Madewell is a U.S. apparel brand best known for denim, everyday apparel and accessories. Today the brand is owned by J.Crew Group, LLC (the parent company of J.Crew, J.Crew Factory and Madewell).
After J.Crew’s 2020 restructuring, control of the parent shifted to a lender group led by Anchorage Capital Group, and the company has remained privately held under that ownership structure.
Although Madewell traces its name to a 1930s workwear label, the current brand was revived by J.Crew: J.Crew acquired the Madewell trademark in 2004 and launched the modern women’s line in 2006, later expanding to men’s and lifestyle categories.
The brand focuses on denim first, complemented by knits, dresses, leather goods and accessories aimed at a casual-cool aesthetic. As of mid-2025, J.Crew Group says it operates 150+ Madewell stores in the U.S., alongside a large e-commerce business.
Ownership Status of Madewell
| Shareholder / Owner | Ownership Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| J.Crew Group, LLC | 100% of the Madewell brand | Madewell is one of J.Crew Group’s operating brands (along with J.Crew and J.Crew Factory). |
| Post-reorg owners of J.Crew Group | Undisclosed (private) | Following the 2020 reorganization, a lender group led by Anchorage Capital Group took control; financing partners included GSO/Blackstone Credit and Davidson Kempner. |
Madewell itself is not a standalone public company; it sits inside the privately held J.Crew Group.
About the Owner(s)
J.Crew Group, LLC (Parent) — Headquartered in New York, J.Crew Group operates three primary banners: J.Crew, J.Crew Factory, and Madewell.
The group emerged from Chapter 11 in September 2020 with a cleaned-up balance sheet and Anchorage Capital Group becoming the majority owner through a debt-to-equity swap. Since then, J.Crew Group has continued to run Madewell as a core growth engine.
Management over Madewell — The parent’s chief executive is Libby Wadle (CEO of J.Crew Group). In September 2023, retail veteran Adrienne Lazarus was appointed President of Madewell, reporting to Wadle, to sharpen product, merchandising and brand execution.
Recent Developments in Ownership
Madewell’s ownership narrative ran in tandem with its parent’s capital structure:
- 2019–2020 IPO attempt (canceled): J.Crew Group pursued a spin-off/IPO of Madewell in 2019, but the plan was shelved as market conditions deteriorated and J.Crew prepared for a restructuring in early 2020. Madewell remained within J.Crew Group.
- May–Sept 2020 restructuring: J.Crew filed Chapter 11 in May 2020 and emerged in September 2020, with Anchorage Capital Group becoming majority owner and financing provided by a group including GSO/Blackstone Credit and Davidson Kempner. Madewell continued to operate under the reorganized private parent.
- 2024–2025 status: J.Crew Group remains private; leadership has emphasized brand rebuilding and growth rather than near-term sale plans. Madewell continues to be a key pillar inside the group.
FAQs
Q: Who is the current owner of Madewell?
J.Crew Group, LLC owns Madewell. Post-restructuring in 2020, Anchorage Capital Group led the lender group that took ownership of the parent.
Q: Is Madewell publicly traded or privately owned?
Madewell is privately owned because it is part of J.Crew Group, a private company. The brand itself is not listed on a stock exchange.
Q: Who founded Madewell?
The original Madewell name dates to 1937 as a workwear company. The modern Madewell brand you see today was acquired and relaunched by J.Crew (trademark acquired 2004, relaunch 2006).
Q: Has Madewell’s ownership changed recently?
No direct change to Madewell itself. The key shift was in 2020 when J.Crew’s ownership moved to a lender group led by Anchorage Capital, and Madewell remained within the reorganized parent.
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