Oct 23, 2012 @ 11:00 am
Duro OlowuCourtesy Photos for InStyle.com

Jcpenney is launching a limited-edition designer collaboration this spring! This is a new initiative for the retailer, which like Target (Jason WuMissoni, and now Prabal Gurung), Kohl’s (Narciso RodriguezDerek Lam), and Macy’s (Giambattista ValliKarl Lagerfeld), now makes it really easy for shoppers to score designer duds for non-designer prices. To kick it off, jcp brought Print Mix Master Duro Olowu on board for an everything-is-under-$100 lineup set to hit stores this March. “I’ve always said no to collaborations, but I thought jcpenney was a great opportunity,” the Nigerian-born, London-based designer—and favorite of First Lady Michelle Obama—told InStyle.com at an exclusive preview of the line in New York. “I’ve always tried to give women a sense of inner beauty with joy, and now it’s just the right time to make that more democratic. When I was thinking about this collection, I wanted to give American classic shapes and ideas a global flair.” And that’s just what he did—infusing his eye-popping prints like gingham, brocade, and floral on clothes (skirts, blouses, trench coats), accessories (jewelry, shoes, bags), and home items (dishes, luggage, trays, and notebooks). He even brought pals into the mix, including artist Bella Foster to develop the painterly prints and fashion icon Iris Apfel to create multi-colored bags and necklaces. “This collection is for anyone, from 18 to 80,” Olowu added. “Everything has a flattering element, whether you mix prints or pull out one piece and keep it simple.” Get a sneak peek at the Duro Olowu for jcp collection in the gallery, and shop it in stores and on jcp.com for $10 to $100 March through May 2013. Is it spring yet?

Sharon Clott

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(31) Comments

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are you kidding me?! talk about a clash of colors and patterns, in the photo above. I wouldnt be caught dead wearing any of that,, let alone together!!!!

-Kim on October 25th, 2012

I have to agree with Kim!!

-Judy on October 25th, 2012

I like Pennys new approach to the boutique shops and bringing in more designers. This is NOT it. Not attractive at all.

-Diana on October 26th, 2012

i wouldn’t wear that either, way too busy a person could have a epaleptic seizure from them whew.

-krist pace on October 26th, 2012

Do not like anything in the picture. JCP…What are you thinking? You don’t have to worry about me spending my money on this horrid attire!

-Laura on October 26th, 2012

There is nothing in that outfit I would wear.

-Vanessa on October 27th, 2012

I normally shop at boutiques but this is stunning! You will definitely see me picking this up and get me into Penny’s with line.

-jeanine on October 27th, 2012

Way too busy JCP. Everything she wears….too busy.

-Lucu on October 27th, 2012

Ive been a customer for over 30 years if this is the type of clothes they are going to start carrying looks like I need to find a new store

-Becky on October 27th, 2012

One can always spot fearful people by their reaction to anything new and unfamiliar. Such people will reject the information as soon as possible, and respond in forceful negation. Sad, as I’m sure some of the commenters above are still fairly young and yet already so close-minded.

-Samantha on October 27th, 2012

I don’t like the new look of jcp.Ai hope it doesn’t turn into a target look.To trendy.

-lisa on October 27th, 2012

The style isn’t to be matchy matchy like some old lady at the 5pm dinner special. It’s about bold colors, fun clothing.

-Jan on October 27th, 2012

These comments are just too funny.

-Dee Dee on October 27th, 2012

Its very…..art deco? Pass

-Alisha J. on October 27th, 2012

Maybe if I wore each individual thing with something solid, it might work, but all together is not working. You can find cutier outfits at the local GoodWill…lol

-Sarah on October 27th, 2012

I like this; fashion is being bold and taking risks. Good job, JCPenney

-Mollyanne Goldman on October 28th, 2012

it’s different, it chic, I like it…especially the shoes. A must have!

-Patrice on October 28th, 2012

love jcp just my style so i will shop there forever

-steva lind on October 28th, 2012

Been to JCPenny 3 times hoping the line of clothes will go back to what was there before. Clearly it is not going back to the styles I have loved and shopped for for yearsssssss.I am so sad it has come to this collection. I have friends and family who are also so dissapointed in the new line. Please please go back to what you had before.

-Lora on October 28th, 2012

this new look is utterly ridiculous – I wouldn’t be caught dead in this “fashion” fiassco – forget it Penny’s – give it up!!!

-rosy on October 28th, 2012

I have written to JCP about their new marketing. I’m a Baby Boomer and I think we have been loyal customers all these years and now they are abandoning us for a younger market. I suggested multi generational advertising and was glad to see 3 generations on the front page of the last ad. The “First Look” outfit is not at all what I would wear…and I love color;(

-Emily on October 28th, 2012

You have got to be kidding me.. This is HORRIBLE. No woman with any fashion sense would be caught dead.. or alive wearing this.. Just looking at it makes my eyes hurt.. Bad move JCP… whats next a clown car to go with the circus tent colors?

-Amy on October 28th, 2012

Why is this considered Fashion on a Runway? If I wore it, people would think I was Color Blind! Very disappointed JCP!

-Debbie Johnson on October 28th, 2012

Wow that is a mess no way that’s fashion.

-Phybee on October 29th, 2012

I AM A 71 year old grandmother of 2 young grandsons and I love color! I have to agree that lately I felt that the fashions are suitable for the younger woman. Hopefully, this new designer will keep those of us “older” women in the loop and have something to choose from? I do love the way JCP looks now…colorful fashion, aisles are wider apart..not jammed together. Most of all…the sales associates are the best! One can always find a cashier ready, willing and able to assist the shopper. Come on spring….come on color..and keep “us” loyal customers coming back!

-Maureen on October 29th, 2012

Not my style at all, but to each his own. In fact unfortunately most of Penney’s new styles that are suppose to be helping them as a company, hold no interest for me whatsoever. I’ve pretty much moved most of my shopping to Neiman Marcus and Kohls.

-vwangelgirl82 on October 29th, 2012

I find this totally unbelievable. I am at a loss for anything positive to say. You can’t be serious?

-Joanne on October 30th, 2012

The shoes are cute,,but that’s it. Jcpenny changed for the worse, not the better can never find anything there any more.

-Billie on October 31st, 2012

I honestly find the new designer and JcPenny’s new fashion picks refreshing and innovative. I’m a 30 year old native of Buffalo, NY and I grew up on Arizona jeans and white Oxford shirts from JcPenny’s. Not having much money to spend on quality fashionable clothing, JcPenny’s was a top choice in my household. Now that I am older I find myself still attracted to the brands and designs the store carry’s. Introducing a designer like Duro Olowu I feel is again refreshing quencher to Buffalo’s fashion palate and a strong node to global ready to wear trends.

-Brandi on February 4th, 2013

That’s just one example of his work. Try this: http://www.duroolowu.com/ss13photos.html

-Goldilex on February 13th, 2013

Wow! These ladies are so fashion backward, closed minded and dare i say, archaic? You don’t have to wear it the way its shown…you can certainly mix it up…the idea is to bring new, trendy things to JCP….This is probably why the store is not profitable – because of their grumpy, old maid customers! LOL!

-gidigirl on February 28th, 2013

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