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Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.

J.Crew: How to Build an ‘Ageless’ Brand

As the four-decade-old American retailer projects record sales this year, CEO Libby Wadle unpacks how she and her design team were able to win back alienated customers for the BoF-McKinsey State of Fashion 2025.
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J.Crew CEO Libby Wadle unpacks how she and her design team were able to turn around the retailer. (J.Crew )

When J.Crew emerged from bankruptcy in 2020, the American brand known for cable knit crewnecks and slim-fitting suits was at an existential crossroads.

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Further Reading

The State of Fashion 2025: Challenges at Every Turn

The ninth annual State of Fashion report by McKinsey & Company and BoF Insights, The Business of Fashion’s data and advisory team, reveals that economic and geopolitical challenges, combined with shifts in customer values, will define a turbulent year ahead. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will shape the industry and the opportunities for growth in 2025.

About the author
Cathaleen Chen
Cathaleen Chen

Cathaleen Chen is Retail Editor at The Business of Fashion. She is based in New York and drives BoF’s coverage of the retail and direct-to-consumer sectors.

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