Todd Snyder & Jenna Lyons
Both 37, V.P. of Men's Design and Senior V.P. of Women's Design, J. Crew
By Betsy Kroll
Fall 2005 Style & Design
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. —By Betsy Kroll
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