Rachel Bilson, Christina Hendricks Attend Ann Taylor At Ace Hotel

Earlier today, Ann Taylor announced the closing of 72 Stores by the end of 2010, but the company showed no sign of trouble last week when they held a trunk preview show of their Fall collection at the Ace Hotel. Christina Hendricks, husband Geoffrey Arend, Rachel Bilson, and Richie Rich were among the guests.-

The event reflects the recent concerted effort on the part of the brand to re-invent itself as a chic label, instead of just the place my mom shops for work clothes because they have a good Petits section. Throwing a party at the Ace Hotel and inviting Rachel Bilson to attend definitely goes a long way in achieving that goal, as does inviting Richie Rich, whose own line is probably the antithesis of Ann Taylor.

[Photos taken by Hanuk Hanuk]