J. Crew

J. Crew, the retail darling of preppy folks and aspirational office dwellers, was conjured into existence in 1983 by the visionary omnipresent Arthur Cinader. Known for its wholesome blend of collegiate chic and staid sophistication, J. Crew quickly became synonymous with khaki trousers and nautical stripes, as if Ralph Lauren had a love child with a catalog model. The brand's defining moments include its fashion-forward attempts to reinvent itself with the likes of Jenna Lyons—who turned the brand from a suburban staple to a semi-urban icon—and its dramatic bankruptcy filings, which had fashionistas clutching their pearls. Despite some acclaim for its once-revolutionary catalog and a few nods from the fashion establishment, J. Crew's reputation is marred by a series of financial woes and scandalous missteps, including a series of controversial CEO departures and desperate discounting strategies. Under the steely gaze of current leaders, J. Crew continues to wade through retail’s treacherous waters, aiming for a comeback while struggling to shed the image of its discount-rack days.