NYFW Preview: Duro Olowu for JC Penney

Duro Olowu for JCP

JC Penney keeps branching out and offering new designers at affordable prices.  Frankly, the folks at JCP seem to love British style.  For the holidays, they offered Brit designers LuLu Guinness and Jenny Packham.  For March, they are bringing  London based designer Duro Olowu to JCP stores with a  limited-edition collection featuring women’s clothing, shoes & jewelry, plus home accessories and luggage. The collection launches in stores and at jcp.com on March 10th.  All items are priced between $10 and $100.  Some US shoppers may not be familiar with Duro Olowu.  The Nigerian-born designer is now based in the UK and is well know for his colorful prints.   JCP is counting on his fashion cachet and bold prints to lure fashionistas into their stores in the spring.  Even US consumers who may not know his name.

Duro for JCP bracelet modeled by the Budget Babe.

Last Saturday, JCP offered bloggers and fashion press a chance to preview the collection.  I didn’t get to see much of the collection, but I did see some of the jewelry and a print tote bag priced at $50.00.   I also glimpsed some of the print dresses.  I liked the  green print maxi dress and the cute Triad confetti dress for $40.00.

Pieces from Duro Olowu for JCP

Duro Olowu for JCP hasn’t received the hype or the advertising that Prabal Gurung for Target has gotten, but based on what I have seen, I like it better than the Prabal for Target collection.  I think the prints are more interesting and distinctive.   JCP is really bringing their A game to the budget designer collab space, and they are a formidable force.