Today I wish to talk about a brand that I have much admiration for. The brand is
Jane Marple, no not the fictional amateur TV detective but the Japanese Otome brand that go by the same name.
As mentioned in my previous post about my favourite Japanese brands, the pieces produced by Jane Marple never fail to delight me. Recently I posted some photos to my
tumblr by Ameri of the blog
sweet*candy*pot showing some of her newest Jane Marple acquisitions and they were an instant hit.
The pictures were of Jane Marple's Spring/Summer collection, this particular print is entitled 'Strawberry Label' series (ストロベリーラベルの) which features a lovely strawberry and jam jar label motif. There is also a nod to the detectives home town of St. Mary Mead in the labels.
I'm particularly fond of the OP version as my love for Peter Pan collars is unabated. The Nordic blue colour feels perfect for summer. I believe this colour is a special edition and quite rare (or sold out very quickly) as most Jane Marple store blogs state the only colours available are ivory and navy. I assume Jane Marple believe this is going to be their most popular print of the season as there seems to be quite a few styles released in this print such as jumperskirt, skirt, jersey dress, as well as a apron (or salopette) type dress. The OP retails at ¥ 37,800 + tax and the Apron dress for ¥ 36,540.
I haven't seen JM release many salopettes so this is quite a refreshing item. It looks great paired with the new strawberry collared blouse (¥ 17,640).
JM can sure do a collar, they don't fail to disappoint with their new range of appliqué and embroidered collared shirts. The rest of the shirt is quite plain as not to loose focus of the intricate collar detail.
This moves me swiftly on to the other new release by JM which also features an embroidered collar blouse. The 'Wallpaper Rose Bouquet' Series ( ウォールペーパーローズ ブーケ シリーズ). Florals being a recurring spring theme, JM have not missed out on this trend.
Ameri sure knows how to pick the best style of dress and colour. I feel like the jumperskirt version of this dress in mint green must have been the most popular. Both mint and blue-gray colour-ways have already sold out on the
website. The price of this jumperskirt is ¥ 39,690.
The blouse is undeniably gorgeous, the rose embroidered collar just adds the wow factor but is also delicate while remaining tasteful. I'm very glad JM decided to use 3/4 sleeves as I feel this is the most flattening length to remain quite girly without being too childlike. This blouse is currently sold out online but retails at ¥ 22,890. The Wallpaper Rose Bouquet collection also includes a great many items that can be found
online,
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| Pictures from Jane Marple official webshop |
The tutu skirt which combines the printed fabric with a sort of chiffon tulle overlay is a fresh nod to the sheer fabrics trend. Paired with the varsity type jacket and wedge trainers it's quite a look.
Another floral release from Jane Marple's sort of sub-brand Dans le Salon titled 'Spring Garden Cross' series (スプリングガーデンクロス) was the earliest release of all three. If Jane Marple had just released this series for spring I would have been all over it but it seems like the other two series' have overshadowed it slightly.
The style of the print is reminiscent of some of Innocent World's floral prints but feels less dated. Unfortunately I cannot find much information about this release but I am sure it comes in a jumperskirt version.
I feel like I've covered the major spring/summer releases for Jane Marple and Dans le Salon, some honourable mentions go to the 'British Rose Gobelin Print' series (ブリティッシュローズゴブランプリントの) which had me weeping internally. I have mentioned over countless times my love of gobelin (tapestry) fabric and this series is no exception. We usually associate this fabric with winter but JM have created a lighter and softer version for spring.
Not one to neglect outerwear JM have also created a lush coat range. Again the collar is a main focal point, this time utilising overlaid floral lace while maintaining a streamlined silhouette.
The 'Lace Collar' (レースカラーが) series also includes a beautiful dress which I mentioned in a previous post. The OP comes in 3 colour ways, mint, navy and black which I believe must be the same for the coat.
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| Pictures from Jane Marple official webshop |
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| Pictures from Jane Marple official webshop |
I would really love to know who's behind Jane Marple's new lease of life because they can just take all my money now! You can't deny the thought and effort that must go into producing such wonderful pieces, I really hope to see Jane Marple continue in the same vein. Taking into consideration that the autumn/winter collections are always more popular, I can only dream of what wondrous pieces they may produce but for now I shall lust after their current beauties.
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