Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Old Navy Celebrates 30 Years of Inviting Everyone to Play with Style

Old Navy Celebrates 30 Years of Inviting Everyone to Play with Style

For 30 years, Old Navy has been woven into the fabric of America, uniting generations with iconic products and memorable fashion moments. In celebration of the brand's anniversary, we're  inviting everyone to come play with style by bringing back and modernizing some of our greatest hits from the '90s, reconnecting with longtime fans, and welcoming new tastemakers into the brand.


Old Navy has cemented itself as an iconic American brand, famous for the democratization of fashion and an irreverent take on style, inviting everyone from Carrie Donovan to RuPaul into the brand over its 30 year history. Today, Old Navy is one of North America's largest apparel brands, with more than 1,200 company-owned and franchise stores.

"To mark our 30th year, we're celebrating our heritage while creating new history and reasserting our place in culture," said Haio Barbeito, CEO of Old Navy. "It's such an iconic American brand, that it's hard to find someone who has not bought something from Old Navy. As we head into our next chapter, we're focused on inviting customers to play with style by delivering amazing experiences and products that meet them where they are." 

"At Old Navy it's not just about the fashion, but the joy we experience in it," said Zac Posen, Chief Creative Officer, Old Navy. "If we look back at the '90s, it was a moment of moving from possibilities to reality, the juxtaposition of pop culture meeting indie culture, meeting hip hop. It was a time that allowed people to express themselves and their self identity – and that's what the team has re-created with the '94 Reissue collection. Come play and reimagine style with us."

Timed to its 30th anniversary celebration, the brand is unlocking core memories and reconnecting with longtime fans, as well as welcoming new friends into the brand by:

LAUNCHING A LIMITED EDITION COLLECTION that brings it back to 1994.
From deep in the vault: the '94 Reissue is a feel-good, limited-edition collection that brings NOWstalgia to life by modernizing Old Navy's iconic '90s designs while staying true to the brand's heritage as an iconic American retailer.

The nostalgic collection revives Old Navy's most iconic pieces from the brand's golden era: from baby tees, baggy jeans and cargos, to matching tracksuits, bucket hats and the beloved Performance Fleece.

The collection, which launches Friday, September 13 offers nearly 200 styles for the entire family (across men's, women's, kids, toddler, and baby) and will be available on oldnavy com and select Old Navy stores.

CELEBRATING IN STYLE, OLD NAVY AND THE CUT HOST 90S THROWBACK PARTY
Hosted by Zac Posen, Chief Creative Officer of Old Navy, and Lindsay Peoples, Editor-in-Chief of The Cut, Old Navy and The Cut will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Old Navy and The Cut's Fall Fashion issue with a '90s throwback party. The New York Fashion Week event, held at Webster Hall, will showcase the '94 Reissue collection and will also include special performances by Ja Rule, En Vogue and HANSON!

REINVIGORATING THE BRAND WITH THE "ONCE MORE '94" CAMPAIGN
A feel-good celebration across all consumer touch points including in-store, and out of home placements in New York City,  digital media, social, and Old Navy brand channels. Additionally, a limited-edition, '90s-inspired "zine" will be available both digitally at OldNavy.com, and printed in stores for consumers to further experience the collection.

 

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Lane Bryant Celebrates 120 Years Of Dressing Curves

Lane Bryant Celebrates 120 Years Of Dressing Curves

Lane Bryant today announced the kickoff of a celebration to honor the 120th anniversary of the brand. Established in 1904 by founder Lena Himmelstein Bryant, Lane Bryant continues to serve as a beacon of inclusivity, innovation, and fit in plus size fashion and intimate apparel. The brand will honor that legacy with its associates and customers through a number of in store and online events.



Lena Bryant's passion for dressing curves paved the way for inclusive outfitting for women, no matter their means. Her determination to cultivate a space for her customer in society laid the groundwork for Lane Bryant's first store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Starting before women even had the right to vote, Lane Bryant became a welcoming outlet for women to access stylish and thoughtfully designed apparel in one place while inspiring a feeling of true community amongst her customers.

Innovation has always been in Lane Bryant's DNA as Lena moved ahead of the curve. Along with her team, she developed a proprietary size-grading system that prioritized proper fit in each garment no matter the size on the tag. Lane Bryant's recently introduced Fit for You initiative continues to reinforce Lena's commitment to fit today, intentionally designing collections that feel custom made to fit each customer's curves.

A true trailblazer who championed an underserved, well-deserving market, ensuring her customers felt seen and celebrated, Lena's can-do spirit and unwavering focus on the customer remain at the heart of Lane Bryant today, and are threaded throughout the brand's product and plans to celebrate its milestone anniversary.

"While there are several American fashion brands started by women, for women, none have been in existence since 1904," said EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer of Lane Bryant Mary Castilow. "We're here today thanks to the love, loyalty, and support shown to Lane Bryant over the decades by our incredible community of customers, associates, and friends. And we look forward to celebrating with everyone."

Anniversary celebrations begin today in store and on LaneBryant.com, where customers can shop an exclusive Forever Faves Collection: a curated assortment of timeless "wardrobe heroes" loved by customers including an any occasion wrap dress and a feminine satin blouse, all grounded in an autumnal deep green. Lane Bryant also will host an Anniversary Party in stores on Saturday, September 7, 2024, where those who shop will have the chance to win product giveaways and receive a gift – a limited-edition Anniversary bracelet – with a qualifying purchase (exclusions apply).

Lane Bryant invites all friends and fans of the brand to share their favorite Lane Bryant memories and Forever Fave pieces on social media by joining our 120th Anniversary Celebration.

About Lane Bryant®:

 
Lane Bryant is an American fashion brand that offers a unique combination of elevated and casual apparel in sizes 10-40. The Lane Bryant assortment dresses customers from weekday to weekend, offering apparel that includes denim, pants, skirts, tops, dresses, jackets, and outerwear. Lane Bryant also offers footwear in sizes 7W-12W and accessories.

Lane Bryant's Cacique® intimate apparel brand offers impeccably designed everyday panties, bras and sleep, lounge, and swimwear, as well as Seriously Sexy lingerie. Bras are offered in 97 sizes, in band sizes in 34-54 and cup sizes B-K.

Lane Bryant fashions and Cacique Intimates are available nationwide at 400 Lane Bryant stores and online at lanebryantcom.

SOURCE Lane Bryant

Monday, September 2, 2024

HBCU Pride Takes Center Stage at 2024 Pepsi Battle of the Bands

HBCU Pride Takes Center Stage at 2024 Pepsi Battle of the Bands

HBCU Culture and Unity Shine at 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands 10th Anniversary.

The 2024 Pepsi National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB) celebrated its 10th anniversary with a weekend overflowing with vibrant performances, community-driven initiatives, and a powerful tribute to the enduring legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their dynamic marching bands. Themed "Celebrating Champions of Culture," this milestone event brought together over 43,500 attendees to NRG Stadium, creating a moment full of music, unity, and tradition that honors the rich history and influence of HBCUs.


"Our 10th anniversary was about more than just music," said Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Producer of the National Battle of the Bands. "It was a true celebration of community, impact, and the incredible culture and traditions of HBCUs. This milestone was made possible by our staff, sponsors, community organizations, local officials, and, most importantly, our passionate fans. Together, we've created an inspiring legacy that continues to resonate across generations."

This year's event showcased performances from eight premier HBCU marching bands, including Bethune-Cookman University's Marching Wildcats, Jackson State University's Sonic Boom of the South, Miles College's Purple Marching Machine, Prairie View A&M University's Marching Storm, Southern University's Human Jukebox, Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands, Texas Southern University's Ocean of Soul, and Tuskegee University's Marching Crimson Pipers.

The NBOTB featured unforgettable performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Lecrae, hip-hop icon Boosie Badazz, gospel sensation The Walls Group, and an electrifying live set by Rob 49 during the Fan Experience. Bethune-Cookman's Marching Wildcats surprised fans with a special performance alongside Grammy Award-winning artist Muni Long. These performances captured the essence of HBCU culture, demonstrating the unifying power of music and the enduring traditions that define these institutions.

2024 marks a special occasion for the NBOTB as it honors the 10th anniversary of the event and its fifth year in Houston. To date, event organizers have generated nearly $1.7 million in scholarships for participating colleges and universities, generating nearly $20 million in economic impact annually for Houston and Harris County. This substantial economic boost supports local businesses, particularly those owned by Black and brown entrepreneurs, further amplifying the event's community impact.

On Friday, August 23, the Emerging Experience Entrepreneurship Conference, presented by JPMorgan Chase, was held at The Deluxe Theatre, drawing a record crowd of over 300 entrepreneurs and small business owners. The Back on the Yard Kickoff & Stroll Off Competition at Texas Southern University followed, with 2,300 alums and students celebrating HBCU pride.

On Saturday, August 24, the NBOTB Cares initiative, Feeding the Homeless, engaged volunteers in Houston. The Fan Experience on Sunday, August 25, at NRG Center saw 7,845 attendees participating in the HBCU STEM College and Career Fair, which featured a record number of over 40 HBCUs, and The Pepsi Experience, which featured a live performance by Rob 49.

Overall, the weekend's events engaged over 54,000 participants.

Event organizers also inducted "Maestro" Benjamin J. Butler, II of Texas Southern University, into the inaugural NBOTB Hall of Fame for his impact on Houston and the HBCU community.

About National Battle of the Bands:


The National Battle of the Bands' mission is to enhance the exposure of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), their marching bands, and their roles in educating aspiring musicians and developing future leaders. The musical showcase, hosted in collaboration between Webber Marketing and the Harris County - Houston Sports Authority, occurs annually in Houston, TX, at NRG stadium. Event organizers have generated over $1.7 million in scholarships for the participating colleges and universities.