Ann Taylor
Ann Taylor is a US women's workwear brand founded in 1954 in New Haven, Connecticut. It sells suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories through its own stores and online.
| Founded | 1954, New Haven, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Founder | Richard Liebeskind |
| Brand sold | December 2020, to Premium Apparel LLC (Sycamore Partners affiliate) |
| Sister brands | Loft, Lou & Grey |
| Website | anntaylor.com |
What is Ann Taylor?
Ann Taylor is an American womenswear brand aimed at career women, offering classic-styled suits, separates, dresses, shoes and accessories.
History
Richard Liebeskind opened the first Ann Taylor store in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1954. The name came from a best-selling dress at his father's store: Liebeskind felt that Ann sounded very New England and that Taylor suggested tailored clothing. The parent company went public in May 1991 and changed its name from Ann Taylor Stores Corporation to Ann Inc. in March 2011.
Ownership
Ascena Retail Group acquired Ann Inc. in a deal completed on 21 August 2015. After Ascena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2020, the Ann Taylor brand was sold on 23 December 2020 to Premium Apparel LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners.
Distribution
The brand sells through its own stores and its website. Ann Inc. also operated the more casual Loft, the athleisure label Lou & Grey and factory and outlet formats, and launched the Infinite Style rental subscription in 2017.
Why it matters
Ann Taylor is a long-established reference in American women's workwear.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Ann Taylor from?
Ann Taylor is from the United States. The first store opened in New Haven, Connecticut, in 1954.
Who founded Ann Taylor?
Ann Taylor was founded by Richard Liebeskind, who opened the first store in 1954.