Lord and Taylor partners with Joseph Abboud

NEW YORK Lord and Taylor announced today that it is partnering with menswear designer Joseph Abboud. Abboud will assume design responsibility for all classifications of Lord and Taylor's proprietary men's product including tailored clothing, sportswear, and accessories. The product will debut in Fall 2008 with deliveries beginning in August. In addition, Abboud will also serve as creative director for the Men's Store.

Jane Elfers, president and ceo of Lord and Taylor said, "We are so excited to have Joseph Abboud as our partner. The ability to work one on one with someone of Joseph's caliber is an amazing opportunity for our men's merchants. The team is anxious to get started with Joseph on this exciting project and we look forward to working closely with him as we continue to upgrade our men's assortments."

Abboud began his career in fashion at Louis of Boston, where he spent 12 years, sercing as buyer, merchandiser and coordinator of promotion and advertising. He later spent three years as director of menswear design for Polo/Ralph Lauren. Abboud has been accorded numerous honors including the distinction of being the only designer to have received the coveted Menswear Designer of the Year two years in a row (1989 and 1990) from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.