Nana Jacqueline-Core

The next it-girl on the block

I’m a student in fashion communications along with art history, and so I find myself often enthralled with branding, marketing, and public relations. With these interests always tickling the edge of my chronically online brain, I’m always perked up when a brand does something so cool, so on the dot, that I have no choice but to keep an eye on them.

I found Nana Jacqueline through a final project presentation by another student in one of my fashion styling classes. She styled her friends to look like they were in a Nana Jacqueline campaign, and oh lord did she do an amazing job. I couldn’t get it out of my head. So I hunted down the original brand she had based her idea off of, and could not believe my eyes on how on the dot she had gotten the styling. Nana Jacqueline had such an identifiable aesthetic, that I knew it was only a matter of time before they became synonymous with it. They haven’t created anything too new. You can trace their design inspirations to older and bigger brands, like Chanel, Dior, and Fendi, for a large part. But they didn’t need to create something new. What Nana Jacqueline did, and is excelling in, is identifying their niche of elevated prep, upper east side first-lady-chic, if you will. They imbue classic silhouettes with a modern and sensual touch, making them the go-to spot for anyone who’s looking for a miu-miu or Chanel look on a tighter budget.

Nana Jacqueline has been seen on the likes of K-pop idols like Dahyun and Nayeon from Twice, as well as fashion influencers icons like Ashley, aka bestdressed. They’re being endorsed so boldly by some of the biggest names that Gen Z know, and I can tell it’s only a matter of time they hit virality like Sandy Liang, if they haven’t already by the time I put this article out.

I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes fame; is it emulation? I once heard someone say offhandedly that the best way to be a good artist is to be a good copycat. And I don’t want to put out any plagiarism accusations out there, that’s not where I’m going with this. But to be so clever as to pinpoint your influences and inspirations so clearly while also making a name for yourself is a hard feat, and one that Nana Jacqueline seems to have accomplished with ease. I’m eager to see where they go next.