I’m taking a brief break from my unexpected blog sabbattical (slaps knee) to mark this news.
Jenna Lyons, the current President and Creative Director of J. Crew is leaving the company after a whopping 26 years. In the world of fashion, that’s the equivalent of a century. When I heard the news, a large part of me wasn’t shocked in the least. I think too many surprises in this world have left me a little numb these days.
In general, I’m a fan of change because it’s the one thing that’s constant as a part of life. I think I’ve harbored a secret wish for Jenna to do something bold. Not have a vanity line, in the safe harbor of J. Crew. No. I wanted to see her truly step away, as she will do after December of this year. Why would or should any of us care about this news? Some are fascinated by the business aspect and speculate what the future looks like for J. Crew (and its staggering debt). I find it interesting how she’s being treated in some of the articles. I don’t really have enough words to articulate coherent thoughts at the moment, but if I did, I would address how differently the sexes are handled in the media…particularly in business. I care about the news because there have been some deep changes in staff — locally and at the higher level — in the past couple of years. I’m rooting for their success.
Behold change!
Jenna, not too many years ago. A fresh face, casual mom vs. the Jenna she’s evolved into.
Here’s another, older image of Jenna that many of us loved. Many a blog name were inspired by sequins and (fill in the blank). She looks so different now.
Me, a couple weeks ago at Hamilton in San Francisco. Yes, it’s an epic musical! I’m still listening to and singing the songs daily. I didn’t have time to agonize over what to wear or go shopping. My mom won tickets on a Monday and we were at the show the next day, on Tuesday. I remembered my green sequin pants in the closet. Set them up with a black top and felt fabulous. I received numerous compliments on the pants.
Wear your gear, ladies. When we do, it gives others the encouragement to wear theirs.
I wish the best for Jenna. It’s definitely the end of an era. I’m curious to see where both she and the brand are in a year from now. Shoooot….and me, too!
Share your thoughts..
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J Crew – Twisted Crystal Necklace
J Crew’s NYFW Instastory
J Crew A-line dress in silk-twill windowpane print review
Love this Gigi – she is an icon
Hi Wendy – thanks for visiting! Jenna certainly is an icon.
BTW, I’m so excited about your success in the literary world. Congratulations!
You look great but the best part of your outfit is your incredibly infectious smile! It looks likeyou were having fun (and possibly up to something).
Hi Mommycamille — Good to see you! Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment. No shenanigans…that nite…lol… just walking on clouds all the way to the theatre. I loved the show so much.
Gigi! Not sure why my comments aren’t showing up (or maybe they are visible to you on your end and you’re going to see it four times, gulp. But they’re not showing on either Firefox or Chrome. 🙁
Hi Tati, I’m shaking my fist at Firefox and Chrome. This is the only comment I see. And if I *had* seen the same comment from you 4x, I wouldn’t mind at all. I hope you remember what you wanted to share and will re-type it or part of it. 🙂
I tried again, but it just won’t let me post, no matter what browser I use. When I tried to cut and paste, it says ‘duplicate comment’ so it seems that it’s in there somewhere. Maybe it’ll pop up someday! :-p
That is so odd! I looked in the comments again and also in the spam folder. It’s not there. Wah! If it ever shows up, I’ll let you know.
This is exciting news! JL is an interesting person so I’m looking forward to this evolution; she must be bursting with creative ideas that are just not a good fit with the JC brand. Hope you keep us updated on her endeavors after she leaves JC. I haven’t stopped by many fashion blogs lately so it’s nice to see stuff like this pop up in my feed once in a while.
The pants look fabulous on you. So jealous you got to see Hamilton, what a treat for both of you!
Hi Diana – I agree. Jenna is very interesting beyond her design taste and aesthetic. As long as J. Crew keeps rocking that color library, I will always find something to go with things I already own.
I don’t know what to say about Hamilton. So good. So good. Lin Manuel is an incredible writer and composer. Only an Oscar away from the MacPEGOT.
So glad you took a break from your ‘sabbatical’. I’m sorry I didn’t catch it sooner.
You’re right about change, it’s the only constant:) It’s nice to hear your upbeat view. I’ve missed it.
I’m looking forward to seeing where JL and JCrew go from here. Hoping for the best.
Also appreciate the inspiration to rock the sequins. You look fabulous in those pants.
What a special treat, getting to see Hamilton. Congrats to your mom on the win!
Yeah….’sabbatical’ wasn’t used accurately. I’ve just loved the word ever since I heard it as a kid. To me it implies going out of the country and learning while relaxing. One can dream! lol
I haven’t been relaxing, but I *have* been learning quite a bit over the past year. And trying to balance my blog, work and social media. Hamilton was such a treat. Thank you!