NEW YORK, Apr 10, 2008 / FW/ — Except for fashion history students, very few among the current fashionistas remember the legendary Lord & Taylor rose that was first introduced during the 1940s. Now, the public can enjoy it again as it had been re-created and re-colored in ‘sunrise’ by Lord & Taylor as the 182-year-old retailer reinvents itself for the 21st century.
The exuberant new Lord and Taylor Rose is showcased on shopping bags, boxes, gift cards and in-store visuals in all 47 Lord and Taylor stores in the Northeast, through Memorial Day.
In Manhattan, stunning collages of the Rose are displayed in awnings and windows across the Fifth Avenue facade of the landmarked flagship store and wrap buses that carry New Yorkers and visitors to and from metro area locations.
And, in keeping with Lord and Taylor’s tradition of supporting emerging talent, the store is conducting the first annual contest to re-create the Lord and Taylor Rose from submissions of original art work by artists from around the world.
“We are planning to bring back the Lord and Taylor Rose each Spring, each time a different version created by a different artist,” says Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Artists, graphic designers and photographers can get details and contest rules by visiting www.lordandtaylor.com/rosecontest. Registration and submissions will take place online through May 26. Industry experts will select 60 entries and their images posted on the website on June 9.
The public will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, one vote per e-mail. The first round of the vote will close at midnight, June 22. Thirty top entries will be posted on the website, June 25, and the second round of voting will begin, ending at midnight, June 30. The winner will be announced on July 2.
Besides having his or her Lord and Taylor Rose showcased in the store flagship’s Fifth Avenue awnings and windows as well as in shopping bags, boxes, gift cards and in- store visuals in all Lord and Taylor stores next Spring, the winner will receive a $10,000 cash award and multiple mentions in national and international press.
[MARI DAVIS]
