With Libby Wadle at the helm, Madewell has become the jewel of the J.Crew Group. A longtime J.Crew exec and part of the original Madewell team, Wadle was named president of the brand two years ago, taking its CEO reins this past April.

Madewell has grown steadily under her leadership, opening new stores even when its parent company was closing its own. As J.Crew readies an IPO for the millennial-loved brand, Madewell is championing both sustainability and new partnerships. It’s committed to a long-term relationship with Fair Trade USA; has teamed with Isko and Candiani Denim through its Responsible Sourcing program; and collaborated with eco-star Christy Dawn for a new collection made entirely out of deadstock.

During WWD Retail 2030 earlier this year, Wadle described these alliances as an important part of the brand’s DNA. “We think our Madewell customer expects a sense of discovery when she comes to us,” she said. “Our foundation is jeans but she really does expect that element of surprise.”