Jane By Design

Jane By Design is an engaging teen drama series with a unique premise that aired on FreeForm in 2012. The series captures the dual life of a high-school student named Jane Quimby, portrayed with a refreshing likability by Erica Dasher. It fuses the charm of teenage life along with the glamour and sophistication of the fashion world, offering audiences an appealing mix of humor, drama, and coming-of-age moments.

Quimby is an ambitious teenager, perpetually juggling her personal and professional life. On one hand, she's an average high school student with all the typical tribulations that come with adolescence – grades, friendships, crushes, and school politics. On the other hand, she's unwittingly landed a job as an assistant to a high-powered executive in the fashion industry. Bridging these two starkly different worlds forms the main crux of the show.

Erica Dasher's performance as Jane Quimby is particularly commendable. She infuses Jane with both vulnerability and strength, making her a relatable figure to the audience. Watching her navigate the terrain of high school and the treacherous terrain of the fashion world is both riveting and entertaining. The double life that Jane is forced to lead makes for engaging storylines and plenty of unexpected twists.

Adding intrigue to Jane's situation is her employer, the famously fierce and unpredictable Gray Chandler Murray, portrayed impeccably by Andie MacDowell. A titan in the world of fashion, Gray is oblivious to Jane's double life and considers her a full-time executive assistant. Complicating things even further is Jeremy Jones (Rowly Dennis), a charming and talented designer who Jane finds herself drawn to.

The series doesn't shy away from exploring the complexities of leading a double life. Continually balancing between homework assignments and high-stakes fashion assignments, Jane often finds herself in precarious situations that require quick thinking and clever solutions. All this while she also struggles to conceal her real age and inexperience from her high-powered coworkers.

Despite the drama and the glamour of the fashion industry, Jane By Design maintains a certain level of lightheartedness and humor intrinsic to teen dramas. This is reflected in Jane's interactions with her best friend, Billy Nutter (Nick Roux). Their friendship is truly the heart of the series as they support and guide each other through various personal and professional challenges, adding a depth of sentimentality to the plotline.

A standout feature of the series is its depiction of the fashion industry. It's awash with glamour and style, showcasing the latest trends and designs. The workplace drama that unfolds within this industry adds an extra layer of drama and suspense.

Visually, the series presents an aesthetic treat for the audience. The design and fashion aspects of the show are wonderfully executed. The workplace setting is steeped in elegance and sophistication, and the clothes shown are always on trend, reflecting the true essence of high-end fashion. At the same time, the high school scenes have their own appealing simplicity and vibrancy, capturing the charm of teenage life.

Jane By Design weaves a compelling story that effortlessly straddles the disparate worlds of high school and high fashion. At the core of the series is a narrative about growing up, exploring identity and seeking belonging in a complex world. It offers a feel-good blend of humor and drama that appeals to teenagers and adults alike, making it an endearing watch. The characters are dynamic and well-developed, offering something that audiences can resonate with.

In conclusion, Jane By Design is a series that truly offers it all: friendship, love, fashion, drama, humor, and sizable doses of ambition and tenacity. It's a coming-of-age story set against a high-stakes, glamorous backdrop, offering a unique blend of the teen-drama and workplace-comedy genres. If you're interested in fashion, teenage dramas or simply appreciate captivating storytelling, this series would undoubtedly be an entertaining watch.