If you were anything like me circa 2003, right next to the hangers in your closet holding up your 7 for All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity jeans was a variety of Juicy Couture tracksuits. Whether you had them in terrycloth or velour – or in black, watermelon or baby blue – or with the words “JUICY” on the behind, they pretty much dominated your wardrobe. These simple, yet way overpriced pieces of material totally defined that era of so-called “style.” After the tracksuit boom, the brand, created by Pamela Skaist-Levy and Gela Nash-Taylor (P&G), branched out into handbags, sunglasses, fragrances, dresses, denim, you name it.
Given the impact the company had on pop culture, it brought a bittersweet tear to my eye (come on, don’t tell me you weren’t the tiniest bit sad) earlier this year when I heard all the JC stores were going out of business (although according to the company’s website, you can still purchase JC originals). Naturally, I made a dash for the Century City location’s Everything Must Go sale and bought myself two dresses (they’re actually really cute!).
While we’ve reached the end of an era, the Juicy legacy lives on in its new generation at your local Kohl’s. Just last week, I attended the Juicy Couture + Kohl’s official launch party, and I must say it was as girly and cute as one could expect for any kind of Juicy party (old era or new). Couches were adorned with pink and white pillows, various-colored rose petals were everywhere, there was a manicure station set up along a row inside the Beverly Hills mansion where the event took place, there were passed plates of gourmet food courtesy of Along Came Mary catering – and of course – guests didn’t exit the predominantly female fete without a little gift. When people entered the party, they were handed Juicy Kohl’s cash and could redeem the cards at a station outside, overlooking a beautiful view of Los Angeles. We were able to select an embroidered scarf, T-shirt or pants. I opted for the scarf – perfect colors for fall.
Parting with the OG JC is such sweet sorrow, but I am certainly wishing the next era of Juicy the utmost success!
