Thakoon for Target 2008

If you missed out on the chance to buy a fabulous dress from one of Target’s GO International collections, you are going to get a second take next year! The retailer recently announced that it will feature a line of 34 pieces from previous guest designers, including Zac Posen, Tucker, Luella Bartley, Tara Jarmon, Paul & Joe, Behnaz Sarafpour, Proenza Schouler, Libertine, Alice Temperley, Jovovich-Hawk, Rogan, Richard Chai, Erin Fetherston, Jonathan Saunders, Thakoon, Tracy Feith and Rodarte. The exclusive collection is a celebration of the fifth anniversary of Target offering affordable luxury, and will be available in Target stores and at Target.com on March 13 through April 13, 2011.

I can’t wait to see what fab designers Proenza Schouler and Libertine come up with, as I missed them a few years ago when they debuted their clothing lines at Target. Also, I am looking forward to checking out the selections from my favorite collaborators, Alice Temperley, Richard Chai and Thakoon. What designer are you looking forward to? Please leave a comment of your favorite look so far.

Leighton Meester with Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough

Before Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez presented their Spring 2010 collection at Milk Studios in New York City, the designers of Proenza Schouler hosted a celebration of the new Sundance Channel series, “The Day Before.”

The event included an exclusive screening  of the documentary, which follows the creative team of Proenza Schouler during the final  hours before their runway show. Producer Loic Prigent had full access to the fashion house as they prepared for their Fall 2009 show, which was presented at New York Fashion Week in February. As the New York designers resolved last-minute model changes and fittings, the long-time friends talked about their love for designing clothes and becoming a brand.

McCollough and Hernandez met in 1999 while studying at Parsons School of Design. Their brand name originates from their mothers’ maiden names. Proenza Schouler expanded their company to design handbags and shoes about a year and a half ago, which led them to winning the 2009 CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award. The artists enjoy creating their handbags based on the mood of their collection, and using different materials in the process. The designers realize that there is a hierarchy for ordering fabrics for their collections with other designers, such as Calvin Klein, whose orders are usually made before theirs. They understand that a big label will have a larger order for fabrics and materials, and they are not as big as Calvin Klein. Not yet, said McCollough, smiling.

Check your cable listings for the series, “The Day Before,” on the Sundance Channel.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2009

Iconic American designer Ralph Lauren won the first ever popular vote at last night’s CFDA awards. The fashion genius, who is known for his classy looks, took home the award after receiving 15,000 votes online. Other awards were given to spectacular designers such as, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte for Womenwear Designer of the Year, and Proenza Schouler’s Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez  for the Accessory Designer of the Year. A special tribute was given to First Lady Michelle Obama for being a walking billboard of support for the fashion industry.

Congrats to all of the designers! Did you vote for your favorite designer?