PARIS — Asked whom he sees as J. Crew’s main competitors in Paris as the American brand sets its first boutique in the Marais district, Millard “Mickey” Drexler didn’t hesitate for one second. “Anyone with a sewing machine,” he replied. Yet J. Crew Group Inc.’s chairman and chief executive is sanguine, convinced word-of-mouth will propel J. Crew’s fortunes in a capital he equates with style. “Part of getting well-known is having a presence. Hopefully, people who shop here will tell their friends to shop here,” he said in an interview Wednesday, seated under a grand skylight at the center of the 1,800-square-foot women’s unit at 12 Rue Malher, previously the home of a L’Eclaireur men’s shop. “I think we’ll become a destination for fashion customers.” The retailer brightened up the space by exposing pale stone previously hidden behind walls, employing mainly blonde woods for floors and racks and using white marble and antique brass for tables laden with books, reclining mannequins and folded apparel. Gallery posters, a mirrored artwork spelling out “Take Me, I’m Yours” and quirky Dr. Seuss-worthy fur sculptures add a whimsical touch and echo the range of colors and patterns winking from the rails. J. Crew plans to follow up with a
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