Introducing: Ann Taylor at the Eaton Centre, the first international store from the women’s office-wear brand
Introducing: Ann Taylor at the Eaton Centre, the first international store from the women’s office-wear brand
By Frances McInnis | November 1, 2012
By Frances McInnis | 11/01/2012
Women’s office-wear retailers are battling it out on the third floor of the Eaton Centre: international chains J.Crew and Massimo Dutti both recently opened outposts there, and U.S. retailer Ann Taylor launched its first international store along the same corridor early last month (that’s in addition to the existing Club Monaco and Banana Republic locations). Ann Taylor is generally thought to be stodgier than the other two new brands, which probably compete more directly with its more casual spinoff, Ann Taylor Loft. However, the the well-constructed suits, separates, accessories and shoes are hipper—and the clientele younger—than its reputation would suggest.
That’s because Ann Taylor underwent an image revamp a few years ago that saw Lisa Axelson, formerly of Club Monaco, take over as lead designer. Her influence is evident in the sleek blazers, pencil skirts and pumps, as well as a push into evening and casual clothing. The garments are far from avant garde, but they will take you from the workday into evening with polish. A second location—as well as a Loft store—will be opening in the newly revitalized Yorkdale Shopping Centre in mid-November.
174603 Cross-body bag/clutch, $128 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor21.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor21/ oct12anntaylor21 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174602 Gloves, $78; bracelet, $38 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor20.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor20/ oct12anntaylor20 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174601 Suede and leather boots, $198 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor19.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor19/ oct12anntaylor19 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174600 Suede pumps, $158 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor18.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor18/ oct12anntaylor18 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174599 Black and turquoise dress, $148; necklace, $98 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor17-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor17.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor17.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor17/ oct12anntaylor17 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174598 Jacket, $178 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor16-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor16.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor16/ oct12anntaylor16 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174597 Trousers, $128 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor15.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor15/ oct12anntaylor15 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174595 Printed blouse, $88; cape, $148 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor13-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor13.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor13/ oct12anntaylor13 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174594 Spotted blouse, $88 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor12.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor12/ oct12anntaylor12 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174591 Short-sleeved dress, $138; necklace, $98 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor09-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor09.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor09/ oct12anntaylor09 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174593 Skirt, $78 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor11-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor11.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor11/ oct12anntaylor11 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174592 Horizontal-striped sweater, $78 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor10-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor10.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor10/ oct12anntaylor10 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174596 Our picks: Peplum top, $68 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor14.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor14/ oct12anntaylor14 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
174589 Some of the pumps and wedges on offer (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor07-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor07.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor07.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor07/ oct12anntaylor07 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174588 Belts range from $30 to $58 (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor06-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor06.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor06/ oct12anntaylor06 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174587 The lounge by the dressing rooms (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor05-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor05.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor05.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor05/ oct12anntaylor05 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174585 The merchandise includes clothing, outerwear, shoes, accessories and jewellery (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor03-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor03.jpg 416 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor03/ oct12anntaylor03 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174584 The interior (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor02-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor02.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor02/ oct12anntaylor02 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174583 The selection at the Canadian stores will be similar to the U.S. counterparts (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor01-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor01.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor01/ oct12anntaylor01 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174590 The store is on the third level of the mall, close to the Queen Street entrance (Image: George Pimentel) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor08-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor08.jpg 624 416 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor08/ oct12anntaylor08 0 0
(Image: George Pimentel)
174604 The Eaton Centre location is the first Ann Taylor store outside the U.S. The second will be the Yorkdale Shopping Centre location, which opens on November 16 (Image: Erin Seaman) Introducing: Ann Taylor Introducing: Ann Taylor https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/oct12AnnTaylor_intro.jpg 656 456 [] https://torontolife.com/style/introducing-ann-taylor/slide/oct12anntaylor_intro/ oct12anntaylor_intro 0 0
(Image: Erin Seaman)
Express is also opening soon in First Canadian Place downtown. Signage up. They took over Pharma Plus’ old location.
FYI: It’s no longer Ann Taylor Loft, but just plain LOFT. LOFT is not only more young-focused, but they actually offer XXSP and 00P in stores – Ann Taylor has those sizes, but they’re online only, and there’s no Canadian shipping as of yet.
Not sure why this is news but you failed to post the HR2 announcement