Taeste Buddies: Olympia Gayot
J.Crew's creative director on vintage shopping, packing for travel, and the success of the barn jacket.
Welcome to another edition of Taeste Buddies. It’s a bi-weekly interview series that explores the idea of taste: How it’s shaped by our identities and spurred by our creativity. Each edition I chat with someone whose taste I admire, whether as a friend or from afar.
I’ve been a J.Crew girl since I was a teen. In high school, I’d drag my aunt to J.Crew where I’d buy cargo pants, flats, and tanks for layering. For the interview that got me my very first job at Popsugar, I was wearing a J.Crew sheath dress. Olympia Gayot, who took the helm as creative director in 2021, has breathed a new life into the brand. She’s brought so many cool brands into the J.Crew wheelhouse, simply because they’re what she wears IRL (more on that later). Here she shares more about her personal style, travel, and her under-the-radar love of tea.
How do you define taste? What makes "good" taste?
Taste is closely tied to personal style—someone who confidently embraces and lives their own unique style truly reflects good taste. It’s about owning who you are and expressing it authentically.
What shaped your personal style or sense of taste?
From a very young age, I’ve always been attracted to style; not only style, but the world surrounding it. There isn’t a singular moment that would define my personal taste—rather it is more of a patchwork of memories, experiences, and images that collectively make my style what it is today.
My mother in the ‘80s driving me to school in a pair of ripped Levi’s and a fringe jacket. Going to Saint Tropez as a teenager and seeing how the French girls did it. The Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis grunge collection. Virgin Suicides and Lost in Translation. The energy of style surrounding Sofia Coppola. Stella McCartney for Chloe. Moving to NY in 2000 and being in the epicenter of street style ever since. Of course, designing for J.Crew and understanding the roots of Americana. All of these moments have such an impact on my personal style.
What’s a favorite closet staple you’ve worn recently?
I’ve worn and loved the J.Crew Heritage Barn Jacket for years, and this year felt like the perfect time to really bring it back into the spotlight. Originally designed and trademarked by J.Crew in 1984, this jacket has evolved over time with new proportions, colors, and fabrics. The one I’m wearing is from last fall, and I had it custom embellished at New York Embroidery for a party we hosted at the New York Public Library during Fashion Week.
[Aemilia: read my story on the Barn Jacket for Refinery29 here]
Shop It:
J.Crew barn jacket ($198)
Toteme cotton jacket ($930)
LL Bean vintage chore coat ($39 via Ebay)
Where do you think your sense of taste comes from?
For me, it’s instinct—if something sparks joy and resonates with me, it becomes part of my taste. It’s about what feels right in the moment, not overthinking it. The collection of those moments, those little sparks, is what shapes my style and how I express myself.
How has your work inspired or informed your personal style?
When you work for a brand, you get into character and design through its lens—that’s the most exciting part of being a designer. I wouldn’t call myself preppy, but after my time at J.Crew, I’ve definitely embraced some of that style. I love mixing classics with other elements to make them my own, blending the timeless with the unexpected. It’s all about finding that balance between tradition and individuality, and playing with textures, colors, and shapes to keep things fresh.
As a creative director who also is a figurehead for the brand you work for, how do you create the space to differentiate your work identity and work style from your style in your time off? How does social media play into that?
My work style is pretty pulled together out of necessity—speed, ease, and what needs to get done. I lean into suiting, blazers, and lady jackets because they boost confidence, especially in business settings where serious conversations happen. With my design team, I keep it more classic and casual.
As a designer, I'm just inundated with so much fashion that it's easier for me to have a uniform sometimes. I end up in a suit or a button down, or some of these more menswear inspired pieces. Jewelry is always a big thing that I feel like just really helps to elevate the look. I love costume jewelry.
Outside the office, it depends on the season. I have two active little boys, so weekends are about comfort with style—vintage jeans, a J.Crew cashmere sweater, and sneakers for running around. In summer, I go for a more ethereal, feminine vibe with lots of color. I definitely lean into untraditional office wear, but items like blazers and suiting still give me that confidence for business. For me, clothing can be really transformative—it’s amazing how what we wear can completely shift our mindset and how we’re perceived.
Besides J.Crew, what are some of the brands you love?
I love Maryam Nassir Zadeh, Christopher John Rogers, Savette, Eckhaus Latta, and Maria McManus. There are so many incredible independent NY brands I mix in with my J.Crew wardrobe. Too many to mention, but I’m so inspired by all of them. I’m constantly fascinated by the ever-changing industry and love seeing what creatives come up with.
What do you wear or use the most?
My wedding ring is the one piece of jewelry I wear every day. My collection is from Repossi—I started with a single diamond band and have since added more. They're stackable, casual enough to wear with anything, yet their unique design sets them apart from a traditional wedding band.
Shop It: Repossi diamond rose gold ring ($2800)
What’s an outfit that represents your personal style?
I’m a Gemini, so my style changes based on the weather and how I’m feeling that day. I wouldn’t say I have one specific style, but there are certain guidelines I follow that shape my personal aesthetic. I love creating wardrobe tension—it makes the classic pieces I enjoy feel unexpected.
I’m drawn to contrasting textures, mixing masculine and feminine elements, and pairing hard with soft. I also love blending J.Crew with ready-to-wear. For example, I might pair a casual canvas barn jacket with a laminated pencil skirt (both from J.Crew), which, surprisingly, can feel quite sexy. I’ll finish the look with my structured Prada handbag, Loro Piana Rebecca ballet flats with a modern toe shape, and a pair of Thistles sunglasses.
What’s the most recent photo you took that inspires you?
When I was in LA, I had the opportunity to visit Roger Herman’s studio, where we spent a few hours discussing his process and looking at all the pieces he’s currently working on. Afterward, we drove over to Peter Shire’s studio—another LA art icon. I'm a huge fan and collector of both of their work, so it was an incredibly inspiring day!
What was the last great thing you purchased?
A large vintage bottle-green ashtray from Desert Vintage.
[Aemilia’s note: Desert Vintage is featured in my Tucson guide too!].
Outside of fashion, what is something that inspires or excites you?
Art is definitely a big part of my life. I try to see as much as I can—it fills my cup and feels meditative. I used to paint, and while I don’t have much time for that now, I still love to sketch.
My kids are at an age where they’re really into drawing, so we all do that together on the weekends, which I absolutely love—it’s such a beautiful form of expression. I also love to travel. It’s endlessly inspiring and brings new perspectives to my work.
I’m excited to go to Milan in July, a quick moment in Athens, and then off to Hydra with my family. Hydra is such a beautiful, creative, and cleansing place. Days are slow and magical. I’m able to really unwind, wear next to nothing, and find the physical and mental space to tap into creativity.
I can't deal with the big suitcase on vacation. I just roll up all my clothes. I usually have a white, beautiful silk pant and a white tank top. You think you're gonna want to wear all this crazy stuff on vacation, but at the end of the day, you end up with the simplest pieces.
What’s something unexpected you have really good taste in?
Yoga classes, tea, and perfume. I’ve always been drawn to the quiet, mindful aspects of life, so I spend a lot of time curating these things. For yoga, I gravitate toward classes that focus on both physical movement and mental clarity—those that blend strength with calmness, which really help me reset.
As for tea, I love finding unique blends that have a balance of flavors and perfume is a big one too; I’m really particular about scents that feel personal, not too heavy but complex and lasting. I love the brand Mariage Freres— particularly the Earl Gray French Blue tea. With perfume, the occasion and location sets the tone; Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land, Gypsy Water, and Velvet Haze for the city. D.S. & Durga Cowboy Grass for upstate. Celine Parade for evening.
What’s an image that represents you right now?
This photo of my house upstate really represents me at the moment.nIt’s the perfect place for inspiration—my kids can connect with nature, I get to unwind with yoga, and we all spend quality time together as a family. It truly captures what’s important to me right now.
We’ve had the house for around 7 years—since my oldest son was 2. My husband and I designed the space while preserving the integrity of the incredible home. We go up in the spring, summer, and fall as much as we can and occasionally in the winter when it’s a really snowy weekend!
What’s most precious to you?
My children! This picture was taken by my husband (@mattblackstudio) during our vacation last year. Raising two little humans really gives me perspective on life and reminds me to embrace joy and lightness. They inspire me daily to be my best self and find joy in the little things.
Can you share a few recommendations that you’re excited about?
Front General in Dumbo is one of my favorite spots—it’s a treasure trove for unique finds, from home goods to textiles.
Carla Sozzani [of 10 Corso Como] is someone I find mega inspiring; her approach to style and design is always fresh and thoughtful.
Carla and Franca Sozzani For reading, I’m a huge fan of The Paris Review—such a timeless source of creativity and insight—and The Travel Almanac, which is full of inspiring travel stories. I’m a big magazine person, so I’m always hunting for new reads that spark ideas and new perspectives, whether it’s a bookstore, a magazine, or a vintage piece on eBay.
An icon! Loved this peak at her sources of inspiration and interpretation of personal style
FANTASTIC!