Retailer partners with Savannah College of Art and Design

(NEW YORK) Henri Bendel’s soft cashmere sweaters have become a staple in the iconic department store, but the classic has recently been…enhanced. Savannah College of Art and Design’s Working Class Studio, the school’s product development venture, was given the challenge of designing a limited-edition floral printed cashmere sweater exclusively for the Fall 2008 limited edition cashmere collection. The design of the ¾ length scoop neck sweater is based on a vibrant painting of poppies by a SCAD artist; it will be available it two jewel tones–purple and pink.

“We sought out a partner who would understand the artistic aesthetic we wanted for this print and the obvious choice was SCAD, one of the most well respected art/design schools in the country. This opportunity has truly has been a process of art meets fashion,” said Ann Watson, vice president and fashion director for Henri Bendel.

The “SCAD Working Class Studio for Henri Bendel” sweater will retail for $248. It will arrive in stores and online at henribendel.com in late August. Come October, the sweater will be featured in Bendel’s 5th Avenue window. Not a bad placement for a class project.