Stylist Johnny Wujek (center) in his JCPenney JCProm collaboration campaign
JCPenney
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Johnny Wujek is bringing Hollywood to high schools and beyond.
The celebrity stylist and costume designer has teamed with JCPenney on a prom collection of red carpet-ready separates, gowns and suiting infused with his signature kaleidoscopic style — think Candyland color palettes in retro silhouettes. Priced from $59 to $219, the inclusive line is available in juniors sizes from XS to 3X and young men’s sizes XS to 4XLT. Pieces are designed to be mixed or matched: There’s a rhinestone-embellished black jacket and muscle tee, a sequined tank top and skirt with an adjustable slit, a black tuxedo jacket with a removable tail, and silk mint and lavender suit jackets with floral lining or rhinestone trim.
“I went to my prom; I probably went to four proms. I was always the guy that girls would ask. My senior year, my girlfriend and I [went] and I fully styled the both of us!” Wujek tells The Hollywood Reporter. Growing up in Michigan, JCPenney “was my glitz and glam. I would go there to buy Christmas gifts.”
The JCProm collaboration “took inspiration from different eras. Prom is so iconic, there’s so many decades: the ’50s with the full skirts, the ’80s with the sparkles. I did a lot of research on prom and show pieces. Growing up, I used to fantasize about Hollywood — it’s so glamorous, it’s really so surreal and crazy that I get to share that kind of energy with the Midwest. This collection brings all of the experiences of being at the Grammys, being on the red carpet and awards season. You walk into prom and you’re a burst of color!”
JCPenney
For those who want to channel Wujek’s clients (namely, Katy Perry), there’s also a black mini dress finished with a rainbow of oversized bows, a green and black striped sequin gown, a reversible black and pink high-low hem skirt with a rose accent and a fluorescent yellow off-shoulder dress.
“I’m used to making costumes in two days,” says Wujek, who won an Emmy award for his work on the Disney+ series The Quest. The collaboration “was guided by the universe … On my birthday on July 21, I met with JCPenney’s buyers and the whole team. I showed them, and then it was full-tilt boogie, we made all of the samples in 11 days. Then went to Texas to meet with JCPenney where they’re based. It was the first time I saw everything, they were all amazing.”
Wujek caught up with THR to chat more about his new JCProm collaboration, how long the collection has been in the works and his own red carpet must-haves.
This is such a beautiful and inclusive collection. On that note, it’s hard not to think about recent news about attacks on LGBTQ+ rights across America. What do you hope the message is for teens or anyone else shopping at JC Penney who see your pieces?
I know exactly what you’re talking about. Inclusivity was my priority. There’s something for everyone — It’s genderless, colorful and exciting and pieces that you can really mix and match and play with. I wanted everyone to have something to be their most authentic selves and express their energy, being accepted, being seen. Overall it’s a celebration — prom is a big celebration for high schoolers. You’re celebrating community, celebration, inclusivity. It’s just being inclusive and colorful.
How long has this been brewing?
I swear, everything on this project, the universe was sending signs. The idea of it was brewing in me literally over a decade. How this came about is so organic and so cool. I met the woman who ended up being my manufacturer, I met her around June. I [told her about the collection] and told her, this is something that belongs at JCPenney, it’s affordable, it’s attainable. She’s like, “Oh we work with JCPenney.” The universe was guiding us on this one.
What was the design process like, and how did it start?
There were so many sketches and initially it was supposed to go smaller to start. Thankfully, JCPenny loved them. The bow dress was very big in the beginning. It started long, so we thought, then we said, let’s cut it and keep it mini and a fun party dress. There’s bows, ’80s everywhere.
JCPenney
With awards season in full swing, do you have plans to watch the Oscars? Are you dressing anyone?
I love the Oscars. I’m not styling as much these days, I’m focusing on the prom collaboration, I love to just watch [the award shows]. I always enjoy what everyone wears and seeing all of the looks.
Whether someone’s going to the Oscars or prom, what are your red carpet hacks?
Mints for your stinky breath! Always cut those hanger straps, those hanging out is never a good thing! I love how diverse carpets are these days, there’s so many looks. Something to bring to the carpet is just a showstopping look and confidence.