While J.Crew’s women’s business has hit a few bumps in the road recently, its sister brand, Madewell, has been thriving under the leadership of its newly appointed head of design, Somsack Sikhounmuong. (Seriously, we want all of it.) Fast forward to yesterday and Sikhounmuong was named head of women’s design at J.Crew, reporting into Jenna Lyons, who holds the title of president and creative director (read: power couple). If you’ve fallen for Madewell’s recent influx of classic, sophisticated pieces, you already know a bit about Sikhounmuong. If not, here’s a crash course on the up-and-coming designer.
He's Been Devoted To Fashion Since Childhood
Sikhounmuong hoarded magazines and fantasized about becoming a designer from a young age. He attended Parsons School of Design right after high school, graduating in 1999.
Photo: Courtesy
He Worked His Way Up The Corporate Ladder
He started at J.Crew as an associate handbag designer, working his way up over the course of a decade into progressively more senior roles.
Photo: @jcrew
He's A Denim-Obsessed Minimalist
His vision for Madewell was as much about growing the denim offering as it was taking away the trendier pieces in the collection and focusing on classics instead.
Photo: @madewell1937
But He's Got A Thing For Embellishments
Sikhounmuong isn't only about clean lines all the time. He's fond of beading and embroidery in design, which he attributes to his Thai heritage.
Photo: @jcrew
He's Obsessed With French Girls Too
When asked about where he finds inspiration Sikhounmuong has cited Loulou and Lucie de la Falaise (and French girls in general) as style muses.
Photo: @madewell1937
