J Brand co-founder returns as creative director

J Brand co-founder Susie Crippen has returned to the premium denim brand, now owned by Fast Retailing, as creative director.

Crippen founded the LA label in 2004 with Jeff Rudes. It went on to gain a cult following for its skinny jeans and rose to global prominence on the back of the success of its skinny cargo pant, the Houlihan, which first arrived in 2010 and which has recently been reissued.

In 2010 Rudes and Crippen a majority stake to Star Avenue Capital and Crippen left the business. Rudes stayed on and two years later, Japan-based Fast Retailing, which is best known for its ownership of Uniqlo, acquired the brand. Rudes eventually left in 2014.

The Houlihan

Crippen in the meantime had set up her own label, Crippen, in 2012 but had closed it earlier this year. In a statement published on WWD, Crippen said: “To return after seven years and be part of Fast Retailing, whose mission is intrinsically in line with the essence of J Brand, is an extraordinary opportunity.”

“The global market has changed dramatically over the last few years and J Brand occupies an essential place in that market. I love and believe in this brand, and I know the possibilities are limitless,” she added.