Olympia Gayot, J.Crew’s head of women’s and kids design, knows a thing or two about color. Prior to joining J.Crew in 2010, Gayot attended the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she studied fine art and painting. After graduating, Gayot painted commissions and simultaneously designed and styled for brands on the side.
Gayot brings her love of art and color composition into designing bold trousers, coats, and everything in between at J.Crew. “I’m always going to gallery openings or shows to keep myself interested in what’s going on and aware of what’s happening in the contemporary world,” Gayot said.
Not only does Gayot bring her artistic eye to design, but she’s also always thinking ahead when it comes to what’s going to inspire the next season’s collection. “I wish I could say it was one or two things that inspire me, but it’s really just so many different things, ” Gayot said. “It’s about connecting those dots together and creating a story.” In the latest episode of Who What Wear With Hillary Kerr, Gayot shares how she landed at J.Crew, the pieces that were her favorite to design, and more.
For excerpts from the interview, scroll below.
