Domino Magazine Features J.Crew's Jenna Lyons!

"Thanks!" to Catherine who shared with us that J.Crew's creative director Jenna Lyons will be featured on the cover (and a story) in the next issue of Domino magazine. I subscribe to the magazine and can't wait to get my issue in the mail. (The article will be shared once I either find it online or get it in the mail.) :)

UPDATE: "Thanks!" to Anon at 8:32PM who found the video to Jenna Lyon's story in Domino. Click here to view the video. You have to check out Jenna's closet too! :)

I have to say that Jenna looks great on this cover. Let's face it- she always looks great! :)

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Okay One More Article On The Collection Store ;)

I just had to include one more article from the Pipeline (click here). :)

Crew Cut: J.Crew Houses Women's Collection on UES
By Max Berlinger
October 15, 2008

The masterminds over at J.Crew have opened the sister store to Tribeca's Men's Collection on the Upper East Side. The store, which features only womenswear, is the brand's attempt to provide designer looks and quality at a more affordable price, and let's be real, who couldn't benefit from that? Jenna Lyons, the Creative Director at J.Crew realizes that time has come to "attract a more educated and savvy customer."

The shop has a discreet storefront and a homey, lived-in feel with wooden herringbone patterned floors, vintage lighting fixtures from France and an entire room dedicated to accessories (including an offering of Rolex watches, vintage gold lockets and silk Obi belts from Japan). The collection pairs higher end items such as calfskin jackets, hand-painted fabric blouses, python bags and cashmere cardigans with J.Crew classics such as denim, chinos and corduroys. The store also offers special services like personal shopping, a discount for college students and delivery to your home or hotel room (if you're that lazy.)

Lyons mentioned that "because of blogs and the internet, people know what's out there; they're looking for something special." This opening is paired with the announcement that J.Crew will be opening a second Men's Collection in Soho, neighboring the highly anticipated (will you open already?!) Topshop. The collection is also available for purchase online, and from the look of it, and from the success the men's store, this high-concept no-nonsense spin-off store should be the toast of the town this winter.

First, I love the additional images of the store. It is great to see what the layout looks like with all the available merchandise too! Second, when reading the quote (the first highlighted blue line), I was unsure where she was going with it. But after reading the other quote (the second highlighted blue line), I understood what Jenna was trying to overall say. She was talking about consumers who really value luxury tailoring, materials, and the like- also understand that the cost for such items and quality can be better aligned. Third, that sign is very discreet! I am pretty sure I would walk by the store and not know it was J.Crew. ;)

What do you make of the quotes? Did I get that interpretation properly or maybe I overlooked something? Also, what do you think of the store's sign (do you like or dislike how discreet it is)?

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Interesting Take On J.Crew's Collection Store

"Thanks!" to Lauren (check out her great site: fashionism.org) who shared with us an article from the New York Times (click here) that has an interesting take on J.Crew's new Collection Store.

J.Crew Gets Uppity
By Eric Wilson
October 16, 2008

“THE timing is very ironic, I know,” said Millard S. Drexler, known as Mickey, the chief executive of J. Crew, by way of introduction to the company’s newest store, which opened Friday on Madison Avenue at 79th Street. Mr. Drexler chose just about the worst week in financial memory to introduce a J. Crew collection priced in the stratosphere of Gucci and Prada.

The first thing you see inside the store is a jacket covered in hand-painted French sequins to look like tortoiseshell, with a price of $3,000.

Regardless of the market, J.Crew’s new designer collection — sold here and at jcrew.com — has raised eyebrows among analysts and competitors who wonder why on earth a company known for its preppy basics would put on such airs(1). Mr. Drexler said he believes in the product. “

In all of our stores in America, I felt we weren’t highlighting the clothes and accessories in the way I thought they should be(2),” he said. “And I felt that fashion was changing. The prices of designer clothes were getting to a point that was very unfriendly to a lot of people, and the ubiquity of designer clothes was making them less special. Fashion is the opposite of ubiquity.”

J.Crew’s proposal is to introduce more special items, but in small batches and in stores that feel more like an apartment. (3) The sign on the brass door at 1035 Madison Avenue is painted in old-fashioned script and is almost unnoticeable. The clothes look more like those at Michael Kors, with featherweight cashmere scarves ($150), a gold beaded dress ($595) and a printed calf-hair jacket for $2,200; but mixed in were J. Crew staples like $85 matchstick cords.

“We don’t want our customers to feel alienated,” said Jenna Lyons Mazeau, the creative director of J.Crew. “We want them to feel comfortable in our stores.” (4)

In the first three days, the store sold three of the $3,000 jackets and a surprising number of silk flower pins priced from $50 to $200, Ms. Lyons Mazeau said, looking at the numbers as a sort of validation. (Of 200 pins ordered for the store, only a dozen or so remained on Wednesday.) “ (5)

"J.Crew is such a big company, I don’t think people understand that there is a whole group of people here who love design,” she said. “We don’t just bang it out.”(4)

There are so many points of discussion from this great article! The following comments relate to the passages above.

(1) I agree that the timing to open the new Collection store may not have been the best. Especially considering J.Crew's recent stock prices, coupled with Goldman analysts downgrading J.Crew to 'sell' (click here). I am curious to see how well it performs during the holidays.

(2) Whether you agree with it or not, Mickey definitely has a vision for the company (and he is moving forward with it). :)

(3) I get the "small batches" concept but then again I don't. ;) I get the concept of creating exclusive and desirable items that a few are willing to pay top dollar for. However, you also don't want to turn down 100's of disappointed customers who were unable to purchase the items. It's tough to find the right balance and I am not sure if J.Crew has found it yet with lots of their exclusive items (e.g. flower pins).

(4) Reading some of the comments in yesterday's post (click here), it is clear that some customers do feel alienated. I wonder how J.Crew will manage those concerns while offering high-end merchandise. Maybe a spin-off store (a la Madewell) is one option? Also, when Jenna said that "people" don't understand, who do you think she was referring to? (I honestly don't know.) ;)

(5) Wow! I hope J.Crew will offer more flower pins for the holidays. :)

What are your thoughts on this article? Disagree or agree with any of the points made in the article or by me?

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Exciting News For J.Crew Mens!

A big "thanks!" to Simon and David (in this post) who shared with us the following articles with fantastic news.

Breaking: J.Crew Men's Joining Topshop on Broadway
By Leslie Price
October 15, 2008
Racked (click here)

This is some mind-blowing late-in-the-day news right here: J.Crew will be opening another men's shop (a la their Liquor Store location) in Soho. The store will take the space that currently houses Universal News at 484 Broadway, which is right next door to the giant Topshop store set to open in March. From DNR: "The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009." Will it beat Topshop? Probably.

Muytjens to Head Men’s Design at J.Crew
By Jean E. Palmieri
Oct. 15, 2008
DNR News (click here)

NEW YORK — J.Crew is changing its top men’s merchant and will open its third freestanding men’s store in Soho next year.

Effective Monday, Frank Muytjens, currently senior design director within the men’s area, will be elevated to vice-president of men’s design. He will succeed Todd Snyder, senior vice-president of men’s design, who will exit the company on Nov. 14, reportedly in preparation of launching his own men’s collection for fall ’09.

Muytjens, whose background includes Polo Ralph Lauren, officially takes over the men’s design duties on Monday. He had worked with Snyder at J. Crew for the past several years.

Men’s wear has been a priority of late for the specialty store chain. In August, the company unveiled its first standalone men’s store in the site of the former Liquor Store Bar in Tribeca. The 925-square-foot jewelbox at 235 West Broadway has set a new standard with its unique merchandising techniques.

Another men’s only store is set to debut at the Garden State Plaza mall in Paramus, N.J. on Nov. 14.

The third store will be located next to Madewell and Topshop/Topman on Broadway. The size and opening date have not been determined, but it is expected to debut in early 2009. It will take over a site currently occupied by a newsstand.

Very exciting news indeed! I am sorry to hear Todd Snyder's exit, but I look forward to seeing Mutjens vision for the men' side of the business. I am also excited to hear that J.Crew will open another men-only clothing store in NYC. Hopefully, the economy will be in a better position by the time it opens. :)

What are your thoughts on the article? What do you think of Snyder's exit and Mutjens new position? Do you think you will visit the new men's store? :)

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Article On J.Crew's Collection Store In NYC

A big "thanks!" goes to j'adore couture (check out her great blog: "j'adore couture") who shared with us a fantastic article about J.Crew's Collection Store from WWD (click here).

J.Crew Opens First Collection Store
By David Moin
October 15, 2008

With an understated scripted sign on the front door, the first J. Crew Collection store stands discreetly on the southeast corner of Madison Avenue and 79th Street in Manhattan. Yet as low-key as the signage may be, the store is where J.Crew design and merchandising are at their most expressive and imaginative.

The assortment encourages mixing modern items with vintage pieces, uptown and downtown looks, and evening attire with a dose of the more casual in the same outfits. There’s an unexpected character, inside and out.

“People tell me, ‘How about putting up a bigger sign,’ but we don’t want to intrude on anyone,” said Millard “Mickey” Drexler, J.Crew’s chairman and chief executive during a tour of the store with Jenna Lyons Mazeau, the creative director. “In an Upper East Side building, I don’t think big signs are very elegant,” continued Drexler. “The last thing people want to see is their neighborhood become a strip center. It’s our way not to be out there, but to be there.”

He means with something different, and that lies in the store’s eclectic array of Crew and non-Crew products and unorthodox styling, i.e. a jacket with handpainted French sequins displayed with distressed jeans, or a brocade evening dress accessorized with a thin handmade belt and an easy cashmere scarf for a sportier twist.

Along with those items the J.Crew brand is often associated with — corduroys, T-shirts, chinos, ballet flats, jeans, cashmere and dresses — the Collection store presents some higher-end products such as calfskin jackets, priced $2,200, or patent leather jackets lined in silk twill with a Ratti print, $1,800. There are also metallic jackets and shoes in the $300 range, textured calfskin skirts priced at $495, as well as silk Japanese obi belts, Rolex watches, hand-painted Elizabeth halters, one-of-a-kind jewelry, including a vintage “mazel tov” charm bracelet, Lugano luggage, handmade silk flowers (only three per customer allowed), bleached and dyed python bags and clutches, and doublefaced cashmere jackets with pick stitching on the sleeves shown with classic J.Crew cords.

At the heart of the Collection strategy, which mirrors the approach taken by the company’s recently opened Liquor Store in TriBeCa selling men’s wear, is an effort to provide a fashion alternative, and designer looks and quality at lower-than-designer prices. “The world has become so formulaic,” Drexler said. “You go into a designer store and all you see are the designer’s clothes. The world is full of so many beautiful things. I like to go into stores where there are surprises.We are editors in addition to designers.”

The decor of the store is different from typical J.Crew units, which tend to be essentially white backdrops enabling the products to stand out more. The Collection store, on the other hand, is filled with art, and has a residential feel. It’s broken up into a few small pockets and rooms. At the entrance, there’s a short staircase down, giving the feel of a sunken living room. Stately unlacquered brass fixtures and doors are offset by contemporary elements including bright spot lighting, parchment display tables and goatskin boxes for accessories. Some whimsy seeps in, too, with a soft blush pink dressing room with a pop of neon, the charcoal gray shoes and accessories salon housing an uncharacteristically large shoe selection for J.Crew, including flats with peep toes and feathers, and a boldly striped bathroom decorated with Hugo Guinness prints.

Although Collection products are seen in the J.Crew catalogues and online, the buying public still isn’t as familiar with the higher-priced offering as the company would like. “People don’t know what we have,” said Lyons Mazeau. With J. Crew Collection, “We have never before been able to showcase what we do,” until the store debuted. “We plan to bring in a continuous flow of special items. It’s not about massing it out.”

Drexler declined to project a sales volume for the 3,200-square foot Collection prototype, preferring not to overstate a new concept before it’s passed the test of time. “Clearly, we are really pleased with the first three days” of business since the store opened Friday, though he noted that you can’t really judge a store’s performance by its opening act alone.

“I wouldn’t want to say the timing was the best,” Drexler acknowledged. “This is not a great economic environment, but we felt the neighborhood needed something more realistic,” compared with designer prices on Madison Avenue that Drexler said have soared so high as to be insulting. “I think it’s all about character, honesty and integrity of product, along with good value,” he added.

Asked if he is considering additional J.Crew Collection stores, Drexler replied, “We’re not in a hurry to do anything, but not ruling anything out. We don’t feel any pressure to quickly determine where our path will take us.”

I really enjoyed the article and learned a lot about the new store. I have to say that I am looking forward to visiting the store just to look at the new layout. I am also curious as to why J.Crew restricted the number of silk flowers customers can buy. ;)

What are your thoughts on the article? Does the article make you want to visit the store more or less than before? Are you planning on visiting the Collection store (if you are in the area)?

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J.Crew Stock Price: Downgraded to "Sell"

The following is part of an article from Crain's New York Business (click here for the article in its entirety) concerning J.Crew's stock price:

Goldman analyst downgrades J.Crew to 'sell'
October 13. 2008

Shares of apparel retailers largely rose on Monday, along with broader market, although an analyst said the sector is facing a deeper slowdown than expected and downgraded Manhattan-based retailer J.Crew Group Inc.

The market surged on Monday, paring some losses from the historic drop last week. As investors’ concerns were eased and governments globally pledged to further aid the banking sector, the Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 900 points.

However, Goldman Sachs analyst Michelle Tan said in a note to investors that the slowdown in the apparel sector is deeper and broader than had been expected. Apparel retailers have been hit hard as consumers cut back on discretionary spending amid financial-market turmoil, rising food and energy prices and tightening credit.

"The updated Goldman Sachs consumer discretionary cash flow model now implies a much more muted 2009," Ms. Tan wrote. She downgraded J.Crew Group Inc. to "sell" from "neutral."

J.Crew's results might be hurt due to its aspirational and regional positioning as consumers cut back, along with high inventory levels, Ms. Tan wrote.

On a day when many stocks enjoyed huge leaps in value, J.Crew Group shares ended the day up just 10 cents at $20.54

Although the news is not good, it is also not unexpected. It will be interesting to see how J.Crew deals with its "high inventory levels" in the upcoming weeks- whether it be through more promotions, increasing emails announcing the promotions, increasing items "on sale", reducing sale prices even further, and the like. Especially considering the holiday season is coming up (which usually means more inventory on hand for retailers, then during other seasons).

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J.Crew Hosts A Book Reading

"Thanks!" to an anonymous member of the blog who let us know about a recent article (click here) over at Racked:

Events: J.Crew Tells Men What They Should Know
by Leslie Price
October 8, 2008

Last night, J.Crew hosted a reading of their new book What a Man Should Know. The venue was the rare books room at the Strand, a suitably dusty and removed space on the third floor of a building next to the store at 826 Broadway. The little red volume, penned by British author Max Blagg and illustrated by Hugo Guinness, was stacked about the space. Well-dressed guests, among them J.Crew CEO Mickey Drexler, flipped through it while sipping from complimentary cocktails or noshing on little short rib-filled pastries. Then, Blagg stepped up to the podium to read through a few of the 50 things a man should know (example: A man should know what to say to a sommelier. Not much. Let him impress you with his knowledge, and find you a wine that is both delicious and reasonably priced.) The tips were well received, but the laughter really began when Blagg moved on to selections from a ribald work-in-progress.

The book reading sounded like a fun and interesting event. I wonder how people knew to attend this event. (Did J.Crew market this event? Was it held for a select few or open to the public?) :)

What are your thoughts about J.Crew hosting a reading for this book (do you like or dislike)? Did you attend (or know about) the event?

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Article On What To Expect This Christmas At J.Crew

There is an interesting article in the Sarasota Herald-Tribune (in Sarasota, FL) about J.Crew's expectations this holiday season. For the article in its entirety, click here.

Get ready for a weak holiday season
By Toni Whitt
October 6, 2008

The coming Christmas season -- combined with this year's tepid back-to-school shopping -- is expected to mark a long-term retreat by consumers to less extravagant spending.

Analysts believe the precipitous downturn in the housing market that has led to a loss in home values, and the subsequent credit crisis has jolted consumers into the realization that they cannot keep spending beyond their means.

That is likely to mean one of the weakest Christmas shopping seasons in decades. Whatever rise in sales, if any, will likely be driven by inflation, even the more optimistic industry watchers say. ...

Stores are already preparing for a soft season by cutting back inventory and carefully planning out their sales programs.Kohl's Department Stores, Talbots Inc., Bon Ton Stores and J.Crew Group Inc. all are cutting back inventory going into the holiday season. ...

J.Crew is "planning very conservatively" for Christmas, said Millard Drexler, the company's chairman and chief executive. Consumers have become accustomed to waiting for the deep discounts in the two weeks before Christmas, he warned. "December has become the biggest promotional month in the world, and no one can forget that," Drexler said. "Please, let's not own a mark-down inventory Dec. 22."

But based on the back-to-school season, it is going to take a lot to get consumers to open their wallets much this holiday season regardless of mark-downs, said retail analyst Britt Beemer, the founder of America's Research Group who correctly predicted last year's dismal holiday season.

This article does not paint a positive portrait for retail sales this holiday season, although it is not unexpected. I am curious how J.Crew will fare considering it is still facing some issues with its inventory/system.

What are your thoughts on the article? Disagree or agree with any of the points made? Do you think you will (or already have) curbed your spending with J.Crew due to the economy?

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Article On J.Crew Attracting "Shoppers With Cupcakes and Jeans"

There is another interesting article (click here) over at Crain's New York about J.Crew's marketing tactics to get customers shopping.J. Crew lures shoppers with cupcakes and jeans
By Adrianne Pasquarelli
October 3, 2008

Retailer J. Crew is pulling out all of the stops as analysts predict the worst holiday shopping season in years. To get shoppers through the door, Madewell, J. Crew’s casualwear shop, hosted a “Denim After Dark” party Thursday evening. Boasting a mojito bar, disc jockey and desserts, the party also offered “fit consultants” and discounts on denim and other items.

On a previous visit, shopper Shelby Donovan found a pair of jeans she liked but could not afford the $115 price-tag. Last night, lured by the promise of free drinks and cupcakes, along with a $25-off discount, she returned to Madewell’s Soho location to purchase the pants. “I probably wouldn’t have bought them otherwise,” she said.

The monthly event is the latest strategy implemented by the retailer to increase spending on its higher priced clothing as the economy craters and experts warn that deep discounting is no longer enough to motivate consumers.

Retailers, the experts say, need to step up marketing and promotions. Candace Corlett, president of WSL Strategic Retail, said that many apparel and design companies need to uplift shoppers’ moods by using humor and wit to prompt buying. Such a tool has been effectively utilized before by New York retailers such as Kenneth Cole, which is now employing political election witticisms to connect with shoppers.

Madewell’s parent company, J. Crew, can use all of the help it can get. Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Adrienne Tennant initiated coverage of the retailer’s stock with a “market perform” rating, and its share price suffered a sharp 7% decline Thursday as a result. “We believe that the deteriorating consumer environment will next affect higher-income households, which we believe J. Crew primarily targets,” wrote Ms. Tennant in a note. In Friday morning trading, the company’s stock was flat at $25.36.

What do you think about the article? Do you think these marketing tactics will attract customers during the holiday season?

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Article On J.Crew's Performance

The following is an article from Forbes (click here) on J.Crew's financial performance.

Analyst initiates J. Crew at 'Market Perform'
Associated Press
October 2, 2008

Shares of J.Crew Group Inc. sagged Thursday, after an analyst initiated coverage of the apparel retailer with a "Market Perform" rating amid a difficult environment. Shares fell $2.06, or 7.5 percent, to $25.43. The stock has traded between $23.97 and $51.96 during the past 52 weeks.

Friedman Billings Ramsey analyst Adrienne Tennant wrote in a note late Wednesday that the economic environment will continue to weaken at the high end, which hurts retailers such as J.Crew. As consumers cut back on spending amid financial-market turmoil, rising food and gas prices and a prolonged housing slump, retailers that focus on low cost and discounts have been faring better than those sticking to higher price-points.

"We believe that the deteriorating consumer environment will next affect higher-income households, which we believe J.Crew primarily targets," Tennant wrote. Tennant added that channel checks show J.Crew has been increasing its promotional activity because of high inventory going into the third quarter.

"We believe inventory growth may continue to outpace sales trends, and this could result in margin pressure and, therefore, margin contraction in the near term," Tennant wrote. She also expects same-store sales, or sales in stores open at least one year, could slide for several quarters amid week sector-wide traffic trends. "We are cautious given the overall negative headwinds the company-and our entire specialty apparel sector-faces over the coming 12 to 18 months," Tennant wrote. She put a $25 price target on the retailer's shares.

I found the line about J.Crew increasing promotional activity interesting as it explains all those additional emails we have been receiving. (Like multiple emails announcing the same sale or all the additional emails being sent to card members.) I am curious to see how the economy's current condition will impact J.Crew in the next few months.

What are your thoughts on the article? What actions do you think J.Crew should pursue in order to maintain sales levels?

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J.Crew's Book: Rules Of Engagement

There is an interesting article (click here) over at GQ about J.Crew's latest offering.

The Rules of Engagement
By Johnathan Durbin
October 01, 2008

As reported earlier, J.Crew's first book is finally available. (And nope, it's not the latest masterwork from Mitch Albom.) Written by Max Blagg and illustrated by Hugo Guinness, What a Man Should Know is a collection of 50 (very) whimsical tips for the modern male. So what should you know? Chess, wine, and figure-drawing, yes, but also:

- Where Jackson Pollock is buried: "Jackson lies beneath an enormous rock in Green River Cemetery, East Hampton, NY. Also interred in the same graveyard are several other great Americans, including Frank O'Hara, Lee Krasner, and the divine muse Patsy Southgate. Take an afternoon off from the beach to pay your respects."

- How to properly fold a newspaper (broadsheet, not tabloid): "And under extreme or life-threatening conditions, be prepared to fashion it into a weapon on the lines of the so-called 'Millwall Brick' favored by certain English soccer hooligans."

- When to ignore certain rules of clothing etiquette: "For instance, the canard that he should not bedeck himself in shades of white or linen fabrics once Labor Day has come and gone. Refuse such orthodoxy! You're a big boy now. You can dress yourself."

$20, available at jcrew.com, and at the J.Crew Tribeca Men's Shop at the Liquor Store, 235 W. Broadway, NYC, (212) 226-5476

I am not sure I would spend $20 for a book about whimsical tips. Although I find the topics interesting, I am certain that if I gave this book to my husband or my brother, they would not read it. Also, considering the book's cover says "Volume I", should we be expecting J.Crew to create additional volumes?

What are your thoughts about this book? Do you think it is a smart move on J.Crew's part to offer this? Do you think you will purchase this book?

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Love It Or Leave It: Timex Watch For J.Crew

There is an interesting post at Cool Hunting about the "Timex for J.Crew" watch (click here). First, J.Crew offers Rolex watches (click here), now they are offering expensive Timex military watches (Item 10884; $150.00). (Well, "expensive" for Timex watches. ;) )

I am personally a big fan of Timex watches. However, I mostly remember wearing Timex watches in high school (with the different color buttons) because of their affordability and quality, not so much in terms of style. To see any Timex watch costing more than $100 is always a bit surprising for me. :)

What are your thoughts on the Timex for J.Crew watch? Do you think this is a good partnership strategy? Do you think you will purchase the Timex for J.Crew watch? If you already own this watch, please let us know what you think. :)

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Article: J.Crew Stock At A "Hold"

There is an interesting article over at Forbes.com (click here) about J.Crew's current financial status:

Ahead of the Bell: Analyst starts J.Crew coverage
Associated Press
September 26, 2008

An analyst started coverage of preppy retailer J.Crew Group with a "Hold" rating on Friday, saying that long-term prospects are good, but inventory is high and domestic consumer spending remains soft.

Jefferies & Co. analyst Randal Konik expects new stores and concepts, such as Crewcuts and Madewell, to drive growth. Long-term, Konik predicts sales growth of at least 10 percent and earnings per share growth near 20 percent.

Konik called J.Crew "a true standout in a dead sea of retail," given a "maniacal" commitment to customer service and product quality that attracts loyal customers.

However, Konik said shares need a catalyst, especially given high inventory, slowing sales and a weak U.S. economy. "Potential positive catalysts of reduced inventories and reaccelerating top-line are likely a few quarters away," Konik wrote.

Konik's $28 price target implies downside of 2.4 percent to Thursday's closing price of $28.69. Shares fell 3 cents in premarket trading Friday.

What are your thoughts on the article? Do you agree or disagree with the "hold" rating? Would you buy, sell, or hold J.Crew stock?

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Mickey Drexler: Part Of The New Establishment

A big "thank you!" goes to momx2 who let us know about Vanity Fair's October 2008 issue mentioning Mickey Drexler, J. Crew's CEO, is #52 on the top 100 "New Establishment" list for 2008. (Click here for link.)

Vanity Fair: Mickey Drexler
2008: 052 0f 100

SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: J. Crew’s innovative helmsman is working on three big initiatives: a men’s-only shop located in Lower Manhattan (man-bag designer Andy Spade is helping curate the offerings); a women’s-collection store on Madison Avenue, featuring the label’s pricier clothing (think $3,000 jackets with French sequins) and accessories; and Madewell, a hip offshoot, which now has eight outposts.

LITTLE BUDDY: Charlie Rose.

CLUBHOUSE: Most weekend mornings he can be spotted at the Bridgehampton Candy Kitchen.

MAN-OF-THE-PEOPLE MOVE: The hands-on C.E.O.’s direct phone number and e-mail address are printed in the company’s catalogue so customers can get in touch with him. He returns calls the same day.

IMPERIAL EXPANSION: Minimal. Drexler, 63, says the only way his retail chain, which currently has just under 200 U.S. stores, will trade internationally is through the Internet; he’s convinced a global outfit would distract from domestic operations.

I am happy to see that Mickey has made the list- that is very exciting news! I also didn't know that Micky puts his direct phone number & email in the J.Crew catalogs (which really is a nice thing for Mickey to do). I will have to look at the catalogs again to see where that is. :)

What do you think about Mickey being a part of Vanity Fair's top 100? Do you agree or disagree with him being on the list? Do you agree with Mickey's views on the (limited) international expansion?

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J.Crew Creative Director: Colleen Stokes

The following are excerpts from two pieces that focus on Collen Stokes, the Creative Director over at J.Crew.

People to Watch
(Click here for article link)
By GDUSA
January 2008

How can new media enhance the user's experience of a brand? Ask Colleen Stokes. The J.Crew creative director has spent her career pondering that question....Stokes' current responsibilities include the creative for all of J.Crew's new media, marketing and PR.

Women to Watch: Collen Stokes
(Click here for article link)
By Step Inside Design

The creative force behind J.Crew’s catalog and website fell into e-commerce almost entirely by accident. When Colleen Stokes graduated from design school in the early ’90s, she headed straight for San Francisco. It was well before the internet boom, and the young designer cut her teeth on children’s software packaging. “At that time, no one wanted to do new media,” she says. “Everyone wanted to do print.”

Stokes, however, started to develop an interest in interactive design. And a couple of jobs later she got the chance to put those skills to work ...

Today she’s the creative director of Direct Business for clothing retailer J.Crew. Stokes oversees the look and feel of the company’s catalog and website—and makes sure the pair works in concert. “It all stems from the clothes,” she says. And recently those have become higher quality and slightly more expensive. Stokes takes that information and translates it into engaging lifestyle imagery for the catalog. Then her team tries to tell that same story on the website.

Since taking her job roughly two years ago, Stokes has made some significant changes. The catalog and site now feature richer photography that’s more location based. She’s also infused a previously white catalog with a bounty of colors and textures. Website traffic is up, and Stokes’ team produces more catalogs with more pages.

But one of the things she’s most proud of is the time she spends with her team. With her catalog designers, for example, she stresses the importance of telling a linear story with imagery and type. She strives to keep them motivated and not look at the catalog as production design. “I would love at some point to teach,” she says. “I really enjoy watching people grow and get better.”

Since joining J.CREW, Stokes has taken a previously stark white catalog and infused it with colors and textures. She's also introduced richer photography that's more location based.

I really think J.Crew does a fantastic job with their catalogs- they are always so beautifully laid out. As mentioned before (refer to "Love or Hate: J.Crew Catalogs"), I love saving them because I think they are great sources for ideas (for outfits, colors, etc.).

Do you think that J.Crew catalogs tell a linear story (and do you like that story)? Do you think the catalog and website sell the "lifestyle imagery" well? What is your favorite catalog issue of all time (so far)? (My favorite: Paris of last year.) :)

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Review Of Suits For Men (Starring J.Crew)

"Thanks!" to Cory, the Editor in Chief over at Valet Magazine, who let us know about their recent piece about suits for men which features J.Crew's charcoal suit (Jacket, $350; pants, $165; shirt, $70; knit tie, $50). (Click here for the link.)

Ask Valet: A Day for Gray
September 2, 2008

Question: I own two three-button suits, one black and one tan, which I have worn to several weddings this year. I'd like to purchase an affordable suit for my son's christening at the end of September and was wondering if a two button blue or grey would be appropriate for the occasion. - Jason, Toronto

Answer: A black suit and a tan suit, eh? Those are great additions to have, but the two staples of a man's sartorial arsenal are exactly what you're looking for. We'd suggest starting with a classic two-button suit in a medium charcoal shade. It's obviously dressy, but has a casual ease—especially when paired with a knit tie and some suede shoes. With a narrow notch lapel and snug shoulders, this year-round wool suit is slimming without being a 'skinny suit.'

What do you think of this suit from J.Crew (in terms of style & fit)? Do you generally like suits in charcoal, or do you prefer more established colors like black or navy?

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A Look At J.Crew's Head Designer Todd Synder

As mentioned previously (refer to the "J.Crew's Snyder and Lyons: Fashion's Most Powerful " post), Todd Synder is a head designer over at J.Crew. There is a great article published at the Iowa State Daily newspaper that talks about some of Snyder's inspirations. The following is a portion of the article.

J. Crew designer, ISU alumnus says roots have helped his career: Designer finds ideas from movies, music and everyday things
By Paul Nemeth
November 18, 2005

The movie starts. The audience is entertained as it watches Paul Newman on the screen, but, unlike most audience members, Todd Snyder is collecting ideas for future designs. Snyder, vice president of men's design for J. Crew, says he is inspired by many things, including several classic movie stars such as Paul Newman and Steve McQueen. "They weren't cutting-edge fashion, but they were real," Snyder says. "They were guys that had a rugged sensibility. They also had a cleaned-up way about them."

Many times, movies, music and young people help contribute to Snyder's ideas. He says he is always collecting ideas from pop culture and, sometimes, from things as simple as seeing somebody on the subway. His designs comprise many of these elements. "In design, you kind of pull from all those things," Snyder says. "Things that are unique can come from music or come from architecture. They can come from books, magazines or traveling the world. Just simple things like seeing people at the bar. It all of a sudden gets your creative juices flowing. It's all about finding a different point of view."

...Snyder's fashion sense is constantly being updated with the seasons the world of fashion goes through, and he says the younger generation helps him keep up with the times. He says he hopes to inspire that generation the way it inspires him. He says a good eye for trendiness also helps. "I am able to get a pulse of what can make it here and know when something's really cool," Snyder says. "You start seeing kids around here wearing it, and that's when you know you've done something big."

...Snyder has noticed the quality has gone downhill. He says he is sick of people complaining about how the United States doesn't have any good clothing. When people want things cheaper, clothing industries are going to use lower-quality goods, Snyder says. Snyder has worked hard at J. Crew trying to increase the quality of the clothing industry. "We want people to feel like they can buy something and wear it this year, but also two or three years from now," Snyder says. "It's really an investment."

First, I always enjoying reading about the designers over at J.Crew. Second, I think it is great that Synder gets inspiration from everyday life like movies and actor Paul Newman. (Mr. Synder, may I suggest watching AMC's Mad Men as another source of inspiration? I swear you will just love the show and the great clothes!)

What do you think of the article? Do you agree that J.Crew has been offering items that are not just something you will wear for a few years, but a real investment?

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Interesting Article To Read This Sunday

A big "thanks!" to J.Crew Guy in Canada who shared with us an interesting article from Details Magazine about men and shopping (click here for the article in its entirety):

Compulsive Shopping Isn’t Just for Girls: For some guys, the go-to reward after a hard day isn’t whiskey—it’s Gucci.

...A couple of decades ago, the stereotypical man of the house unwound from a hard day by watching a game with a glass of something on ice. His wife? She went shopping. But whether it’s because ads for moisturizer now target men or because stores have started serving them snifters of brandy while they get fitted for shirts, guys are rewarding themselves in a way they never used to: by taking out their credit cards.

A recent study of men’s buying habits done by WSL Strategic Retail found that guys in their twenties and early thirties visit a greater variety of stores than older men do. “They tend to shop more like women,” says Wendy Liebmann, WSL’s founder and president.

...David Lewis, head of neuroscience for Mind Lab International in England, calls the male desire to pamper oneself with purchased goods “a kind of consumer masturbation.” For a study in 2006, Dr. Lewis took 20 guys, ages 18 to 25, to a high-end lingerie shop and then to a sporting-goods store. When he asked them which experience they liked better, he says, “a number of men said, ‘That sex shop was really exciting.’ In fact, their brain activity was much greater when they were looking at sneakers.”...

Frankly, I can't blame men for engaging in "emotional-shopping" or "retail therapy" when I have been know to do it myself. ;) I often look forward to trips at my local J.Crew so I can relax. It may sound silly, but J.Crew can be a bit of an oasis for me.

What do you think of the article? Disagree or agree with any points made? Do you find J.Crew retail stores as an oasis as well? Have you engaged in J.Crew retail therapy?

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J.Crew's Snyder and Lyons: Fashion's Most Powerful

A big "thanks!" goes to Jenn_Brak who shared with us the following great piece from the NY Daily News (click here for link):

Fashion's 50 most powerful: No. 50
08/26/2008

TODD SNYDER and JENNA LYONS MAZEAU, head designers, J. Crew
This duo runs the design teams at the reenergized retailer. Snyder and Lyons Mazeau have been instrumental in developing J. Crew’s fashion-preppie look, a fizzy mix of Ralph Lauren and H&M, as well as widening its reach into Crewcuts for kids, weddings and the luxe line known as the J. Crew Collection.

Here is another interesting article from Time's Style & Design about Synder & Lyons (click here for link):

Todd Snyder & Jenna Lyons
Both 37, VP of Men's Design and Senior VP of Women's Design, JCrew
By Betsy Kroll
Fall 2005

Following what can kindly be described as a late-'90s slump—brought on by management shifts and designs that were too trendy.

The label owes its resurgence in no small part to Todd Snyder and Jenna Lyons, vice president of men's design and senior vice president of women's design, respectively. Snyder, a boyish preppy, was nicknamed J. Crew at Iowa State University. Lyons, a statuesque blond, graduated from Parsons School of Design. Both joined J. Crew out of school, and while Lyons has stayed for the duration, Snyder has moved around—one stint was at Ralph Lauren—only to return two years ago.

Part of what pulled him back was the management team of CEO Mickey Drexler and president Jeff Pfeifle, installed in 2003. Snyder says the two have "really breathed life into [the company] again."

Lyons agrees, attributing the brand's current popularity to an emphasis on design over the bottom line. Now she and Snyder are expanding J. Crew's offerings, adding to the classic and affordable staples a seemingly effortless mix of luxury pieces. "We're doing high and low end," says Lyons. Indeed, customers may be surprised to find $2,500 cashmere coats next to the $49 chinos.

The duo are also developing new categories. Last spring they introduced a phenomenally successful wedding collection, and this winter the company will debut tuxedos and skiwear.

Reclaiming J. Crew's turf has been rewarding, but Lyons is excited about new challenges. "I'm looking forward to the day when people say, 'Oh, my God, I have to go to J. Crew,'" she says.

How exciting to see some members of J.Crew's design team as Fashion's most powerful! I also think that Todd Snyder and Jenna Lyons are gorgeous- they could easily be models in the next J.Crew catalog! ;) I also had to highlight that quote from Lyons about having to go to J.Crew... because I do think that all the time!!!

What are your thoughts on Todd Snyder and Jenna Lyons being named as Fashion's Most Powerful? Have you liked (or disliked) some of their decisions over styles and direction for J.Crew over the years?

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WSJ Article Mentions The J.Crew Aficionada Blog! :)

There is an interesting article over at Wall Street Journal (click here for link) that discusses J.Crew's financial situation in relation to its system upgrade. Among the discussion, there is a link to this blog- how exciting! :)

J. Crew Blames Software for Its Bad Quarter
By Ben Worthen
August 27, 2008

Most retailers are blaming a slowing economy for their fiscal shortcomings. J. Crew is blaming a botched system upgrade.

The clothing company Tuesday announced that income for the quarter was down 12% from the year-ago quarter to $18.1 million. J. Crew also lowered its per-share earnings guidance for the year to $1.44 to $1.54 from $1.70 to $1.75. The culprit was a project to upgrade the software it uses to process orders from its Web site that went astray, the company said.

The new system went live on June 28, the problems began almost immediately. “We experienced issues related to the site performance, order fulfillment, and call center performance,” Jim Scully, the company’s CFO said on a call with analysts.

Just what did he mean by issues? The site has been down periodically since June, costing the company untold sales and frustrating customers, at least the customers who post on blogs and message boards. And we’ve read reports about botched orders and returns: In one case, a man was charged $9,200 for shipping and handling for three baby-sized shirts – he had ordered men’s medium – and then couldn’t get the Web site to process his attempt to return the goods, according to the man’s blog.

J. Crew said it spent about $3 million in the just-completed quarter to fix the problem, and made numerous public apologies, which J. Crew fan blogs have been tracking pretty closely.

There was a wave of businesses blaming poor results on tech-projects-gone-bad in the early part of the decade. We haven’t seen it much lately, though.

One difference: Nike, Hershey and others that had problems in the past went out of their way to blame the tech vendor. J. Crew never once tried to pass the buck. The company didn’t respond to our requests for comment, which also means we don’t know which company sold the offending technology. You can search the Web for “J. Crew” and “systems” and find the names of several companies J. Crew buys software from, but there’s not enough evidence for us to point a finger.

I apologize about posting another article about their current financial situation. ;) This post was more to let members know that our comments and concerns about J.Crew are being seen and noticed- and I just thought that was pretty cool. :)

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