From haute fashion to hot mess: The rise and fall of J Crew

New York

HAS the great fashion experiment at J. Crew come to an end? On Monday, the downward spiral of the company that catapulted to trendsetting prominence on the back of Michelle Obama claimed its highest-profile head with the news that Jenna Lyons, officially president and executive creative director of the brand, and unofficially its public face, would be leaving.

The parting was a mutual decision by Lyons and Millard S Drexler, J Crew chairman and chief executive. She will continue as a creative adviser until her contract runs out in December, but will not be replaced. Instead, Somsack Sikhounmuong, head of women's design, will become chief design officer, with responsibility for womenswear, menswear and children's wear (Crewcuts). Unlike Lyons, however, he will not oversee brand image, store design or marketing. He and other teams will report directly to Mr Drexler.