Fashion

Talbots 70th Anniversary Collection Features Timeless Pieces From Their Past

September 19, 2017

It’s been 70 years since Rudolf and Nancy Talbots opened the doors at their first freestanding store in Hingham, Massachusetts. Their successful catalog business was launched the following year with a mailing to 3,000 addresses obtained from The New Yorker magazine. Over the seven decades that followed, Talbots has evolved from a mail-order to an e-commerce business, and has added 440 freestanding stores, as well as 114 factory outlets.

In 70 years, Talbots has built a solid relationship with generations of women who have worn Talbots for special occasions such as weddings, holidays, graduations, bridal and baby showers. The brand has also been there for day-to-day moments of their lives such as carpool, workouts and commutes to work. Millions of women have enjoyed the timeless and timely pieces with the effortless chic and thoughtful confidence that epitomizes modern classic style. Over the decades, Talbots has dressed some of the most influential, powerful, and accomplished women—from Oprah and Katie Couric to Taylor Swift, Jessica Alba and Michelle Obama.

Deb Cavanagh, Senior Vice President of Marketing, “We really wanted to claim this moment to celebrate the relationship we have had with women over seven decades. The amazing thing about that is it’s generations of women and their daughters and granddaughters.”

In honor of its 70th anniversary, Talbots has created a seven-piece capsule collection of iconic pieces representing each of the past seven decades in their story—that not only represent the best of their time, but remain timeless as well.

There is a Lauren Bacall-inspired white shirt for the Forties; the faux pearl necklace for the Fifties; the little black dress for the Sixties; the slouchy turtleneck representing the Seventies, the “Working Girl” bold blazer from the Eighties; the signature scarf from the Nineties, and the merlot-colored Millennial bag from the 2000s. Each piece has been modernized to appeal to a wide range of consumers beyond its base.

Since my website has always been about Charity & Style, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Talbots recently announced that they are partnering with the American Red Cross to assist those affected by Hurricane Harvey, including over 250 of their employees and 20 retail locations in the Houston area. They have made a $100,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Relief Fund, and will match employee donations dollar for dollar up to $100,000. They have also created a landing page on their website so customers will be encouraged to donate. My readers are probably familiar with Talbots support for Dress for Success via their partnership with O, The Oprah Magazine.

I encourage you to give Talbots another look, if you haven’t shopped the brand lately. On Saturday, September 23rd, in celebration of Talbots 70th Anniversary, women are invited to shop their newest styles, including their exclusive anniversary collection. Talbots Credit Cardholders will even receive a pair of limited-edition pearl earrings with any purchase made in store that day.