Jenna Lyons quits J.Crew after 26 years

OHMYGOSSIP — Jenna Lyons has quit J.Crew.
The American fashion designer of the fashion house has announced her departure from the retailer after 26 years at the helm of the brand where she held the title of creative director and president of the business.
And according to the Business of Fashion working with the designer brand for almost three decades since 1990, although she became the brand’s front-runner 20 years later, she was “beyond [her] wildest dreams”.
Speaking about her decision to leave the company, the brunette beauty said: “It has been beyond my wildest dreams to work with such an amazing team of people at such an incredible brand and alongside [Millard Drexler, J.Crew’s chief executive] Mickey — one of retail’s most talented visionaries.”
Although the creative mastermind will no longer be linked to J. Crew she is “excited” for their future and to see how the new team, and her replacement, develop the label.
She explained: “I am excited about the next chapter for J.Crew as well as the opportunity for other creative leaders within the organisation 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.”
Jenna’s decision was a mutual agreement between her and Millard as they both believed it was “time for a change”
He said: “Jenna and I got together and we both agreed it was time for a change.”
Following Jenna’s exit the head of design for the brands women’s department, Somsack Sikhounmuong, has been promoted to take the role of chief design officer, which will mean she will oversee the womenswear, menswear and childrenswear sections.
And Millard is “excited” for Somsack’s future under the line.
Millard said: “Somsack and our design teams have a deep understanding of the aesthetic and style our customers rely on us to deliver, with a proven track record of driving creative vision in-line with our brand DNA. We are excited to extend Somsack’s vision across all design categories and look forward to the team’s contributions. As always, delivering the very best product, value and brand experience across channels is our top priority.”
Jenna is set to remain as a creative advisor for the time being until her contact ends at the end of this year in December, however, she has kept details about her next venture close to her chest.

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