Ann Taylor Introduces Summer 2006 'Celebrations' An Exclusive Collection of Signature Elegance for Life's Finest Moments

    NEW YORK, May 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Ann Taylor introduces the summer 2006
 "Celebrations" line, a collection of classic, elegant dresses and
 coordinating accessories for life's most special occasions. A significant
 evolution in the company's retail history, the collection will be available
 online and in an exclusive "Celebrations" section within 13 major market
 Ann Taylor stores with specially trained sales representatives to assist
 women with their special-occasion and bridal dressing needs.
     "We have created a unique shopping destination that allows our clients
 to dress for her special occasions. The 'Celebrations' collection provides
 women with wardrobe options from head to toe for all of the special moments
 in her life," said Kay Krill, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ann
 Taylor Stores Corporation.
     To satisfy a range of color schemes and body shapes, "Celebrations"
 includes three collections that coordinate beautifully -- the Sash
 Collection, Novelty Collection and Separates Collection -- for weddings,
 engagement parties, bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, honeymoon and
 bridesmaids needs. Available in fabrics such as satin-back dupioni, silk
 organza and silk georgette, the summer "Celebrations" collection will also
 offer a range of color options to choose from, including Sage Green,
 Espresso Brown, Punch, Silver, Midnight Navy, Ivory, Champagne and Black.
     The Sash Collection is customizable, allowing clients to choose a base
 color for the dress, and then select a dyed-to-match sash or one in a
 complementary color. Clients can also use the new online feature at
 http://www.anntaylor.com to customize the dress and sash and personalize
 their look. There are three dress styles in this collection -- "Chloe," a
 short a-line strapless dress; "Diana," a long, a-line strapless dress; and
 "Katherine," a short a-line tank dress.
     Three distinctively detailed styles make up the Novelty Collection --
 "Natalie," a short, pleated strapless dress; "Sophia," a tea-length, ruched
 strappy dress with tulle detail at the hem and "Shannon," a short jacquard
 dress with grosgrain trim.
     The Separates Collection includes several mix-and-match options -- a
 suit jacket with a long skirt and tank as well as a strapless and tank
 bustier paired back to a long straight skirt.
     Designed to coordinate with the dress collection, the "Celebrations"
 line includes distinctive jewelry and accessories. Three shoe styles --
 mid-heel open-toe sandals; high-heel embellished open-toe sandals; mid-heel
 closed halter backs -- are dyed-to-match the dress collection. Cashmere
 wraps and a clutch-style handbag will be available in the same colors as
 the dresses, and the handbags will also be available in a versatile silver
 shade.
     "We created 'Celebrations' as a modern and versatile collection for
 women of all ages who expect style and quality. We've taken into
 consideration our clients' desire for head to toe wardrobing and the
 ability to personalize her special occasion attire. We offer the convenient
 option of ordering online or having a full service appointment in store
 with one of our bridal specialists," said Adrienne Lazarus, EVP of Design
 and Merchandising.
     Available in sizes 0-16 and in petites, the "Celebrations" collection
 will be available at 13 select Ann Taylor stores nationwide including Costa
 Mesa, CA; San Francisco, CA; Miami, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; Chestnut
 Hill, MA; Short Hills, NJ; New York, NY; White Plains, NY; King of Prussia,
 PA; Austin, TX; Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; McLean, VA and online at
 http://www.anntaylor.com/celebrations.
     Ann Taylor is one of the country's leading women's specialty retailers,
 operating 824 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto
 Rico, and also Online Stores at http://www.anntaylor.com and
 http://www.anntaylorLOFT.com as of the end of Fiscal 2005.
 
 

SOURCE Ann Taylor