Curvy girls everywhere can rejoice at the chance to be dressed by the famous Mad Men costume designer when Janie Bryant launches her new line JXB by Janie Bryant in mid-December. “I felt like women from sizes 12 to 24 really needed something that was special, beautiful, flirty, feminine, sexy and really fit them well, with great fabrics,” Bryant says. “They inspired me to create JXB. It’s been two years in the making.” The launch can’t come soon enough for viewers who remember the Joan Holloway character from advertising’s golden age.
Mad Men left us in 2015, but the image of sultry actress Christina Hendricks as one of advertising’s chicest office managers lingers. Bryant says she’s still besieged by fans who want the look.
The new season-less line is distinguished by textiles that offer comfortable and figure-enhancing stretch. High quality fabrics such as Mongolian cashmere, silk and real leather are featured, but it’s denim that takes the spotlight. This is not just any old denim but the finest Japanese Kurabo.
“Having better fabrics would create better fits and just better quality all around,” says Bryant. “It feels better. It looks better. It fits better.”
The denim selection includes front-split skinnies, dark-wash flares and pearl-embellished distressed styles. JXB jeans incorporate “Fit Fluid” to really contour the body, according to Bryant. The feature is a mesh and lycra control panel running from the side seam into the fly, across the stomach and onto the back. The denim collection also offers a figure-defining patchwork coat and oversized jacket with silver beaded fringe down the back.
Designed to layer as well as mix and match, JXB by Janie Bryant features classic and versatile pieces. The collection will introduce new pieces every six to eight weeks. The line kicks off with a luscious rose-gold moto, a variety of crisp, white button-down shirts and wear-with-everything leather leggings. Floral maxi-dresses hug the waist and downy soft cashmere is defined by sculptural silhouettes.
These are luxury items and price tags reflect the quality. JXB prices start at $98 for cotton tees and $298 for denims before rising to $480 for knits, $660 for silks and $1,100 for leathers.
Bryant’s work has been seen on numerous productions in addition to Mad Men. Her designs catch the eye with Old Hollywood glamour on “The Last Tycoon” and set the mood for the new Amazon Prime series by Matthew Weiner, “The Romanoffs. She collaborates with fashion brands such as Banana Republic, Black Halo, Unique Vintage and Maidenform.
But if you are a fan of the mad, bad old days of advertising and you want the alluring style of Joan Holloway updated, odds are you’ve been waiting for JXB by Janie Bryant.
Find the collection at JXB by Janie Bryant. Read More: New Extended-Size Line Is for All the Joan Holloway Fans Out There
