Remember when Isaac Mizrahi started designing for Target? At the time, the designer had pretty much stopped designing clothes altogether, and this seemed an odd step — coming back into fashion by making cheap clothes for a massive discount retailer? How... bourgeois. Now, of course, it's revitalized his entire brand and inspired a wave of other designers to follow suit. This year, of course, with luxury department stores suffering losses in the tens of millions, more and more designers are going affordable. Now just remember: no one wants a one-class system, so support your local boutiques and, yes, the designers you love are worth paying full-price for. That said, let the search for the most affordable summer outfit begin!
Gap's CFDA collection: Alexander Wang, Vena Cava (June 16)
Lastyear's theme was a crisp white shirt (re-envisioned by the likes of
Phillip Lim and Band of Outsiders) and this year, Gap's invited some
spectacular talent to try their hands at khaki. Don't panic: I know it
sounds lackluster, but it ain't. Alexander Wang's motorcycle jacket and
zippered trench were leaked early, followed by Vena Cava's iconic
patterns encircling a scoop-neck dress and zippered tank dress. The
lines for this one will be around the block.
Matthew Williamson for H&M
Initially launched April 23, the
second half of Williamson's two-part capsule at H&M arrived on May
14 with more of his trademark colorful prints, embellishments, and
Miami-meets-L.A. breezy sex appeal.
Kate Moss, Biba for Topshop
Much has been made about the
supermodel's collaboration, and for good reason: It perfectly embodies
Moss's signature blend of luxury, vintage, and short, short skirts.
Some of her sequined minidresses may run over $200, but the flirty $100
floral dresses are spot-on for sticky New York summers. Similarly,
Barbara Hulanicki (the creative mind behind Biba in the '60s) designed
blousy tops, flared animal-print dresses, and shorts — all around
$100 or under.
Rachel Comey for Urban Outfitters
Sigh. Rachel Comey, will you marry
me? The current lineup of swingy printed dresses, silk tanks, and
high-waisted trousers is exactly right, not to mention the vintage-feel
laceup footwear and sandals. Good thing she also put together shoes for
Urban Outfitters. The "Contributor" collection is three pieces —
a lace-up oxford and two sandals (one heeled, one flat) — and
these won't last. Trust me.
Shipley & Hamos for UNIQLO
Already in UNIQLO's Soho store since
mid-April, this series threatens to get lost amid the other big-name
collabs, which is a shame because it's one of the best. S&H's
crisp, simple aesthetic lends itself really well to this type of
endeavor, resulting in trim zippered tank dresses, jumpsuits, and
graphic tanks.
Tracy Feith for Target
Feith has a great sense of contrast, which
shows in the varied selection of pieces here, from floral dresses to
sporty striped cardigans to cropped motorcycle jackets. And what's
great about Target is that they keep their partnerships affordable, in
the $50 to $150 range. (Spoiler alert for September: Anna Sui will be
Target's next selection for their new designer collaboration
series.)
