Over the last two years, Ann Taylor has made a noticeable effort to bring its apparel and accessories offerings out of the naughts and into the new, uber-fashion-conscious decade. In fact, many industry insiders we've spoken to about AT's reformation have noted: "They're trying be J.Crew." Evidence of this marketing scheme can be found in the retailer's newfound preppy-meets-glam aesthetic. The company also recently inked a deal with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund to host a runway show in Los Angeles this October.

• By Lauren Sherman
  Aug 20, 2010

Even though J.Crew's had plenty of well-known models in their catalogs (Lauren Hutton, Cintia, Anouck, and Mallory from the Real World Paris, if you'r

• By Natalie Hormilla
  Mar 19, 2009

For the first time since 2007, Gap will have little to do with the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund. J.Crew is sponsoring this year's scholarship, which surely means that by next summer, J.Crew stores will be stocked with special items designed by the winners. Ann Taylor, a brand that's tried to mimic J.Crew in its styling, will fund an October fashion show in Los Angeles, where models will show off designs created for the retailer. (Remember, nominees this year include Prabal Gurung and Christian Cota, so expect to see some fabulous holiday party dresses on the runway.) It's clear that J.Crew has forked over plenty of cash to be this year's marquee sponsor. (We're talking on top of the scholarship fund.) But is it worth it? Despite the great press and great clothes that came out of the Gap/CFDA collaborations, the world's biggest retailer is struggling more than ever with its branding. (Patrick Robinson is trying to change that, and we hope that he succeeds.) However, for J.Crew, it's less about building momentum and more about sustaining it. This will only strengthen the prestigious reputation it already enjoys among fashion-savvy consumers.

• By Lauren Sherman
  Aug 12, 2010

It’s shaping up to be an interesting week in the modeling world. First, Tyra Banks re-signs with IMG. Now, the New York Post reports that Next Management is suing Ford for poaching three of its models–Polish expats Anna Aleksandra Cywinska and Anna J., as well as Estonian Karmen Pedaru–after Next president Next President Joel Wilkenfeld petitioned Immigration and Naturalization Service to allow them to work in the US under contract. In return, Ford is suing Next for poaching some of its best bookers and using those bookers to bring Ford models over to Next. (Ford has also sued Next three times over the past few years for “stealing” its models, including Kendra Spears.)

• By Lauren Sherman
  May 21, 2010