Jason Wu for Target may not have crashed Target’s website as did Missoni for Target, but it was not without its drama; particularly one pair of resellers at a midtown Miami Target who literally grabbed every single item before any of the early bird shoppers could. Being from Miami myself, I can tell you that doing such a thing is bad business and I’m sure these two ran into some trouble in the parking lot. Could it be Target is converting more of us into ebay resellers?

Recent news of Jason Wu’s collection for Target is leaving us a little Breathless. With French New Wave goddess Jean Seberg as his muse, Wu’s collection looks to be the epitome of whimsy and sophistication. Wu made a big splash in 2008 when Michelle Obama wore one of his breathtaking designs for the Presidential Inaugural Ball. In this collaboration with Target, Wu appeals to a more playful and gamine sensibility, the lady-like but teasing younger sister, or, as Brigit Bardot sang sweetly, moi je joue. We can’t wait to snag our own!

Missoni for Target is already sold out! The Target website is down because they have so many hits! How will the masses get their Missoni?!!

In case you haven’t read our previous post on the Missoni for Target collection, Missoni for Target launched this morning and already Targets around the country are sold out. Influencers everywhere are at their wits’ end. God only knows if they will restock as fast as the flood of demand for the record-breaking collaboration.

High-low collaborations may be something we take for granted at the point, but this fall the proven success of big-box and high-profile teamwork is moving up to the next level. Rather than pairing up with the usual “mid-range” designers, standard American stores like Target and Macy’s are getting a temporary spot on the A-list—by association with legendary luxury houses Missoni, Karl Lagerfeld, and Giambattista Valli. Why would such illustrious, established European names pair with American mass-market retailers? Despite a globally sagging economy, luxury brands like LVMH (Louis Vuitton, Marc Jacobs, etc.), PPR (Gucci, YSL, etc.) and Saks have defied the economic downturn and have continued to post gains. But—there’s always a but—shaky stocks threaten to tumble their success; the rich have to cut back on $8000 handbags at some point. So, luxury brands may be partnering up to buffer rising costs and bring in increased revenue—or are they just being nice so we can buy something with Missoni print? 

This fall, mainstream retail and high-fashion combine to create what are sure to be prolific lines. Styles range from crisp and clean from Karl and MM6 to uber-femme Scandinavian looks from the Rodarte sisters. Here’s a highlight reel, so you can strategize the stampede that is sure to ensue upon the release of these collections:

• Target x Missoni (Unprecedented hype…better get in line now! Sept 13-Oct 22)
• Macy’s x Karl Lagerfeld (Aug 31)
• Macy’s x Giambattista Valli (Oct 26)
• TOMS x The Row (Cashmere & Italian wool! Now)

Ok, Opening Ceremony isn’t exactly “big-box,” but these impressive collaborations bring runway prices down to accessible fashion without compromising quality or creativity:

• Opening Ceremony x MM6 Maison Martin Margiela (now)
• Opening Ceremony x Rodarte (Sept)