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?