American brand J.Crew has come a long way from its humble origins as a fashion catalogue, and now counts the likes of US first lady Michelle Obama and actress Gwyneth Paltrow among its followers.

With creative director Jenna Lyons at the helm, it has become one of the most talked about labels of the season.

J. Crew was in town last week for the launch of its latest collection in Lane Crawford's stores. Lyons and J.Crew Group chairman and chief executive Millard Drexler flew in from New York for the event on Thursday at Lane Crawford's Central store. Local fashion-lovers, celebrities and bloggers later attended a gala dinner hosted by the brand at The Principal restaurant in Wan Chai.