Jane by Design
Jane by Design is an American teen comedy-drama television series created by April Blair.[1] The show premiered on ABC Family with its pilot episode on January 3, 2012, before entering a full-season run starting June 5, 2012.[2][3] It stars Erica Dasher as Jane Quimby, a quirky high school fashion enthusiast who is mistaken for an adult and lands a job as an assistant at the prestigious fashion house Donovan Decker.[1][4] The series follows Jane as she navigates the challenges of balancing her demanding career under the sharp-tongued executive Gray Chandler Murray, played by Andie MacDowell, with her personal life, including friendships, family, and a budding romance.[5] The main cast also includes Nick Roux as Jane's best friend Billy Nutter, Rowly Dennis as her coworker Jeremy Jones, David Clayton Rogers as her older brother Ben Quimby, and India de Beaufort as the socialite India Jourdain.[6] Over the course of its single season, Jane by Design produced and aired 18 episodes before its cancellation on August 17, 2012, due to low ratings.[7][8] The series explores themes of identity, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams in the competitive fashion industry, drawing comparisons to films like those directed by John Hughes for its blend of teen drama and aspirational storytelling.[9][5] Critically, Jane by Design received mixed reviews, with a 43% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on its portrayal of high school and workplace dynamics. Despite its short run, the show has garnered a cult following for its stylish visuals, relatable protagonist, and lighthearted take on double lives, and as of 2025, it is available for streaming on platforms such as Amazon Prime Video.[10][11][9]Series overview
Premise
Jane Quimby, a 16-year-old high school student with a passion for fashion, lands a job as an assistant at the prestigious fashion house Donovan Decker after a case of mistaken identity leads the company to believe she is an adult applicant. This opportunity thrusts her into the high-stakes world of New York City's fashion industry, where she must navigate demanding tasks under the strict supervision of her boss, Gray Chandler Murray, while concealing her true age and background. The core storyline revolves around Jane's efforts to maintain this double life, commuting between her everyday high school routine in Pennsylvania and her professional responsibilities in the city, all without arousing suspicion from colleagues or peers. Central to the narrative are Jane's key relationships that underscore themes of identity, ambition, friendship, and work-life balance. Her best friend Billy provides unwavering support, helping her manage the secrecy of her job and offering comic relief amid her chaotic schedule. Jane's budding romance with her crush Jeremy, a talented designer at Donovan Decker, complicates her professional boundaries and fuels her aspirations in the fashion world. At home, her older brother Ben acts as a protective guardian figure, unaware at first of her secret career, which adds layers of familial tension and growth as Jane strives for independence. These dynamics highlight Jane's journey of self-discovery, as she grapples with the pressures of adolescence alongside unexpected adult responsibilities.[12] The series blends comedy and drama to explore coming-of-age challenges within the glamorous yet cutthroat fashion realm, emphasizing empowerment through Jane's resourcefulness and determination. Her dual existence exposes the contrasts between the mundane high school environment—filled with social cliques and typical teen dilemmas—and the sophisticated, fast-paced New York fashion scene, where creativity and resilience are paramount. Through these elements, the show portrays themes of pursuing dreams against odds, the value of authentic friendships, and the balancing act of personal ambition with everyday life.[12]Genre and format
Jane by Design is classified as a teen comedy-drama, often described as a dramedy that blends elements of young adult drama with workplace satire in the fashion industry and romantic subplots.[11][5] The series incorporates humorous takes on corporate dynamics at a high-end design firm, juxtaposed against the protagonist's high school experiences, while weaving in romantic tensions typical of teen narratives.[13][9] The show consists of a single season with 18 episodes, each running approximately 42 minutes, excluding commercials.[14][15] Episodes are structured around the central character's dual life, balancing school obligations and professional responsibilities, often building tension through conflicts that escalate to cliffhangers at key moments, alongside recurring fashion-related subplots that highlight design challenges and trends.[5][9] Visually, the series emphasizes colorful fashion aesthetics, featuring vibrant outfits, original designs, and quick-cut montages during runway and styling sequences to showcase the glamour of the industry.[9][16] This style creates an aspirational portrayal of the fashion world, contrasting sharply with the more mundane, relatable elements of everyday teen life, evoking a John Hughes-inspired aesthetic in its blend of whimsy and realism.[9][17] Narratively, Jane by Design employs multi-arc season-long storylines that explore corporate intrigue, such as rivalries and ethical dilemmas in the design house, intertwined with themes of personal growth and identity.[13][9] The format prioritizes character-driven progression over purely episodic resolution, allowing ongoing developments in relationships and career aspirations to unfold across the season.[5]Production
Development
The series Jane by Design was conceived by screenwriter April Blair, who drew inspiration from her own experiences as a film assistant to craft a narrative centered on a teenager navigating the high-pressure fashion industry.[18] Initially titled What Would Jane Do?, the project was pitched as a contemporary adaptation of working-girl stories, such as The Devil Wears Prada and Working Girl, reimagined for a young adult audience with an emphasis on empowerment and fun.[19][20] Blair's concept evolved to blend teen drama with fashion-world intrigue, aiming to appeal to girls aged 12-17 by portraying a relatable protagonist balancing high school and professional ambitions.[21] In April 2011, ABC Family greenlit the pilot as its fifth new scripted series, marking a strategic expansion of original programming targeted at young female viewers.[22] The network ordered a straight-to-series commitment for ten episodes shortly after, with production on the pilot commencing in the summer of that year under director Lev L. Spiro.[22] This decision aligned with ABC Family's focus on aspirational content, positioning the show as an "empowering" entry in its lineup of teen-oriented dramas.[23] April Blair served as showrunner and executive producer, collaborating with executive producers Gavin Polone—known for Gilmore Girls and Curb Your Enthusiasm—and John Ziffren, who had credits on Melissa & Joey.[22][24] To ensure authenticity in depicting the fashion industry, the creative team incorporated input from real-world experts, including cameos and consultations with figures like Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Amy Astley and Marie Claire editor Joanna Coles.[25] Pre-air planning emphasized allocating resources to wardrobe and set design, reflecting the series' central fashion elements while keeping production costs aligned with ABC Family's youth-targeted budget model.[26]Casting
Erica Dasher was selected for the lead role of Jane Quimby, a relatable high school student navigating a double life in fashion, following a competitive audition process that began with a notice she received on her birthday and progressed through pre-reads, callbacks, and a network test.[27] The casting announcement for Dasher and much of the ensemble came on April 13, 2011, coinciding with ABC Family's series pickup for the project, then titled a one-hour scripted drama.[28] Supporting roles were filled concurrently to assemble a youthful, diverse ensemble emphasizing teen dynamics and fashion world intrigue. Nick Roux was cast as Billy Nutter, Jane's loyal best friend, while Rowly Dennis took on Jeremy Jones, the charming head designer at Donovan Decker.[28] India de Beaufort was selected as India Jourdain, Jane's pretentious colleague and rival at the fashion house, and other young actors including Meagan Tandy as competitive classmate Lulu Pope and Matthew Atkinson as romantic interest Nick Fadden rounded out the high school circle.[28] David Clayton Rogers was announced as Ben Quimby, Jane's supportive older brother, in a follow-up press release on November 17, 2011, ahead of the series premiere.[2] To elevate the production's prestige, Andie MacDowell, known for her film roles in titles like Four Weddings and a Funeral, was cast as Gray Chandler Murray, the formidable executive boss, adding star power to the fashion-centric narrative.[28] The selection process prioritized a blend of emerging talent for the teen ensemble—highlighting relatable energy and diversity in age, background, and style—and established performers for adult authority figures, ensuring a balanced cast capable of handling the show's comedic and dramatic tones.[27]Filming
Principal photography for Jane by Design took place primarily in the Los Angeles area, including locations in Santa Clarita, California, from late 2011 through early 2012.[29] The production utilized soundstages to recreate the Donovan Decker fashion house offices and exteriors at local high schools to depict the series' Pennsylvania high school settings.[30] Some fashion sequences were captured on location in New York City to evoke a stylized urban atmosphere, with cast members filming cameos during these shoots.[25] The 18-episode first season was filmed over roughly six months, with the cast and crew facing logistical challenges from the show's wardrobe-intensive scenes that demanded extensive costume fittings and alterations.[31] These elements often extended shooting days beyond 16 hours, particularly for sequences involving multiple outfit changes to highlight the fashion industry's demands.[31] Direction was handled by a rotation of television veterans, with Teri Hatcher guest-starring as Jane's long-lost mother.[32] In post-production, the team employed digital dailies workflows to streamline editing and visual effects integration, ensuring timely delivery for the January 2012 premiere.[33]Cast and characters
Main
Jane Quimby (Erica Dasher) is the protagonist of Jane by Design, portrayed as a fashion-obsessed high school outcast who secures a position as an assistant at the prestigious Donovan Decker fashion house through a case of mistaken identity, forcing her to juggle her teenage life with professional demands.[9] Her character arc centers on evolving from an insecure intern navigating the cutthroat world of high fashion to a more confident aspiring designer, while managing romantic entanglements with school crushes and workplace colleagues, all underpinned by strong family support from her brother.[13] Jane's double life highlights her resourcefulness and integrity as she balances high school social pressures with tasks like spying on corporate rivals, ultimately seeking her authentic self amid the chaos.[34][9] Gray Chandler Murray (Andie MacDowell) serves as the demanding fashion executive and head of Donovan Decker, unknowingly mentoring Jane through a series of high-stakes assignments that test the young intern's limits.[21] Portrayed as a tough, no-nonsense boss reminiscent of iconic figures in the industry, Gray's backstory involves intense corporate rivalries, including efforts to outmaneuver competitors, which often pull Jane into ethical dilemmas like corporate espionage.[13] Beneath her stern exterior, the character reveals personal vulnerabilities, such as navigating office relationships and the pressures of maintaining her elite status, adding depth to her role as Jane's unwitting guide in the fashion world.[9][21] Billy Nutter (Nick Roux) is Jane's loyal best friend since childhood and an aspiring baseball player, characterized by his flamboyant style, including a mohawk and leather jackets, which marks him as another high school outcast.[9] His arc explores jealousy stemming from Jane's hidden professional life and secrets, prompting personal growth as he supports her double existence while dealing with his own family issues, such as his brother's legal troubles.[13] Often providing comic relief and unwavering loyalty, Billy's relationship with Jane evokes classic teen friendships, with subtle hints of potential romance, as he helps her maintain her facade amid school and work pressures.[34][9] Jeremy Jones (Rowly Dennis) functions as Jane's colleague and initial love interest at Donovan Decker, depicted as a charming British playboy and senior designer whose flirtatious nature introduces workplace tension.[34] His development shifts from lighthearted flirtation and competitive sabotage attempts against the inexperienced intern to offering deeper emotional support, becoming an ally in the high-pressure fashion environment.[9] Jeremy's role drives narrative elements of romance and professional rivalry, as Jane confidently navigates his advances while relying on him during challenging projects.[34] Ben Quimby (David Clayton Rogers) acts as Jane's widowed older brother and surrogate father figure, providing stability and comic relief in their lower-class household after their father's death.[9] Struggling financially as an unemployed guardian, Ben's arc involves balancing family responsibilities with his own search for personal connections, such as romantic interests, while remaining a pillar of support for Jane's secretive career pursuits.[13] His often overwhelmed and doltish demeanor adds humor to the series, contrasting the high-fashion glamour with everyday sibling dynamics and heartfelt moments of encouragement.[34] India Jourdain (India de Beaufort) serves as a key antagonist at Donovan Decker, initially acting as Gray Chandler Murray's assistant before positioning herself as a rival to both Gray and Jane Quimby.[35] Her role generates workplace tension through repeated attempts at professional sabotage against Jane, such as undermining her projects and scheming to usurp Gray's position, which heightens the stakes in Jane's professional subplots.[36] Over the course of the series, India's arc evolves to include moments of redemption, revealing vulnerabilities that soften her conniving demeanor and occasionally align her interests with Jane's in collaborative efforts.[37]Recurring
Lulu Pope, played by Meagan Tandy, functions as Jane's primary high school adversary, embodying the popular girl archetype who frequently targets Jane with social exclusion and verbal barbs to underscore Jane's outsider status.[35] As Billy Nutter's secret girlfriend, Lulu's interactions complicate Jane's personal life, injecting conflict into school scenes while providing comic relief through her exaggerated mean-girl antics and the ensuing awkward dynamics with Jane's best friend.[38] Her recurring presence highlights Jane's challenges in balancing teenage social pressures with her hidden career, often catalyzing subplots that force Jane to navigate loyalty and betrayal among peers.Special guest appearances
The series featured several high-profile cameo appearances by fashion industry figures, enhancing the show's authenticity and glamour through brief, promotional roles tied to its fashion themes. These one-time guests often portrayed themselves as mentors, judges, or event attendees, adding buzz without significantly altering the central narratives. Notable special guest appearances include:- Patricia Field appeared as herself in the episode "The Runway" (Season 1, Episode 2), serving as a stylist consultant during a high-stakes fashion show preparation, providing expert advice to the protagonists on accessory choices.[39]
- Stefano Tonchi, editor-in-chief of W Magazine, guest-starred as himself in the same episode, "The Runway," critiquing designs and emphasizing editorial standards in a runway judging panel scene.[39]
- Nanette Lepore, a renowned fashion designer, made a cameo as herself in "The Finger Bowl" (Season 1, Episode 4), where she offered feedback on a handbag design contest, highlighting practical industry insights for the young assistant character.[40]
- Cameron Silver, a celebrity stylist and owner of the Agency, appeared as himself in "The Image Issue" (Season 1, Episode 6), advising on personal branding and red-carpet looks during a photoshoot segment.[41]
- Christos Garkinos, style director for InStyle magazine, also featured as himself in "The Image Issue," collaborating on image consulting for a magazine spread, underscoring the episode's focus on media perception in fashion.[41]
- Betsey Johnson, the eccentric designer known for her whimsical style, cameoed as herself in "The Wedding Gown" (Season 1, Episode 8), judging a bridal design challenge and injecting playful energy into the competition.[42]
- Amy Astley, then-editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, appeared as herself in "The Getaway" (Season 1, Episode 9), participating in a magazine interview setup that tied into the show's exploration of teen fashion aspirations.[43]
- Paulina Porizkova, the supermodel and actress, guest-starred as herself in the episode "The End of the Line" (Season 1, Episode 10), serving as a panelist in a career retrospective event, adding prestige to the fashion house's milestone celebration.[44]
- Booth Moore, fashion critic for The Hollywood Reporter, appeared as herself in "The End of the Line," offering critical commentary on a design showcase.[44]
- Brandon Holley, editor-in-chief of Lucky magazine, also cameoed as himself in the finale, contributing to discussions on styling trends during the event.[44]
Episodes
Season overview
Jane by Design consists of a single season comprising 18 episodes, which originally aired on ABC Family from January 3, 2012, to July 31, 2012.[46] The season is structured around protagonist Jane Quimby's navigation of her dual existence as a high school student and a professional assistant in the competitive fashion industry at Donovan Decker.[9] The early episodes establish the foundational challenges of maintaining secrecy about her adult role while handling everyday teenage pressures, setting the stage for Jane's initial immersion into the high-stakes world of fashion design and executive demands.[47] As the season progresses into its midsection, the narrative intensifies with escalating corporate obstacles, including rivalries and high-pressure projects that test Jane's resourcefulness and professional growth under her demanding boss, Gray Chandler Murray.[9] Thematically, the series builds from themes of personal concealment and identity struggles to explorations of professional achievements and the resulting tensions in relationships, both familial and romantic, highlighting Jane's journey of self-discovery and authenticity.[9] In production, the season began with an initial order of 10 episodes greenlit in April 2011, but following strong viewership for the pilot, ABC Family issued an additional eight-episode back order in February 2012, extending the run to 18 installments.[48] No unaired episodes or planned cut content from the season has been documented in official production records.Episode list
The first season of Jane by Design comprises 18 episodes that aired on ABC Family from January to July 2012. The episodes follow Jane Quimby's dual life as a high school student and undercover fashion assistant, emphasizing her professional challenges and personal relationships without revealing key resolutions. Production credits highlight recurring director Gavin Polone (episodes 5, 12, 17, 18) and writer April Blair (multiple episodes including the pilot and finale arc). Below is a table listing the aired episodes chronologically, including key production details and viewership figures.| No. overall | Title | Directed by | Written by | Original air date | U.S. viewers (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pilot | Lev L. Spiro | April Blair | January 3, 2012 | 1.61 |
| 2 | The Runway | Michael Lange | April Blair & Deirdre Shaw | January 10, 2012 | 1.12 |
| 3 | The Birkin | Michael Katleman | Amy Rardin & Jessica O'Toole | January 17, 2012 | 1.34 |
| 4 | The Finger Bowl | Arlene Sanford | John A. Norris | January 24, 2012 | 1.48 |
| 5 | The Look Book | Gavin Polone | Flint Wainess | January 31, 2012 | 1.35 |
| 6 | The Image Issue | Melanie Mayron | Deirdre Shaw | February 7, 2012 | 1.12 |
| 7 | The Teen Model | Phil Traill | Melissa Carter | February 14, 2012 | 1.11 |
| 8 | The Wedding Gown | Michael Grossman | Emily Fox | February 21, 2012 | 1.35 |
| 9 | The Getaway | Howard Deutch | John A. Norris | February 28, 2012 | 0.96 |
| 10 | The End of the Line | Phil Traill | April Blair, Paul Haapaniemi & Deirdre Shaw | March 6, 2012 | 1.49 |
| 11 | The Replacement | James Hayman | April Blair | June 5, 2012 | 1.36 |
| 12 | The Celebrity | Gavin Polone | April Blair | June 12, 2012 | 1.34 |
| 13 | The Surprise | Phil Traill | John A. Norris | June 19, 2012 | 1.30 |
| 14 | The Second Chance | Millicent Shelton | Melissa Carter | June 26, 2012 | 1.08 |
| 15 | The Online Date | Phil Traill | Lenn K. Rosenfeld | July 10, 2012 | 1.31 |
| 16 | The Backup Dress | Daisy von Scherler Mayer | Deirdre Shaw | July 17, 2012 | 1.28 |
| 17 | The Sleepover | Gavin Polone | April Blair & Paul Haapaniemi | July 24, 2012 | 1.41 |
| 18 | The Bonus Check | Gavin Polone | Joey Murphy & John Pardee | July 31, 2012 | 1.18 |
- Pilot: Jane Quimby applies for a fashion internship but is mistaken for an adult candidate, landing her a high-stakes job at Donovan Decker while she struggles to maintain her high school routine and support her family.
- The Runway: Jane organizes a major company event amid tensions with her best friend Billy over a school dance invitation from crush Nick, testing her ability to keep her professional life hidden.[39]
- The Birkin: Under pressure from boss Gray Chandler Murray, Jane manages high-profile client tasks including handling a luxury Birkin bag, while facing academic rivalry from classmate Lulu at school.
- The Finger Bowl: Jane assists coworker Jeremy in impressing a demanding Japanese fashion editor during an upscale dinner, complicating her efforts to navigate a budding secret between Billy and Lulu.[40]
- The Look Book: Thrilled by a business trip to Paris, Jane is tasked with safeguarding Donovan Decker's confidential look book, heightening risks to her secret identity abroad.[49]
- The Image Issue: Jane balances a school fashion design project with workplace demands, leading to a pivotal moment with Nick that challenges her divided loyalties.
- The Teen Model: Jane oversees a challenging teenage model for a photoshoot who begins to suspect her true age, creating friction in both her home life and career.[50]
- The Wedding Gown: Assigned to create a wedding dress design, Jane encounters interference from rival India, sparking workplace conflict and personal confrontations.[42]
- The Getaway: Jane grapples with a mandatory business trip clashing against a school camping outing with Nick, while Billy faces escalating trouble involving a potential robbery.
- The End of the Line: As Billy deals with legal repercussions, Jane's carefully guarded secret faces exposure, forcing shifts in her key relationships at work and school.[44]
- The Replacement: With Billy back from detention, Jane vies for a promotion to fill India's former role, intensifying office politics and personal dynamics.[51]
- The Celebrity: The team collaborates with a high-profile celebrity model for the new collection, intertwining Jane's professional duties with evolving romantic tensions.[52]
- The Surprise: Jane's birthday uncovers unexpected family developments, including her mother's return and deceptions from friend Zoe, amid ongoing work pressures.
- The Second Chance: Jane attempts to rebuild ties with her returning mother, while a crisis involving stolen designs by Jeremy threatens Donovan Decker's stability.[53]
- The Online Date: Gray explores online dating complications as Jane auditions for a school play, blending her mentor's personal issues with her own balancing act.
- The Backup Dress: Jane navigates a date with Nick and Ben's baseball prospects, while aunt Kate contends with a life-changing proposal at home.[54]
- The Sleepover: Jane jets to London to track down Jeremy and salvage a critical business deal, straining her friendship with Billy in the process.
- The Bonus Check: Earning a substantial bonus, Jane channels funds toward a school production but weighs the personal sacrifices involved in her double life.
Broadcast and distribution
Original U.S. broadcast
Jane by Design premiered on ABC Family on January 3, 2012, airing the pilot episode at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT as part of the network's Tuesday night lineup for teen dramas.[57] The series continued weekly in the same time slot, broadcasting the first ten episodes through March 6, 2012.[58] Following a mid-season hiatus, Jane by Design returned on June 5, 2012, maintaining its Tuesdays at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT slot within ABC Family's block of youth-oriented programming, which included hits like Pretty Little Liars and Switched at Birth.[59] The show aired its remaining eight episodes, concluding the season on July 31, 2012, with the series finale "The Bonus Check."[58]International broadcasts
Following its U.S. premiere on ABC Family, Jane by Design was distributed internationally through Disney-ABC networks and partners, with airings beginning in 2012 across multiple regions. The series aired in non-English markets with dubbing or subtitles.[60] In the Americas, the show premiered on ABC Spark in Canada as part of the channel's launch lineup, debuting shortly after its March 26, 2012, introduction to Canadian viewers. In Latin America, it aired on Disney XD and Disney Channel affiliates, with Spanish-dubbed versions.[61]| Region/Country | Network | Premiere Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | ABC Spark | March 2012 | English; launched as a key new series on the U.S. ABC Family counterpart channel.[61] |
| South Africa | M-Net Series | June 2012 | English; aired on DStv platform, continuing through late 2012 with episodes aligned to U.S. schedule.[62] |
| Italy | DeeJay TV | October 2, 2012 | Italian-dubbed as Jane stilista per caso; 18 episodes broadcast through March 2013. |
| Germany | Disney Channel | March 31, 2015 | German-dubbed; later rerun availability on the network.[63] |