There’s A New Ann In Town; U Street Corridor Ann Taylor Concept Store Unveiled At 'Lost' Washingtonian Party!

U STREET -- As part of the brand’s evolution towards becoming a more fashion forward retailer, all-American women’s clothier Ann Taylor unveiled its most recent concept store yesterday evening, during a chic rooftop party held at Lost Society.

Co-hosted by Washingtonian Fashion Director Jill Hudson Neal, the event saw a good mix of the city’s media and business elite, philanthropists, and hipsters come together over refreshing cocktails and gourmet small bites to celebrate the grand opening.

Vital Voices Global Partnership President and CEO Alyse Nelson, Ann Taylor PR Director Andrew Taylor, and Washingtonian President and Publisher Catherine Merrill Williams.
An in-store celebration for clients and the general public, co-hosted by Marie Claire magazine, is taking place today from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with raffles, refreshments, a live DJ, and even a special gift with each $100+ purchase.

Perhaps most notable of all, however, is that five percent of sales during the grand opening day celebration will be donated to the Vital Voices Global Partnership, an international non-governmental organization that identifies, trains, and empowers emerging women leaders and social entrepreneurs around the globe, enabling them to create a better world. Indeed, several of the nonprofit’s beneficiaries were present at Wednesday night’s soiree.

Washingtonian Associate Arts Editor Sophie Gilbert and friend.
For young professionals who grew-up watching their working mothers shop at Ann Taylor, it might seem somewhat jarring to find the venerable retailer tucked away amidst the thrift stores and bars along the U Street Corridor. However, that’s precisely the point, as Ann Taylor begins to emphasize its newly revamped collections spearheaded by Head of Design, Lisa Axelson.

The D.C. DJ team known as Broads spun during the event.
“Our new concept stores are a reflection of our new fashion direction,” said Axelson. “They are light, modern, feminine, and designed to showcase the full Ann Taylor collection while making our client feel comfortable and welcome.”

Ann Taylor’s U Street Corridor concept store is located at 600 13th Street NW, Washington, DC 20005.