By Sally Hunwick
Rescu. visits Jean Brown to see what’s new. And, we weren’t disappointed; the Brisbane-based store has recruited overseas and local brands we’re just itching to get our hands on. Run, don’t walk…
Oh that Jean Brown is a temptress. So many desirable things for us to take home and love – quite probably forever. Especially right now, when the Brisbane-based fashion emporium is opening a third store in Brisbane CBD’s Tattersall’s Arcade in Queen Street Mall. That, and all the knee-weakening new offerings Jean Brown has brought in this month.
With designer Phillip Lim strongly on the fashion radar, it was only a matter of time before Jean Brown picked up his label. 3.1 Phillip Lim offers distinct separates with heavy doses of quirk – just the thing for office and beyond. Be patient and you’ll be rewarded with the label’s new footwear collection, which arrives at Jean Brown in 2010.
New denim comes to Jean Brown this season too with the arrival of Lanvin and Acne’s collaboration line. This sweetly feminine collection of high quality Japanese denim strapless dresses, three-quarter stovepipe pants and pussycat bow blouses gives the term “throwing on your denims” a new meaning.
Jean Brown also brings Made In Heaven (MiH) jeans to its shelves. Famed for being the original British jeans, this denim line – popular with 70s Hollywood heavyweights, the late Farrah Fawcett and Lee Majors – has been relaunched by the founder’s goddaughter, Chloe Lonsdale. The well-fitting line is already a hit with modern-day screen sirens Katie Holmes and Scarlett Johansson and we can’t say we blame them – the only dilemma: which style to snap up first?
Accessory queen Anya Hindmarch is another new recruit to Jean Brown, offering chic, graphic clutches and standout monochromatic wedges. This much-loved UK accessories brand adds another dimension to Jean Brown’s already much-coveted shoe offering, which already boasts names like Manolo Blahnik, Chloé, Miu Miu and Balenciaga. Yes, it’s very possible to browse for hours here.
Closer to home, Jean Brown also welcomes in Australian brands Willow, Kirrily Johnston and Bassike. Willow adds new silhouettes with oversized sleeves and geometric shifts, while Kirrily Johnston makes this season’s trend of draping easy with side-belted dresses and skirts and Bassike creates easy-wear organic clothes that are anything but basic.
We could go on for hours, but really you should just get in store and feast on all that Jean Brown has on offer for yourself.
Don’t live in Brisbane? Don’t worry, there’s an online store with plenty to tempt you right there at your desk. Click away, but don’t say we didn’t warn you. www.jeanbrown.com.au
