J. Crew's Longtime Fashion Designer Will Leave Beleaguered Chain
- Madewell veteran Somsack Sikhounmuong will become design chief
- Preppy retailer has suffered from declining sales, heavy debt
Jenna Lyons
Photographer: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for GlamourJ. Crew Group Inc. executive Jenna Lyons, who provided the preppy apparel chain’s creative vision for years, will be stepping down from the ailing company.
Lyons, J. Crew’s president and executive creative director, will depart when her contract expires in December, the company said on Monday. Somsack Sikhounmuong, who currently oversees women’s design, will be elevated immediately to chief design officer, heading up the teams that handle men’s, women’s and kids’ clothing.