Millard “Mickey” Drexler Ventures

Millard “Mickey” Drexler popularized Gap T-shirts and khakis in the 1990s while spearheading J.Crew Group’s turnaround, before stepping down as chairman in 2017. However, he remains active as an advisor to both CEO and board of directors of both organizations.

At 76, Somsack Sikhounmuong is back in control, leading Alex Mill–the clothing brand his son established with Somsack Sikhounmuong and which creates classic updates like $150 Oxford button-down shirts.

Early Life and Education

As a young boy, Millard “Mickey” Drexler lived in poverty. His mother worked full-time in garment district button buying to support their family while managing her illness.

Retail macher David Drexler–known for his tenures at Ann Taylor, Gap and Bloomingdale’s–has become famous for creating clothing people want to wear and developing iconic brands that become cultural symbols. He currently serves as Chairman of Outdoor Voices activewear brand as well as investing in companies through Drexler Ventures.

But despite his success, this 62-year-old from the Bronx still considers himself just a regular guy from that neighborhood. When anyone needs assistance he is quick to pick up the phone or meet for coffee; additionally he mentors staff while prioritizing personal relationships.

Professional Career

Mickey Drexler knows how to build and merchandize brands – whether that means selling $500 men’s cashmere blazers or $395 dresses. As former CEO of J Crew and creator of Madewell, he revolutionized contemporary American style – elevating mall giant J Crew into more upmarket niches before spinning off Madewell as its own independent retailer.

At Gap, the “merchant prince” engineered its transformation in the 1990s into an international lifestyle brand by founding Old Navy and Gap Kids – going from discount jeans emporium to international arbiter of style with sales topping $14 billion at one point! After an abrupt sales slump led to his departure in 2002 due to a sales dip he went on to run Alex Mill – his son’s fashion startup founded in 2012. Additionally he remains involved as an investor, board member or chairman with Warby Parker as well as Outdoor Voices as chairman for all three ventures!

Achievement and Honors

Millard “Mickey” Drexler is an iconic retail entrepreneur. He helped turn around Gap, founded Old Navy and led J.Crew Group into becoming an influential fashion brand. Additionally, in 2006 he established Madewell which now oversees an impressive portfolio including activewear maker Outdoor Voices and Warby Parker.

He hails from Houston and, alongside Hakeem Olajuwon, co-led the University of Houston men’s basketball team to two consecutive NCAA Final Four championships in the 1980s as part of an elite duo known as Phi Slamma Jamma duo.

Drexler remains invested in J.Crew and serves as board chairman, while exploring other investments through Drexler Ventures – board membership of Outdoor Voices and Warby Parker are among his pursuits.

Personal Life

Millard Drexler, commonly known by his nickname Mickey, was an iconic retail figure who popularized Gap T-shirts and khakis during the 90s and helped turn around J. Crew in the 2000s. Following his departure from Gap in 2002, Mickey established Madewell as an offshoot brand which is widely credited with shaping contemporary American casual style.

At Alex Mill headquarters in SoHo, which covers an area of 6,000 square feet and employs 23 staffers, Mr. Drexler organizes focus groups and asks his staff members about which styles and colors will sell best. He consults with both his son, CEO of the apparel company, as well as Somsack Sikhounmuong on design and marketing matters.

As well as his role at Alex Mill, the 77-year-old owns and manages an expansive real estate portfolio and Montana moose ranch. Additionally, he and his wife own homes in both the Hamptons and Tribeca in New York City – plus apartments on Park Avenue!

Net Worth

Clyde Drexler has not only amassed significant wealth through his NBA career but has also amassed wealth through various business ventures that has allowed him to amass an estimated net worth of $35 Million as of 2023.

Entrepreneur and fashion brand founder Alex Mill, founded in 2013, serves as its CEO. Prior to that he held positions at Gap and J.Crew Group as CEOs as well as founding Old Navy.

Drexler is not only known for running his successful fashion empire, but is also an avid investor in real estate investments including Tribeca properties and Montauk properties. Additionally, he and Peggy – an author and research psychologist – are parents to Alex; currently they reside in Houston Texas.