Sarah Jane Nader is not just dancing her way through Dancing With the Stars anymore. She is also designing clothes for a major retailer. The Love Thy Nader breakout, who recently became half of DWTS’ second all-female pairing, has stepped into the role of creative director for her very first time. Her debut collection is a partnership with Express, and it launches online Sept. 23 in limited quantities.
The collection is called Express x Sarah Jane Nader. It brings together the sharp tailoring, sexy silhouettes and effortless edge Nader is known for, according to the brand. “As a queer woman, I wanted to celebrate the freedom to dress authentically,” she says of the collection’s intention. “Whether you feel best in a dress or a suit and tie, I want you to put these pieces on, walk into a room and feel confident and in charge.”
The Pieces That Stand Out
The campaign imagery mixes and matches the capsule’s 46 co-designed pieces. Standout styles include The SJ Shirt & Tie, The Casting Jacket, The Backstage Bomber, The City Short and The Crawfish Brooch, an homage to Nader’s Louisiana roots.
The SJ Shirt & Tie is her namesake piece, with a removable tie. The Backstage Bomber carries a name that fits its streetwear leanings. The City Short suggests a more casual, urban look. And the Crawfish Brooch ties the whole thing back to where Nader comes from.
Family Names Throughout the Line
Nader’s collection is full of tributes to the people closest to her. Fans will notice the names of her famous family members throughout the inventory: The Brooksie Dress, The Mae Pant, The Gan Vest, The Holland Jacket and The Breaux Coat.
Each of these pieces serves as a tribute to her closest people. The Brooksie Dress features a removable collar with tie-front cutout. The Mae Pant pairs with The Mae Blazer ($168) and The Mae Vest ($98). The Mazzie Mini is inspired by Nader’s original style icon, her grandma Mazzie.
Price and Where to Buy
Priced from $38 to $228, the collection is available now at Express.com and in select stores nationwide.
The family tributes add warmth to the lineup. They show that Nader is not just selling clothes; she is sharing her story. The crawfish brooch is a small detail that tells a big story about where she comes from.
The pricing is accessible too. At $38 at the low end, the collection is not priced for the luxury market. It is priced for people who want to look good without spending a fortune.
Key Facts Box
- Collection: Express x Sarah Jane Nader
- Launch: Sept. 23, online in limited quantities
- Pieces: 46 co-designed
- Prices: $38 to $228
- Blazer: The Mae Blazer, $168
- Vest: The Mae Vest, $98
Nader has proven she can dance. Now she is proving she can design. The collection is a chance for fans to buy a piece of her story, and it is a chance for a wider audience to see what she can do outside the ballroom.
This is a milestone for Nader, and it is a milestone for Express. The brand gets a fresh voice, and Nader gets a platform for her ideas. Both sides win.
Source material: “From ‘DWTS’ to Designer: Sarah Jane Nader Hits Another Milestone With First-Ever Fashion Collab,” The Hollywood Reporter.
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