Who can forget when Target launched a game-changing design collaboration with American architect and consumer goods designer Michael Graves for its new Design for All program in 1999 – bringing such a high dose of cool factor to the mass retailer that fashion folks started frenchifying its name to Tar-jay?
Since that moment, Target has partnered with over 150 designers in apparel, accessories, home décor, and kitchen necessities. In celebration of Design for All’s 20th Anniversary, Target is opening its archives and re-issuing nearly 300 limited-edition items from past collections – including those of 13 CFDA Members, whose creations will be available for purchase in-store and online on Saturday, September 14. Leading up to the shopping date, the items will debut at a private event on Sept. 5 at the Park Avenue Armory in New York.
Joseph Altuzarra’s namesake brand was just six years old when he collaborated with Target. Reminiscing on the experience, Altuzarra said, “Working with Target was such a dream come true – to be able to bring my design perspective to a wider audience and see women of all ages and all sizes respond to the clothes is incredibly fulfilling.”
The program’s 10-year anniversary in 2009 was marked by a youthful Gossip Girl-inspired collection from Anna Sui. “I was really thrilled with the level of detail and quality of the goods that Target was able to produce for my collection,” she said. “Everyone was great to work with. The entire process is built upon collaboration. Target worked hard to retain my spirit and point of view while also making the collection marketable to their customers. Target was very respectful of my craft, and every step of the way ensuring that the collection met my vision.”
Phillip Lim collaborated with Target in 2013 with a collection that embodied his philosophy of easy elegance and versatility. “Target is known for design for the masses. I felt that together we could create a collection that would inspire—one that is cool and chic, but still very accessible,” he said, reminiscing about pieces including his classic trench and a Pashli bag – both of which will be available for purchase in the Anniversary Collection.
Congratulations to Joseph Altuzarra, Stephen Burrows, Erin Fetherston, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, Phillip Lim, Isaac Mizrahi, Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Thakoon Panichgul, Zac Posen, Anna Sui and Jason Wu – We cannot wait to shop your pieces!
