Lord & Taylor’s The Dress Address (Photo courtesy of Lord & Taylor)
Hudson’s Bay—the parent company of Saks Fifth Avenue and Lord & Taylor—is closing about 10 Lord & Taylor stores, including the landmark Manhattan location, by 2019. Meanwhile, Hudson’s Bay is selling online retailer Gilt Group to Rue La La at an undisclosed sum. Hudson’s Bay bought Gilt Groupe in 2016 for $250 million.
In a statement, Hudson’s Bay said the closures were because of “Lord & Taylor’s increasing focus on its digital opportunity and [Hudson’s Bay] commitment to improving profitability.” The Lord & Taylor location on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan opened in 1914. Hudson’s Bay sold the landmark building to WeWork for $850 million. In November 2017, Walmart announced that Lord & Taylor will have a flagship store on Walmart.com.
The Lord & Taylor closings are another example of how brick-and-mortar fashion retailers are struggling in the midst of growing trends of online shopping. In September 2017, Neiman Marcus announced that it was closing 10 of its 37 Last Call discount stores. The year 2017 also saw the demise of Bebe stores in the United States.
And things aren’t getting better. Ascena Retail Group—the parent company of Loft, Lane Bryant, Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Catherines and Maurices—will close about 500 stores in 2018. J. Crew, Gap, Abercrombie, Bon-Ton, Crocs, Michael Kors, Guess, Macy’s, David’s Bridal, Payless and Hot Topic are also struggling financially and are expected to close several stores in 2018.
Sarah Jessica Parker (pictured at far right) with models wearing her exclusive bridal collection with Gilt at Serge Normant Salon on April 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Gilt.com)
The following is a press release from Gilt:
Gilt has announced the exclusive launch of SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal, marking the brand’s first foray into bridal ready-to-wear. As part of the launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear collection, that were designed to compliment the new line and create head-to-toe bridal looks.
“Collaborating with Gilt on my first bridal ready-to-wear collection was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” said Sarah Jessica Parker. “The team there is brilliant and allowed me to be imaginative and take risks as I was designing for the non-traditional bride. It has been quite fun to play around with colors, fabrics and details to create unique pieces for all kinds of brides.”
The collection, comprised of ten styles, is inspired by Parker’s vision of a modern, non-traditional bride, and is designed to dress a woman for a variety of wedding milestone moments; from her bridal shower through her wedding reception. Styles offered are a unique mix of classic dresses and gowns, modern bodysuits, full skirts, and a jumpsuit. The color palette includes traditional bridal white, sleek black, plus pops of blush, poppy, light gray and blue.
Designed in collaboration with Gilt, the collection was produced in New York City using fabrics such as cashmere and stretch crepe sourced from Spain, Italy and France. Each piece is uniquely detailed featuring delicate bows, intimate cutouts, whimsical feathers, intricate embroidery and even hand-stitched beading.
“Not only is Sarah Jessica Parker’s style known around the world, her point of view is one-of-a-kind,” says Tom Ott, Chief Merchant of Gilt. “Sarah Jessica brings her impeccable taste and fashion sensibility to life in this collection. We think our customers will be delighted with the offering which is stylish and well-priced in the bridal category.”
As part of the bridal launch, Gilt will also offer 15 exclusive styles from the SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker footwear line, each of which are complementary to the bridal collection. Well known silhouettes including the Cosette and Fawn will be available in exclusive colorways and heel heights. The shoes range in size from 35 to 40, and are priced between $350and $485.
To coincide with the bridal collection launch, Gilt City will feature offers from some of Sarah Jessica Parker’s favorite places in New York City. Each offer was selected as a way to help brides prep for and celebrate the big day with highlights including, Leather Spa, Lars Nord Studio Tailoring, Mah-Ze-Dahr Bakery, among others.
The SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker Bridal Collection ranges in price from $295 for the sleeveless bodysuit, to $2,395 for the embroidered gown, with size ranges from extra small to large for the bodysuits, and 0 to 14 for all other pieces.
The debut collection includes a custom photoshoot and an inspiration video featuring Sarah Jessica wearing select looks from the collection. For more details and to purchase from the collection, visit Gilt.com/SJP.
ABOUT GILT Gilt, gilt.com, is an innovative online shopping retailer offering its members special access to the most inspiring lifestyle merchandise and experiences – all at exceptional prices. Gilt is a daily destination for discovery of the most coveted brands and products, including fashion and accessories for women, men, and children; home décor; unique activities in select cities and destinations; and luxury hotel stays. Gilt is part of the HBC portfolio of brands.
ABOUT SJP by SARAH JESSICA PARKER SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker is a growing contemporary label owned by Sarah Jessica Parker and partner George Malkemus III. The collection, which launched in early 2014, houses footwear, apparel, and handbags. All shoes are handcrafted in Italy, making four deliveries per year: Resort, Spring, Pre-Fall and Fall. Apparel and accessories are made proudly in the USA. SJP by Sarah Jessica Parker has two permanent store locations at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevadaand at the MGM National Harbor in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
