The Hingham-founded store celebrates 75 years.
Supermodel Hilary Rhoda in the Talbots 75th anniversary collection.
It all started with Nancy and Rudolf Talbot and a red door. In 1947, the dynamic duo created a clothing catalog that was dedicated to modern and timeless style for women. “Nancy was really a pioneer for her time. … She was really focused on bringing quality, classic women's fashion to her customers,” says Deirdre Fitzgerald, brand president of Talbots (talbots. com). Fast forward 75 years, and the brand has made a definitive name for itself. There’s 393 stores across the U.S. and Canada, as well as having an impressive 9,000 associates—96% of whom are women.
Taylor Swift dons the Heart sweater.
Last year alone, it sold over 245,000 Charming cardigans, one of the company’s most popular styles. Talbots designs have even attracted the likes of Michelle Obama (her favorite was the Fit & Flare dress), Drew Barrymore (Dress for Success Inspire sweatshirt), Rebel Wilson (red leopard jacket), Jessica Alba (bunny sweater) and more. “We have been dressing many, many famous women across a long period of time,” Fitzgerald says. “One of my favorites is Taylor Swift, who wore one of our Valentine’s Day sweaters, months after Valentine’s Day occurred, and it sold out immediately.” Other favorites include Reese Witherspoon, Kelly Ripa and Ariana Grande. The brand even counts viral TikTok star Barbara Costello (@brunchwithbabs) as a fan. “It’s been quite a ride for us as far as one store in one Colonial home in Hingham, Mass., all the way to where we are today—over-a-billion-dollar retailer with many, many stores across the U.S. and Canada,” she adds.
Talbots brand ambassador @brunchwithbabs
As the fashion retailer celebrates its 75th anniversary, big, splashy plans are on the horizon, starting off with an activation called Wintertaining with Costello, where the brand ambassador will share tips, tricks and hacks for holiday hosting. Locally, there will also be fun programming in conjunction with Hingham’s Christmas in the Square. To top it off, an anniversary collection in the brand’s iconic red hue will launch at the start of December. “It is a very special, very limited-edition collection,” Fitzgerald says. Think a tuxedo blazer, lace dress and a bounty of shimmering accessories. Above all, however, Fitzgerald says that the brand plans on staying true to its original customer, all while keeping styles up to date and evolving with the times. “One of the things that we say repeatedly, that is very important, is keep classic current,” she concludes. “And that is really at the essence of what we do.”
Photography by: COURTESY OF TALBOTS
