A Lesson In Classics From J. Crew

When it comes to classics, J. Crew is at the top of its class. The brand takes preppy chic to a whole new level by doing what most mass-retail peers have failed to do—turn the old into the new, again and again, season after season.

The brand, which began as a mail-order catalog in 1983, is undergoing a colorful revival thanks in part to Mickey Drexler's redesign. Since the Gap veteran became CEO of J. Crew in 2003, he has revamped the brand's image by moving production to the same high-end factories used by Coach, Prada and Oscar de la Renta, using textiles from revered Italian mills and selvedge denim made from antique looms in Japan. This attention to affordable luxury has been a major contributor to the brand's growing esteem among fashion connoisseurs on a budget, giving it the same cachet Rugby received when Ralph Lauren launched it four years ago.

In recent years, J. Crew has broadened its appeal by expanding into other categories—among other ongoing efforts, they launched Madewell, a lower-priced casual women's line, two years ago. The brand maintains its prestige, however, by creating scarcity and paying attention to details. For their first mens-only store, which opened in the old Liquor Store bar in TriBeCa this summer, the brand teamed up with Andy Spade to present a well-curated selection of exclusive and limited edition pieces, including precision-tailored shirts by Thomas Mason and vintage Rolexes. As with Rugby, fashionistas are now trekking to stock up on such limited pieces. Some of these items are now available in their high-end Collection line, which also includes chic luggage pieces from Globe-Trotter and silk flowers from Dulken & Derrick. A brick and mortar Collection store will open on Madison and 79th Street later this year.

J. Crew's success is based on the understanding that with the right details—whether that be brightening up colors, cropping a fit or personalizing the retail experience—an old staple can become a season must-have. A lesson well learned.

—Mengly Taing