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Want that designer brand look without making a huge dent in your bank account? You're in luck! High end fashion designer Charlotte Ronson is releasing a line called I "Heart" Ronson for JCPenney, set to debut in February 2009.
The London-born designer made her first mark on the fashion scene in 2000 when she released her first collection, entitled "C.Ronson."
Her work has been described as laid-back with a rocker edge, including tees reminiscent of the 70s, her own style of wedge heels, and novelty lingerie pieces which she called "tooshies." She slowly became known for her trend-setting style and aesthetic.
Ronson received even more recognition when she opened her own boutique in New York"s trendy NoLita neighborhood. Her store allowed her to gain a specific audience and clientele.
Three years later, Ronson teamed up with popular Japanese clothing company Sanei International. With the help of Sanei, Ronson opened fourteen boutiques around Japan. This merger transformed her into a favorite of the fashion world.
Slowly, she began to expand globally to Europe and the US. With this expansion, Ronson also gave her style a more sophisticated look - going from casual tees, to more elegant sportswear.
With a change in style came a change in the name and "C. Ronson" merged into the more mature "Charlotte Ronson." In her line, Ronson takes the style of today's modern women, and throws in a vintage flair.
Ronson's designs can be found in high-end department stores, such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. These places aren't usually in the budget for most people, so Ronson has decided to design a line specifically for JCPenney stores.
I "Heart" Ronson is set to debut just in time for the Spring 2009 season.
The line is targeted to women ages 21 to 39 - a sportswear collection that includes everything a girl could need including chic blouses, tees, jeans, jackets, skirts, dresses and knits. All of her pieces bear her signature feminine and vintage edge. Best of all, it will be much more affordable, with prices ranging from $15 tees to $65 jackets.
This line is perfect for everyday women to add a certain look to their signature style, and gaining wide acclaim for being fun and flirty, with Ronson's signature vintage twang.
Early photos of certain looks see loud prints such as stripes and florals, dressed with various bold colors.
Ronson uses a lot of purples, blues, pinks and blacks. She also shows an affinity for layers, dressing almost everything with a chic jacket - including shrunken and oversized blazers.
There are also great accessories - particularly belts - with all of her looks. Overall, everything looks to have a casual yet chic and classy look.
I "Heart" Ronson is being used as a means for both Ronson and JCPenney to expand their audience. When the line is finally released, it will be showcased in closet form, giving shoppers the chance to go inside Charlotte Ronson's "wardrobe." This will be the first of many new types of displays for JCPenney.
When asked about her new line, Ronson responded: "I am delighted to create a new collection, I "Heart" Ronson for JCPenney. I see this as a great opportunity to open up my sense of fashion and style to a much wider audience…This is a tremendous opportunity to create a brand with appeal to a diverse customer base that I might not have been able to reach until now. I look forward to our launch with great anticipation."
Shoppers will be waiting with equal anticipation as line's release date nears.
Julie Holbrook can be reached at jholbroo@student.umass.edu.
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