J.Crew looks to revive men’s brand with hiring of ‘singular talent’ in fashion

J.Crew Group has hired a streetwear design vet to breathe new energy into its menswear division.

The clothing retailer named Brendon Babenzien as creative director of J. Crew’s Men’s, effective immediately. He is the co-founder of menswear brand Noah and the former design director at Supreme, the ultra-hip streetwear brand. Babenzien spent 14 years at Supreme, where he elevated a niche skate wear brand to the global stage, according to J. Crew. 

Babenzien will work alongside J.Crew CEO Libby Wadle to redefine the iconic brand, “merging the vitality and creativity of today's style subcultures with an innovative appreciation of classic menswear,” the company said. His first full collection for the brand is scheduled to debut in the second half of 2022. 

“Brendon is a singular talent in the fashion world,” said Wadle. “His unique point of view, willingness to take risks and insider status will be invaluable to J.Crew's commitment to step outside ourselves and disrupt our brand and the industry in a progressive way." 

J. Crew Group filed for Chapter 11 in May 2020 and exited four months later, with a greatly reduced debt and new owners.