ARTISTS ARE ASKED TO SUBMIT DESIGNS FOR NEXT SPRING’S ROSE APRIL 1-MAY 26

Lord & Taylor announces the re-launch of its iconic Rose on April 1. Through the end of May, awnings and windows on the Fifth Avenue flagship will showcase the 2008 version of the store’s legendary symbol, re-created and re-colored in “sunrise,” the extraordinary mixture of yellow and orange Lord & Taylor has adopted as it re-invents itself for the twenty-first century. Shopping bags, boxes, gift cards and in-store visuals will portray the new Lord & Taylor Rose in all 47 Lord & Taylor stores until Memorial Day, May 26. And, in Manhattan, buses wrapped in a collage of the Lord & Taylor rose, will carry New Yorkers and visitors to and from metro area locations starting April 7th.

In keeping with Lord & Taylor’s tradition of supporting emerging talent, the store also announces the first annual contest to re-create the Lord & Taylor Rose from submissions of original art work by artists from around the world. “We are planning to bring back the Lord & Taylor Rose each spring, each time a different version created by a different artist,” says Jane Elfers, President and Chief Executive Officer. “I am are sure the stunning 2008 version will be as loved by our customers as the other versions of the Lord & Taylor Rose have been throughout the years. And we are eager to see the rose a talented artist creates for next spring’s version.”

Artists, graphic designers and photographers can get details and contest rules by visiting www.lordandtaylor.com/rosecontest on April 1. 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 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 & 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 & Taylor stores next spring, the winner will receive a $10,000 cash award and multiple mentions in national and international press.

In the 1940’s, the Lord & Taylor Rose was introduced as the store’s symbol by the innovative Dorothy Shaver, the first woman President of the store—and of any other American retailer. Its re-launch is part of the re-branding campaign created by David Lipman, Chaiman of LIPMAN, that has produced such buzz in the fashion industry since last fall. The re-branding campaign aims to modernize the store’s image, showcasing the results of Elfers’ much talked about commitment to upgrading merchandise assortments, in-store services and amenities and brand packaging while upholding Lord & Taylor’s 182 year history.

About Lord & Taylor

Lord & Taylor is an upscale specialty department store with 47 stores in nine states and the District of Columbia. Lord & Taylor has built a reputation for attentive customer service and high-quality merchandise focused on apparel and accessories. Founded in 1826, Lord &Taylor is America’s oldest department store and one of America’s premier retailers.