Jane Marple
St. Mary Mead Co., Ltd. · Japan
Jane Marple is a Japanese womenswear brand founded in 1985 by Yasuhiro Narita and Megumi Murano. It makes romantic, British-traditional-inspired clothing and shoes, and has run a Harajuku store since 1988.
| Founded | April 1985 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Yasuhiro Narita, Megumi Murano |
| Company | St. Mary Mead Co., Ltd. |
| Flagship | Harajuku, opened 1988 |
| Website | janemarple.co.jp |
What is Jane Marple?
Jane Marple is a Japanese women's fashion brand launched in April 1985 by Yasuhiro Narita, a former merchandiser, and Megumi Murano, a former MILK designer. It is run by St. Mary Mead Co., Ltd. The brand name comes from Agatha Christie's detective Miss Marple, and the company name from the village in those novels.
History
The Harajuku store opened in 1988. The first shoes followed in 1992, and the brand's signature four-strap shoes arrived in 1994, the same year it launched Jane Marple Dans Le Salon, a higher-end line inspired by a 19th century salon with an artisan focus.
Products and positioning
Jane Marple designs romantic womenswear influenced by British tradition, along with shoes and accessories. Collaborations have included Blythe, Hello Kitty for its 35th anniversary in 2009, and Disney in 2012.
- Dresses, skirts and jackets
- Shoes, including the four-strap style
- Jane Marple Dans Le Salon line
Distribution
The brand operates directly managed stores in Harajuku, Shinjuku, Nagoya, Osaka and Fukuoka, sells through its webshop, and works with stockists in Japan, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Why it matters
Jane Marple is one of the long-standing independent labels behind Tokyo's romantic and Harajuku fashion scene, with stockists beyond Japan in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Jane Marple?
Jane Marple was founded in 1985 by Yasuhiro Narita and designer Megumi Murano.
Why is it called Jane Marple?
The name comes from Miss Marple, the detective in Agatha Christie's novels.