J.Crew taps Chris Benz as head of women's design

By

Jennifer Braun

Published
Feb 27, 2019

J.Crew named Chris Benz as head of women's design on Tuesday as the company enters a new chapter in hopes to revive its business. 

Benz will oversee women's design and Crewcuts, reporting into the office of the CEO.

Benz was formerly creative director at Bill Blass since 2015, but coincidentally started his first designer job in the women's department at J.Crew, following his studies at Parsons in 2004. He launched his own namesake brand in 2007.  

Meanwhile, the company is still working to replace Jim Brett who left last fall, as well as J. Crew Group Inc.'s chairman, Mickey Drexler, who retired in January. 
 
Though the brand has struggled in recent years, the group’s latest third quarter results saw its namesake brand return to growth. J.Crew saw sales jump 1 percent to $430.9 million, with comps up 4 percent, following a decrease of 13 percent in the third quarter last year.
 
Benz is known for his colourful and playful designs, which he brought to Bill Blass and his namesake line in the past. Now, it's left to see what he can do for J.Crew.