RODARTE COMES TO TARGET IN 10 DAYS!

American retailer Target has released pictures of the collection designed by avant-garde Rodarte three weeks before it hits stores across the US December 20.

Prices from around $10 to $80, items range from patterned tights to animal-print dresses and bow belts, with the design duo's signature looks (e.g., netting) translated into mass-market friendly items.

The collection will go on sale one week before the official launch at three pop-up stores in New York, San Francisco, and Washington DC - a new facade-only concept, in place December 11-13, that will have customers order their clothes much like in a fast food restaurant. H&M used a similar store set-up for its Sonia Rykiel premiere at the Grand Palais earlier this week that had shoppers browse a catalogue at the front before employees brought the items back from 'behind the scenes.'

Pop-up stores for one-off collections have previously been used by other labels, e.g., by the Gap for its Colette collaboration in 2008, to widen its reach among shoppers.

The Rodarte collection will be available at Target stores through January 31. Zac Posen's range for the retailer will be released April 25.

ZAC IS RIGHT ON TARGET!

Zac Posen joins Target's Go International brand

Joining a growing list of fashion's big names is Zac Posen, who has been revealed as Target's next guest designer. Posen will create a range for Target's Go International division (not to be confused with its Designer Collaborations brand). His range will hit stores in the US and online from 25th April.
Of course, Zac is no stranger to working with the retailer. He collaborated with Target Australia on a range of party dresses, which he unveiled at the L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival in March last year.
Leading the European pack, Jean Paul Gaultier was also recently announced as Target's latest Designer Collaborations talent. He will launch his collection on 7th March. Two more reasons to move to America.

Alexander McQueen is right on TARGET

McQ makes it's way to a Target near you. Yes, you heard me, McQ, the moderate priced line by innovative fashion designer and legend Alexander McQueen. As for the inspiration behind this specific collection:

“We use icons in British music, and [Liela Moss] stood out. She’s a great-looking girl and has a personal style. It fell into the idea of the New York underground music scene. It was more the atmosphere she portrays.”

A clearer idea of the collection in the designer's words, “The collection has a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh give items an edge. There are studded jeans, shorts and denim jackets with asymmetrical closures, short tuxedo jackets and matching shorts, dresses in a blue and white painterly fabric, a one-shoulder dress in a gray-and-black zigzag pattern with a thick black belt, and a T-shirt with the image of Moss. The designer’s favorite pieces in the line include “the pink and black pieces and the little prom dresses.”

The images above are (left) of Leila in in a cotton mesh dress and rayon tank from McQ Alexander McQueen for Target, and the image on the right features a Silk-screen cotton jersey T-shirt over cotton and spandex denim pants by McQ Alexander McQueen for Target.

I applaud McQ for following in the fancy economy-friendly footsteps of Isaac, Cynthia, Rogan, and Converse. With the recession in full effect, this will definitely help the recessionistas that are still trying to maintain trend while still pinching pennies. So far, the line reminds me alot of the days of NYC and CBGB's but with a lil more McQueen-vibe in the cuts and fabric choices. So, I suggest grabbing a unique piece to incorporate into your already stacked wardrobe and make it your own! We give McQueen kudos for economical fashion in 2009!