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Johnny Wujek is used to styling some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. Best known for his longtime collaboration with Katy Perry, he’s also worked with Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian.
But now, he’s hoping to add his flair to prom season. Wujek recently launched his debut prom collection of dresses and suiting at JCPenney. “The universe took the wheel here,” Wujek says during a recent Zoom interview with Variety from his Los Angeles-area home. “This has been over a decade of manifesting this idea. Now that it’s out, I’ve been getting a lot of comments like, ‘I remember you talking about this 12 years ago.’”
The 22-piece collection is colorful, fashionable and affordable. “Being from Michigan, JCPenney was like my big department store moment,” Wujek says. “So it’s come full circle. When I had my first meeting with them, they were already deep into prom season. They were like, ‘If you can do it in 11 days, we will get it on the floor.’ We pulled it together and made it happen.”
He continued, “I wanted to be more bang for your buck. It’s separates so it’s mix and match. There are things that are reversible. There are tailcoats that zip off into a crop jacket. You can wear things multiple ways.”
Wujek recently returned to his Michigan hometown, where he presented his high school with a $50,000 check from JCPenney for their prom. “I had all the kids come up on stage and sign my letterman jacket,” he said. “I got to meet them all and interact with everyone. It was so cool. I was like, ‘I’m so jealous of your confidence. You’re just really who you are!’”
Here, Wujek picks come of his favorite pieces from the collection:
Off-the-Shoulder Fitted Gown
“This one stands out with its super neon, chartreuse kind of yellow green. It’s such a full moment. When I designed it, it was blue then it was green, but we ended up on this really cool color, which is awesome because it’s popping up everywhere. And it’s such a classic silhouette.
Sleeveless Sheath Dress
“The bow dress is really fun one. It’s an homage to the ‘80s. Bows are popping up everywhere. It started off long but then we were like, ‘Let’s cut it and make it a mini!’’”
Suit Jacket + Pants
“The two men’s suiting pieces, I love the tailcoat. I was in New York for Fashion Week and wore it and everyone was gagging for it. I love that you can zip off the tail and wear it as a little cropped tuxedo jacket. And anyone could wear it – men, women, whoever wants to wear it.”
Blue Turquoise Suit
“The blue suit is my favorite. It’s my favorite color. I just love seafoam and mint and all that.”
High-Low Wrap Skirt
“The little black kind of romper dress. It’s short, but then you can get the skirt that’s reversible to put over it. So it could be all black but then you go into the bathroom with your girlfriends and you come out and it’s pink. It’s like a stage reveal.”
