pictures of Sir Mick Jagger in the ’80s wearing the rugby,” Gayot tells Vogue. Eagle says she looked to iconic British figures for inspiration—those with the type of style that she felt resonated as still relevant today, but not too vintage-feeling, such as Damon Albarn from Blur, Princess Diana, and, of course, The Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger.
“[Alex’s] own brand is rooted in this idea of British sensibility, British heritage, and a bit of British prep, and she really leans into masculine silhouettes, like tailored suiting and shirting, and also even sexier little sweaters,” says Gayot. “Those are already things that we do as a brand, as well, but her fits are a little more pushed because she’s more ready-to-wear.” Playing with individual brand codes, the result is a mix of wearable classics with cheeky winks—think: a Kelly green graphic T-shirt with a retro-prep feel, paired perfectly back to Savile Row-inspired tailoring.
Although there’s plenty to explore within the 33-piece collection, Eagle ensures, if you were to start building a capsule wardrobe from scratch, these would be the essentials needed. “The concept was, if I was to delete everything in my closet, what could go back in that would really sing for its supper and be able to be worn again and again?” she tells Vogue.
Emphasizing work-to-weekend versatility was key, and one standout for both creative directors is the denim-on-denim. “I love the double denim, because I think it’s such a good, all year round piece in such a gorgeous dark [wash],” Eagle says. “We worked really hard together on the fabrics, because my business is basically a fabrics business—my clothes aren’t much, if they aren’t in the most beautiful fabrics and lined.” Experimenting with materials and techniques through Eagle’s refined lens was a defining moment for Gayot during the design process. Subtle details such as a a tartan lining or a matching top-stitch on the jeans can make the pieces feel even more unique from a wearer’s perspective, Gayot adds.
Other can’t miss items in the collection include a wool varsity jacket with leather sleeves—something that Gayot says elevates even the simplest essentials; she’ll be wearing hers with the dark wash jeans and loafers on coffee runs, or with the modern chino pants and the reversible, matching car coat (complete with tartan lining—a nod to Eagle’s roots). “I feel like when I first put on her pieces, it just gives you that cool factor, which is something that I look for in clothes,” Gayot says. “I think there’s something about certain classic pieces that might be tomboyish or borrowed-from-the-boys but that can make you feel really cool and sexy when you’re a woman, because you’re wearing them in more of an ambiguous way, which I think is so great.”
Just as much thought and intention went into the accessories, like the high-cut pump which Gayot personally test-drove at a wedding in Italy and insists is actually comfortable, or the roomy black tote inspired by Eagle’s own school bag from the ’90s; the kind of piece that can fit everything you need when running around town, but in the smallest size possible.
Discover an edit of the collaboration, below, and shop it early with Vogue’s exclusive 24-hours access.
