In case you missed it, CNBC recently profiled CEO Millard “Mickey” Drexler, the retail guru who got millions to fall into the GAP and wear Banana Republic, and who reimagined Ann Taylor.  Drexler is most recently behind the mega-success of J. Crew (their revenue was up $1.9 billion in 2011).   J. Crew and the Man Who Dressed America was hosted by David Faber and featured commentary from none other than Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

Little known fact (even to a J. Crewaholic like me) : J. Crew began as the Popular Club Plan in 1947 and debuted as J.Crew outfitters in 1983.  Drexler even helped launch the Apple stores and is on the board of Apple.  Once considered the poor man’s Ralph Lauren,  now the clothes are “like a triple decker sundae” gushed company President and Executive Creative Director Jenna Lyons.  Drexler was quite outspoken about getting the boot from the GAP, and even addressed current customer complaints and issues with fabrication and design, which are often featured on blogs such as J. Crew Aficionada. 

Drexler also revealed that Jackie O served as his imaginary muse, particularly during his tenure at Ann Taylor.  He said he’d ask himself, “Would Jackie like this?”.  It is easy to see that Drexler understands the finer points of retailing and appealing to the consumer; no detail is left to chance, and J.Crew’s painstaking attention to detail means its clothes wind up on the back of  even the First Lady of the United States.

See Drexler’s take on design HERE.

Image via CNBC