
                                                                     Exhibit 23



INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statements No.
33-31505 on Form S-8, No.  33-50688 on Form S-8, No.  33-54387 on Form S-8, No.
33-52389 on Form S-8,  No.  33-55629 on Form S-8,  No.  333-32977  on Form S-8,
No.  333-37145  on Form S-8, No.  333-79921 on Form S-8, No.  333-86955 on Form
S-3, No.  333-53502  on Form S-8,  and No.  333-38174 on Form S-8 of our report
dated  June  15,  2001,  appearing  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  11-K of
AnnTaylor, Inc. Savings Plan for the year ended December 31, 2000.



DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

New York, New York
June 27, 2001

