Is Talbots the new Mama JCrew? (a design perspective)

Is Talbots the new Mama JCrew? (a design perspective)

For those who have been following this amazing turnaround for Talbots in the past two years, might have noticed some changes to the brand, for those who do not know the brand, it is a brand targeted to 50 year old women and originally began like most American brands as a catalogue brand. Recently, they have been going through some major changes with the recruitment of a brand new design team and new concepts and well I thought I would go have a look at these changes.

Interestingly enough, it appears that Talbots has adopted the hugely successful JCrew model - and very much looks like Mama JCrew - in the way they have merchandised their catalogues, to the colour pallettes used, at first glance I thought the new Talbots catalogue was JCrew, but after some closer inspection I realised they are Mama JCrew - with that term I mean, a mature version of JCrew.

Talbots has clearly positioned themselves as a fast follower and it can be observed that design wise, this is definitely the case, however, though the similarities are apparent, the way Talbots has transformed their collections and looks, still is very true to the Talbots woman. It seems even though they are following, they are maintaining their true core values and have very much their core customer in mind.

Below you will find images taken from Talbots and JCrew, their websites and catalogues, and it is quite apparent that while design direction is similar, Talbots have differentiated themselves for the mature market in a very clear and distinct way.

Hope you enjoy! Comments Welcome!

Talbots main website

Fun, regal and flirtatiously fabulous for the modern 50 year old woman.












JCrew main website

The colour pallettes are similar, but I do commend Talbots for making theirs appear more mature.

JCrew Swim

Young Silhouettes in bold colours with paisley prints.

Talbots Swim

The design concept is similar, with mature silhouettes, but still with paisley print and deeper colours.

J Crew Shoes

Cute rose details on their flip flops, for a younger casual look.


Talbots Shoes

Same concept of rose details but upgraded by using black to be made to look dressier and more serious.


All in all - it seems Talbots and their design turnaround is doing well, really appreciate that they have behaved as a fast follower however without directly imitating someone elses image - but rather yet making it their own.

I look most forward to what else Talbots comes up with in the coming months, it is definitely a most exciting corporate turnaround!!

*all images courtesy of JCrew.com, Talbots.com

xxx
Sheeana