After months of anticipation, J Crew has finally opened up shop in London, with new branches in Regents Street and Draycott Street joining its menswear branch on Lambs Conduit Street. But does it live up to expectation? The American export, originally started as a catalogue brand in 1983 and known for its quality cashmere knits, has a cool subtle glamour that snappy dressers including Michelle Obama can't get enough of. Jenna Lyons, J Crew's creative director, knows how to create wearable-but-covetable clothes and that applies to Crew Cuts, its children's wear line too. CLB nipped into the Regents Street branch on the launch night and headed straight for the kids' department on the first floor - we dig the brightly coloured knits, punchy-hued padded jackets and cute pea coats. For girls we also love the sequin shift dresses and glittery desert boots. Just the thing to brighten up a dreary winter day.
J Crew, 165 Regents Street, W1; 171-175 Draycott Avenue,SW3 and 38 Lamb's Conduit St, WC1. www.jcrew.com
