For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

For more updates about the The BoF 500 subscribe to the Daily Digest newsletter

{alt missing}

Mickey Drexler

CEO, Alex Mill

Hailed as the ‘man who dressed America,’ he turned around multiple mass brands like the Gap before transforming J. Crew into a cult hit.

Biography

The hard-charging, Bronx-born Millard "Mickey" Drexler, is currently serving as the chief executive of clothing brand Alex Mill, started by his son Alexander Drexler.

The former chairman and chief executive of J. Crew from 2002 to 2019, transformed the once-staid retailer into one of America's most coveted and successful apparel brands, famously worn by the country's fashion-savvy former first lady Michelle Obama. He also founded retail chain Madewell during his tenure at J.Crew.

Drexler began his career in the mid-1980s, following an MBA from Boston University's Graduate School of Management, serving as merchandising vice president at Abraham & Straus in Brooklyn, New York. Brief tenures in department stores such as Macy’s and Bloomingdales followed and in 1980, Drexler was hired to lead Ann Taylor, a mid-market American womenswear brand that had incurred significant losses. Drexler’s savvy business acumen revitalised the brand in three years, making it the go-to store for working women around America.

In 1983, Gap founder Donald Fisher recruited Drexler to oversee the company's portfolio of brands. Starting with the basics, Drexler ordered the rethink of merchandising strategies, store layouts and marketing campaigns — all to impressive effect. While at Gap, Drexler founded Old Navy. Drexler was abruptly fired by Fischer in 2002.

Drexler was director on the board of Apple from 1999 to 2016. In 2013 he joined the board of eyewear start-up Warby Parker and in 2017 became chairman of the board of Outdoor Voices, one of the brands he has invested in with his namesake ventures arm. 

In 2017 Drexler became an investor and advisor at Alex Mill, founded in 2012 by his son Alexander Drexler as a maker of men's shirts. In 2019 the brand Alex Mill was relaunched, adding womenswear. The brand also named Somsack Sikhounmuong as its creative director and designer. In 2021 Drexler became the chief executive of the brand.

Career

J.Crew Group, Inc.

J.Crew Group, Inc.

Chief Executive

2003 - 2019

New York, United States

Apple Inc.

Apple Inc.

Cupertino, California

Education

University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo

Boston University Graduate School of Management

Boston University Graduate School of Management

Vital Statistics

Born
17 August 1944
Nationality

United States

Location
United States
Member since
2013

Similar Profiles

Angela Ahrendts

Outgoing Senior Vice President of Retail and Online Stores, Apple Inc.

Jenna Lyons

Former President & Creative Director, J.Crew

Burak Cakmak

Chief Executive Officer, Fashion Commission of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture

Jonathan Ive

Former Chief Design Officer, Apple


What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.