J.Crew & “Mickey” Drexler: The Man Who Dressed America

I caught a repeat of the CNBC profile of J.Crew Chairman and CEO, Milliard “Mickey” Drexler. The program, hosted by reporter David Faber, documents Drexler’s 40 years as a fearless pioneer in the retail-clothing business. Dubbed “The King of Retail,” Drexler is famous for his revolutionary work at The Gap/Banana Republic/Old Navy and now as head of J.Crew. With its retail and outlet stores, plus online and catalog (now known as the “style guide") presence, J.Crew seems to be in extremely capable hands.

Never one to skimp on quality or details, the program not only shows J.Crew’s New-York headquarters, but follows Faber and Drexler to the Albini fabric supplier (and its amazing archives room) in Bergamo, Italy, where fabrics for J.Crew’s Thomas Mason Collection are made. The result: a $135 men’s dress shirt.

(Sidebar: J.Crew’s site breaks down their Ludlow Suit collection into different looks, from formal to more casual. Their wool flannel suit jacket and tailored dress shirt, paired with dark jeans and topped off with a bowtie and a pocket square is the epitome of a smart, clean look.)

When not in Italy, he's doing a store walk-through:

And what happens before that polka-dotted dress or any other article or accessory makes it way into the store? It's in the hands of Jenna Lyons, President and Executive Creative Director. Lyons, even in a floral blouse and knee-length skirt, isn’t afraid to get on the floor to sort through samples to get the right look on a mannequin, before it goes on a model, and before it’s featured in their “style guide,” which is still seen as a revenue-driver.

This fascinating documentary confirms how talented, experienced, dedicated people can reinvigorate a muted brand, taking it from bland to bright. It serves as a reminder that not every retailer is destined for the proverbial “clearance rack.” BSo