Kate, over at Look Book NYC, recently had the pleasure of attending a lecture where she heard J.Crew CEO, Mickey Drexler speak.

I contacted her about writing a review of the lecture. She was kind enough to write the following piece. It is a real treat. Enjoy!

In walks Mickey Drexler.  He is dressed in jeans, white button down and a blue pinstripe sports coat, watch secured around the cuff of his shirt.  Immediately warm and inviting, he started with “What do you want me to talk about?”  No notes, slides or handouts, just Mickey… off the cuff.

Jumping from topic to topic, he touched on many subjects in response to a question that was sometimes answered and sometimes not- but interesting nonetheless.  He dabbled a bit in what his day was like up until this point, name-dropping about his friends or his lunch meeting, in a way of explaining that he asks everyone he meets what they think about the economy and where it’s headed. His interest in others’ opinions doesn’t rest solely in the rich and famous.  He seemed genuinely eager to get feedback from those of us in the room as well, inquiring: “What do you think?” “Who has worked in retail?” “Who shops at J Crew?” or “Who’s heard of Madewell?”

As he spoke about J Crew, or his day, or his position on the board of Apple, his hands gestured wildly and eyes grew wide to make a point.  Two topics in particular seemed to light him up:  The Liquor Store and Madewell.

Though skittish about expansion, believing scarcity is the key to fashion, one real estate venture he can get behind is the opening of the The Liquor Store in Tribeca, NYC.  The first men’s only store for J Crew.  I must admit I was on the anti-J Crew side when it was replacing my favorite bar but after hearing Mickey speak about it, I can’t wait to pay it a visit.   The Liquor Store caters to men with taste, looking to provide an alternative to the ultra expensive suit or dress shirt.  Micky’s recent obsession with the suit has resulted in The Tribeca Suit being a big seller in the 4 weeks since Liquor Store opened.

Madewell, is a name known for sturdy, reliable workwear and so it’s no surprise Mickey has capitalized on the brand, creating a casual line of pants and shirts that are already gaining buzz.  Hollywood is hot on the shirts and the Rail Straight jeans are flying off the rack.

Oh and did I mention he’s on the board of Apple?  Smart guy.

-Kate @ www.lookbooknyc.com