On Thursday night, the New York Public Library’s grand halls transformed into a celebration of J.Crew’s iconic heritage and the brand’s exciting return to print with its beloved catalog. The event, a vibrant homage to the brand’s past, was a captivating blend of fashion, nostalgia, and a touch of old-world glamour.
Guests, adorned in the latest J.Crew designs, were immediately transported back in time upon entering the library. The air buzzed with excitement as they ascended the Fifth Avenue stairs, illuminated by a trail of glowing candles. Inside, the library’s iconic space was filled with a meticulously curated exhibition of J.Crew’s archival treasures, showcasing the evolution of the brand over the decades. Vintage brand tags, early aughts Polaroid stills, and fabric swatches from bygone collections offered a glimpse into the brand’s rich history, showcasing the enduring power of J.Crew’s timeless style.
The evening was a vibrant testament to the power of nostalgia. J.Crew CEO, Libby Wadle, raised a glass to the rebirth of the brand’s iconic catalog, which had been absent for seven years. “We are in the most incredible setting that appreciates, like J.Crew, the power of print,” she shared, evoking memories of her own college days and the thrill of ordering her first Barn Jacket and Roll Neck Sweater from the cherished catalog. Wadle encouraged guests to reminisce about their own personal catalog memories, a sentiment that resonated throughout the night.
In a brilliant nod to J.Crew’s enduring connection to its New York City roots, the brand resurrected the legendary La Côte Basque, a famed restaurant synonymous with sophisticated elegance and timeless appeal. Chefs Lee Hanson and Riad Nasr created a menu that paid homage to the restaurant’s iconic dishes, offering guests a taste of the past. Intimate tables, adorned with personalized J.Crew butter jars and petite baguettes, were bathed in the warm glow of shade lamps, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance. Guests savored the exquisite cuisine, indulging in caviar service, chilled lobster, and roast chicken, a feast fit for a night of celebration and remembrance.
Adding to the evening’s magic, a six-piece jazz band filled the air with classic tunes like “The Way You Look Tonight.” The musical interlude culminated in a captivating performance by Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose, who serenaded the crowd with her stunning voice. Rose received a standing ovation after delivering a powerful rendition of Sondheim’s “Somewhere,” leaving the audience spellbound.
The event drew a diverse mix of celebrities, fashion icons, and J.Crew enthusiasts. Sarah Paulson, Riley Keough, Laura Harrier, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Saarsagard, and Ella Beatty mingled with J.Crew fans BJ Novak, Bowen Yang, and J.Crew executives Libby Wadle, Brendon Babenzien, Olympia Gayot and Kevin Ulrich. The gathering felt like a reunion of friends, with guests looking as if they had stepped right out of the pages of the catalog and into real life.
As guests made their way out of the library’s grand hall, they received a special parting gift – a copy of the 2024 J.Crew catalog featuring Demi Moore on the cover and a limited-edition Fall 2024 T-shirt emblazoned with the phrase “The New Yorkers.” The message was a fitting tribute to the event’s location and the spirit of inclusivity that defines J.Crew’s brand identity. In the heart of New York City, everyone is welcome to be part of the Crew.
