Jenna Lyons spotted out with girlfriend after J.Crew exit
Just weeks after announcing her departure from J.Crew, designer Jenna Lyons is enjoying some much-deserved time off.
The 48-year-old revealed earlier this month that she was leaving the brand after working their for 26 years, climbing up the ranks to become creative director and president.
On Sunday, she was spotted relaxing and enjoying the weekend, walking hand-in-hand with her longtime girlfriend Courtney Crangi, 43, in New York City.
On vacay: Jenna Lyons was seen in New York City walking hand-in-hand with her partner Courtney Crangi
Bye! The 48-year-old, who announced earlier this month that she was leaving J.Crew after 26 years, flashed some side boob in a low-cut pink jumpsuit
Style: Jenna accessorized her ensemble with some brown leather sandals, a leopard-print clutch, and a lime green umbrella, while Courtney looked laid-back in a pair of distressed jeans
How low can you go? Jenna' s Pepto Bismol-pink ensemble was unbuttoned down to her waist
Always flaunting her unique and iconic sense of style, Jenna was wearing a light pink jumpsuit, which hung open in the front and revealed that she appeared to be braless underneath.
She accessorized with brown sandals and a leopard clutch, holding onto a clear umbrella in preparation for a spot of rain that came down in the afternoon.
Jenna held hands with her partner Courtney, who was dressed in ripped jeans, an oversized denim jacket, and booties. Courtney has a fashion background herself, and is a partner in her brother's jewelry label Philip Crangi.
The two had been dating for a year before they publicly acknowledged their relationship in November 2012.
Long weekend: On Saturday she was out and about by herself in a pair of star-print jeans
Busy bee: She was seen texting while balancing a coat over her shoulders
Recognizable: Jenna was also wearing her signature black frames
A few months later, Jenna told V Magazine how great it was to have Courtney there to support her no matter what she did.
'For me the best thing is knowing that someone really has your back,' she said. 'Like no matter what happens, she has my best interests at heart. I think there are a few moments in life where that actually happens and that feels, like, completely true and real.'
Surely Courtney has lent her support as Jenna's career has entered a transitional phase this month. In early April, she shared the news that she would be stepping down from J.Crew.
'I am excited about the next chapter for J.Crew as well as the opportunity for other creative leaders within the organisation to step up and take on new responsibilities,' she said in a statement, according to Business of Fashion.
The end of an era: Earlier this month, announced that she is leaving J.Crew after 26 years at the helm of the popular brand, following declining 2016 sales
Head of the brand: During her first decade running the brand, she tripled its sales
Leaving seems to be bittersweet for Jenna, who also holds a position on the CFDA's Board of Directors.
'It has been beyond my wildest dreams to work with such an amazing team of people at such an incredible brand and alongside Mickey [Drexler, chief executive of the brand] — one of retail's most talented visionaries,' she added.
'Having spent the better part of my life with J.Crew, I feel an immense pride and love for everyone at the company.'
Taking her place is Somsack Sikhounmuong, formerly the head of design, as well as the leader of Madewell. He has been promoted to chief design officer.
Jenna, meanwhile, has not announced whether she will be moving to another brand as of yet.
Tastemaker: She has also become a major personality in the fashion industry (picture with, left to right: Ivanka Trump, Carolina Herrera, Anna Wintour, Donna Karan, Claire Danes)
'Jenna and I got together and we both agreed it was time for a change,' Dexler explained.
'Somsack and our design teams have a deep understanding of the aesthetic and style our customers rely on us to deliver, with a proven track record of driving creative vision in-line with our brand DNA.'
J.Crew has seen a decline in sales lately, down 6 per cent from 2015 to 2016. Sales at brick-and-mortar shops declined 8 per cent.
Next in line: Jenna will be succeeded by Somsack Sikhounmuong, formerly the head of design and leader of Madewell
Jenna, though, is credited with majorly growing the brand during her tenure. From 2003 to 2013, the brand's revenue tripled, and J.Crew became a cult favorite.
She was also often seen as more than just a designer, becoming a media personality in her own right.
'Everyone from industry professionals to the younger generation of bloggers is crazy about her sense of style,' Marie Claire editor Nina Garcia told New York magazine. 'Jenna has mastered the art of the high-low mix.'
That mastery is what propelled her to the top position at a company she started working at straight out of Parsons in 1990. She began as 'assistant to an assistant to someone else’s assistant', she told Fast Company, and slowly but surely made her way through the ranks.
It wasn't until Drexler became CEO in 2003 that Jenna became a big player at the brand, and in 2010 she was given the top job of director and president. Together, they transformed J.Crew into the mega-brand it is today.
Jenna is also the genius behind the J.Crew Style Guide, an updated version of the brand's catalog — which now devotes more pages to style and editorial content.