Jenna Lyons is leaving J.Crew after 26 years, the company announced in a press release today.
"It has been beyond my wildest dreams to work with such an amazing team of people at such an incredible brand and alongside Mickey [Drexler] — one of retail's most talented visionaries," Lyons said in a statement. "I am excited about the next chapter for J.Crew as well as the opportunity for other creative leaders within the organization to step up and take on new responsibilities. Having spent the better part of my life with J.Crew, I feel an immense pride and love for everyone at the company."
Lyons, whose personal style―that borrowed from the boys look; the mix of perfectly mismatched pairings―has become J.Crew's signature aesthetic, served as President and Executive Creative Director since 2012. Current head of women's design, Somsack Sikhounmuong, will be promoted to chief design officer, heading up the women's, men's, and Crewcuts design teams, while Lyons will remain as creative adviser through 2017, according to a press release. J.Crew will not replace Lyons.
"It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Jenna as my trusted partner for the past 14 years," Mickey Drexler, J.Crew's Chairman and CEO said in a statement. "She has made many significant contributions to J.Crew and has built an incredibly talented team. J.Crew is focused on continuing the progress underway as we execute on our strategic initiatives and position the Company for the long term. We have taken important steps to improve our performance and are confident that the team in place will continue these efforts."
