Target Shakes Up the Formula With New Designer Collab

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Perhaps it's because shoppers are growing tired of the high-low collab formula. Perhaps it's because Target has already worked with practically every designer under the sun. Whatever the reason, the company's latest designer collaboration is actually not with a designer, but with celebrity stylist Kate Young.

WWD reports that a line of semiformal and special-occasion dresses designed by Young will launch on April 14 at all Target stores and target.com.

"Kate is a nontraditional partner for us," a Target rep told WWD. "This is the first time we've worked with a stylist. It's interesting [to work] with someone that may not have formal training. It's the first time a limited-time collection has been so focused. We always wanted to do a line of semiformal and special occasion dresses. Here's someone that creates jaw-dropping moments."

In addition to styling stars like Natalie Portman and Michelle Williams, Young worked with mass market retailers such as Macy's, and been vocal about her stance on democratic fashion.

"It would be amazing if somebody actually owned something and wore it," she said last year in answers to questions about red carpet styling. "It's all borrowed. I mean if somebody actually bought a couture dress and wore it three times I'd think that was the best thing I'd ever heard. I mean everybody drives a Prius, why not be green and wear the same dress over again?"

Additionally, Young has worked with Target for years, and was behind the charming mod-gamine vibe of the Jason Wu for Target lookbook. "A lot of my clients wear Target," she told WWD. "Natalie [Portman] wore a lot of the pieces from Rodarte and both Michelle Williams and Natalie wore a lot of Jason Wu for Target."

So democratic eveningwear kind of makes sense for her. "There's a little bit of magic in evening," says Young. "You put an outfit on in the hope of having a good time. It's not like being correct or formal. It's about the magic that entails."

Kate Young for Target will range in price from $29.99 to $89.99 for apparel and $14.99 to $49.99 for jewelry, handbags and shoes, which will be available online only.
· Target Collaborations Evolve With Kate Young [WWD]
· BOOM: The Entire Prabal Gurung x Target Lookbook Has Landed [Racked]