{"id":63999,"date":"2020-02-26T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-26T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/?p=63999"},"modified":"2025-07-03T04:47:03","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T10:47:03","slug":"target-designer-collaborations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebudgetfashionista.com\/archive\/target-designer-collaborations\/","title":{"rendered":"Target designer collaborations (Decades of budget fashion perfection)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If ever there was a retailer synonymous with the now beloved designer collaboration, it\u2019s Target\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/g>\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n <\/clipPath>\r\n <\/defs><\/svg><\/span><\/a>. Target designer collaborations have earned a cult following, thanks to the brand’s knack for linking up with big-name brands to produce affordable, must-have items.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re a shopaholic of the highest order, odds are you\u2019re pretty familiar with the late nights spent waiting for the latest collection to arrive online so you could beat all the other night owls to it. If not, you were up at the crack of dawn and waited at the door so that you could be the first to grab your size. And usually, the items would sell out nationwide within moments.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Isaac\r\n
Isaac Mizrahi, in a different role as animal advocate for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, had longevity in Target\u2019s collaborative collections. The fashion designer reigned from 2002 through 2008.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

What\u2019s the appeal of the Target designer collaboration? Much of it can be traced to one very simple factor: affordability. Who wouldn\u2019<\/em>t want to snap up designer garb at a heavily reduced fraction of what you might otherwise find it for at a luxury department store? It\u2019s almost impossible to resist that kind of appeal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Moreover, because they\u2019re such fast sellers, many items from Target\u2019s designer collaborations have become collectors\u2019 items. In other words, they sell like crazy on eBay and can make the seller a pretty good buck or two if the demand is great enough. Go take a peek at eBay or Poshmark and you might catch a glimpse of something you thought you\u2019d never see again: a pair of whiskey-toned wedges from the all-too-brief Cynthia Vincent collection from 2010, or a chic little satchel from the original Phillip Lim range of 2012.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In most cases, all of the hype did much of the work — meaning the items vanished before you could even get to the store to check them out. They say there’s a little bit of a thrill in the chase. Does that apply to the Target collabs, too? Jog your memory and see if these finds still get you in the fashionable feels<\/a>. Here\u2019s a peek back at the best of Target designer collaborations<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Tory\r\n
Tory Burch for Target<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The best target designer collaborations<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Target go international<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Target Go International was a line-up with multiple designers, launched in the 2000s with a reboot about five years after the original collection hit the shelves. See a list of the Go International designers<\/a> here.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Michael graves<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

It all began with Michael Graves, the legendary product designer and architect. In the late \u201890s, he was busily tending the restoration of the Washington Monument. While designing the scaffolding for the project, he met an executive from Target, who had contributed a sizable sum to the restoration efforts. This moment, some might say, changed fashion history. The two talked, and Target\u2019s higher-ups realized there was potential magic in a collaboration project. They sealed the deal in 1999 for Graves to create a small collection of housewares for sale in store.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

And then, shopping at Target<\/a> got a lot more interesting.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The two worked together until 2012, when Graves departed after having created some 500 different items for the company. The range was vast, fresh, and fun — think shapely and whimsical toasters, tea kettles, cookie jars, and cocktail shakers. This initial bonding paved the way for years of successful partnerships with other creatives.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Proenz\r\n
Proenz for Target<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Joy grayson<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In the spring of 2008, Target paired up with handbag bag designer Joy Gryson, the former Director of Design for Marc Jacobs Handbag and Accessories division, for a limited edition handbag collection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The collection featured 8-10 different styles, with prices ranging from $19.99 to $49.99 for the bags. And these bags that looked very similar, but at about 1\/25th the price, to ones previous sold by the Marc Jacobs line.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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Gryson\u2019s namesake edgy collection combines luxury design<\/a> and practical details, such as multiple straps and pockets. Gryson has become known for her mix of Italian leather in rich hues (burgundy, chocolate, khaki, black, white) and understated details like woven top handles, brass hardware and signature hanging ID tags.<\/p>\r\nTarget Press Release<\/cite><\/blockquote>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Joy Gryson for Target line was available in store and on Target.com April 6, 2008 through June 21, 2008.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"\"\r\n
Derek Lam\u2019s entrance into Target\u2019s top-designers club came in the joint Target + NM collection.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Thakoon<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Thakoon for Target collection dropped in 2008 to much fanfare. There was a lot to love, from adorable fit-and-flare dresses with self-tie waists to floral-pattern outerwear. Also in the mix were eye-popping tops, shorts, and skirts. The colors were light and fresh, and largely mimicked his collection from the spring\/summer \u201908 runway. In other words, it was the epitome of a must-have.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

By then, designer collaborations were nothing new to Target. Mizrahi\u2019s ran for a whopping six years! But this felt different — more high-fashion, and more of a tease of what was to come in the years ahead.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Marc\r\n
Marc Jacob for Target<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rodarte<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy founded Rodarte in 2004. At the time, the humble lineup of a handful of Target dresses and a pair of coats may not have sounded like a lot — but it was just enough to capture the attention of both Women\u2019s Wear Daily <\/em>and Vogue<\/em>. Before long, everyone wanted a piece of the Rodarte pie, including Target.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

By 2009, the brand was ready to go with a massive 55-piece launch filled with sweet and sexy skirts, dresses, and other wardrobe essentials. The object of mass affection was the tulle dress, which sold out in a variety of colors and which looked shockingly right at home with everything from cropped cardigans to blazers.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Jason wu<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In early 2012, Target launched the Jason Wu<\/a> collection. Wu catapulted to household-name status when Michelle Obama tapped his expertise to design a customized chiffon gown in ethereal white for the inauguration in 2009. Needless to say, that alone fired up plenty of interest in the low-cost collection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Jason\r\n
Jason Wu, who rocketed to fashion fame courtesy of First Lady Michelle Obama, turned to designing for the little ones in his collection. He was solo for Target in 2012 and later joined the Target + NM venture<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

And the lineup didn\u2019t disappoint. It was packed with sweet-meets-polished finds that felt decidedly schoolgirl chic, thanks to features like cap sleeves, pleats, and A-lines galore. The patterns were demure, approachable, and easy for everyone to wear. The color palettes? Think soft blushes, baby blues, gentle yellows, and a sense of all-around cuteness that was difficult to ignore. It\u2019s all still very relevant today, which speaks to Wu\u2019s ability to design for endurance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lilly pulitzer<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you\u2019re old enough to remember, well, anything at all that has happened in the last decade or so, then you can recall the brouhaha that eclipsed the Lilly Pulitzer launch for Target in 2015. Characterized by the same bright colors and vibrant patterns for which is the Lilly brand is so renowned, the collection sold out in minutes, both online and in stores.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

That wouldn\u2019t be surprising if the lineup hadn\u2019t been so vast. There was clothing, of course, and accessories to match. But there were also garments for kids, housewares, and even cosmetics. It was the subject of much publicity. Target got some flack for not stocking more inventory following all of the hype and heavy-duty promotion. In the end, it stands as one of Target\u2019s more memorable collaborations.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Peter\r\n
Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos for Peter Pilotto.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Marimekko<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

One of the most recent ventures was a partnership with Marimekko, the legendary Finnish design brand. Everything in the 2016 collection was full of color, hope, and radiance, and so appropriate for its April sale date.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The range was a dream for those who craved a bit of something for every area of the home. Indeed, there were chic bathing suits and luxurious beach cover-ups alongside drink sets, table runners, and rugs. The outdoor-friendly pieces were downright dreamy and perfect for those who wanted to add a little zing and pep to their home d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Anniversary collection<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The sell-out speed of Target designer collaborations always leaves a fair amount of disappointment in its wake. Fans would go the store, stand in line, and then leave with nothing. Or, they’d jump on the website and find slow page load speeds and the sudden disappearance of pieces as the inventory would wind down to zero in minutes.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

All of this made the arrival of the Anniversary Collection that much sweeter. Launched in honor of the 20th anniversary of its partnership with Graves, which ultimately led to some 175 collaborations with other designers<\/a>, the Anniversary Collection was a peek into the brand\u2019s most celebrated archives. Target cultivated a selection of some of the best-selling products from 20 previous pairings, resulting in a lean but fabulous lineup that was, naturally, only available for a limited time.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Diane\r\n
Doesn\u2019t the pattern on Diane Von Furstenberg\u2019s yoga mat remind you of the prints on her iconic wrap dresses? She also had a jewelry box of the same pattern in the Target +NM collection.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As much as it was a nod to the initial pairing, the Anniversary Collection was also a second chance for the enthusiasts. If you never forgot the piece you missed out on the first time, you got another shot with the Anniversary Collection.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The line included 300 pieces, including clothes, accessories, housewares, and kitchen essentials. Among the included designers were Isaac Mizrahi, whose original collection was sold from \u201903 to \u201909, plus Erin Fetherston, Anna Sui<\/a>, Missoni, Phillip Lim, Altuzarra, and Hunter, among several others.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Target’s Anniversary Collection was a feast for the senses. A vibrant display of color, pattern, and energy greeted shoppers when they stepped through the doors, and it was fun to see the amalgamation of years\u2019 past all brought together. Even better, items were more readily available. Whether that was by design or because interest had waned slightly over the years couldn\u2019t be determined, but the range was available for several months and enjoyed phenomenal reviews<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Target + neiman Marcus collections of 2013<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

In 2013, Target went wild with collaborating, teaming up with 24 designers, and then partnering with Neiman Marcus<\/a> to put the collections in both stores. Designers included in that effort included Carolina Herrera, Derek Lam, Jason Wu, and Diane Von Furstenberg.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

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\"Missoni\r\n
Missoni was one of Target\u2019s top-sellers with its collection ranging from tights to a bicycle with the trademark zig-zag pattern.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Honorable mentions<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n