Thoughts on Nick Wooster + JC Penny

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What makes you think we like Nick Wooster?

Considering they're vertically integrated (and rapidly expanding via both new B&Ms and online which will soon allow economies of scale), Uniqlo will most likely always offer a better product at a similar pricepoint.  Also, because they cater to a generally smaller population (people in larger, fashionable cities), they can end up doing trendier stuff, which just wouldn't fly with JCP, who has to cater to the bulk of America.  No surprise that this "new" JCP stuff is completely generic.

 

The thing with the JC Penney customer is that they generally just don't care about fashion.  That's it.  They can bring in Wooster or whatever internet superstar they want, it's not going to change anything.  I know who he's worked for in the past and I'm sure he's capable of working on cool cheap shit, but it's just not going to happen.  Just stand in a JCP for a while and look at what their customers actually buy.  They're highly resistant to change - look at RL-backed American Living, which was decent (for what it was), yet lasted for only a few years because the customer base kept buying pleated chinos and polyester shirts.  Meanwhile, they're pumping in copious amounts of shitty graphic tees and poorly-designed sportswear.  Especially for such a large, well-established department store, it's really impossible to change their entire image so that they can both retain their customers AND attract a fan base that would appreciate the new clothing, but never considered shopping there before.

 

I don't even see a great deal of effort being put into making the clothes a great value, considering Americans (especially people who shop at JC Penney) don't give a shit about quality.  

 

Also, hilarious that Wooster actually talks about wearing this stuff, given that he's always draped out in Thom Browne and Engineered Garments and the like.

+1. I think any widespread consideration of his appeal or clout is mostly overblown. As the OP said, those who even know who he is probably won't go to JC Penny, and those who would go to JC Penny don't know, and couldn't care less, who he is.

As well, though he looks great in a press image, get him in an interview or in person and all that uber-masculine butch "badass" imagery that comes across in a photograph goes right out the window; an overly groomed, quite poncey man of 5'5" hardly screams "american badass."

This is particularly important because unlike a fashion designer or an artist, he really doesn't have any PRODUCT that exists except for his own personal image (and his resume).

I'm sure JC Penney thought it smart to up its image by hiring him since he gets a lot of press, but I think it probably will be a miscalculation as the readers/writers of that press are a largely self-selective echo chamber. But, then again, maybe I'm just being negative, because I've NEVER been impressed with anything Wooster.

Never seen him draped out in EG.

And yeah, wasn't he with Neiman Marcus before? Dude moves around quite a lot; I still have no idea why he's so hyped up on Tumblr/#menswear scene.

Re: EG - sometime or another, can't be bothered to dig and find any actual examples, though I'm positive it's happened.  Maybe not "draped out," admittedly. Point was that he's usually in expensive stuff as a contrast to the stuff he was peddling in that interview.  Obviously trying to hype that stuff up is expected since it's his job, but it just seems really unnatural given the crazy shit he's usually photographed wearing.

edit; I just found some old threads where we talked about Wooster. I'd completely forgotten I'd posted there, too, largely with similar sentiments.

Anyway, he's very, very smart to do this and all the other things he does, because having only his name/image, and no actual products, he's got to be less worried about diluting his "brand" than in having it disappear through being forgotten.

JC Penny gives him a good paycheck and keeps his name in the papers. For JC Penny, it will only benefit them by whatever actual management talent he has (if any). His personality/image will do nothing for them.

With all the pics of him on GQ and they even had an article on him going to JCP a few months ago, I think some people will go over and start looking at the clothes but I doubt anyone on styleforum or sufu will. Still while the design is a lot better I don't think the clothes will be as slim as a fast fashion retailer like H&M or Zara so overall I don't think they will do that well.

And damn I didn't know he was that short. That must be why he is always standing alone in pictures. I always thought he was like 5'11" and wore like a size 42 suit. Mind blown.

Nope. 5'5", quite diminutive, and very... very... gay (with requisite gay voice to boot). I always giggle when I read/hear/see some straight hipster boys talking about what a "fuck yeah badass" he and Philip Crangi are and all the pussy they must get....

"JCP" makes me think of PCP.
Checked the article.
Uhm, this stuff looks totally bland and yeah
Wooster or not, I'll pass.

What a bunch of jaded, sour ass ne'er d wells. For chrissakes! Give the guy some credit. I've been into JCP and never thought I would. Actually found stuff I've been looking for at a price I can afford, i.e. a quilted euro 3/4 coat, plaid sportscoat, couple of sweaters and a vest. They're trying and winning me,Someone who never thought I'd buy there, over. Swallow your shallow thoughts and give the guy some credit for reworking a tired company around. By the way, the prices were ncredible and the quality good for what it is. Uniglo? Ha! You've got to be kidding. The JCP line of shirting is similar to those I own of my older Land's End at $60 bucks a pop. These were $25 and every bit as well made. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next for them.

Nick, is that you?

Also, didn't some JCP shoppers once try to boycott the store after Ellen DeGeneres was named a spokesperson? And the store thinks JCP shoppers will support this guy? I don't see it.

Has anyone given the oxfords a shot? I interested in what the cut is like