Designer Collaborations

Bloomingdale’s limited-edition collaboration between the “Queen of Print” and the retailer’s best selling exclusive brand is finally here. AQUA x Mary Katrantzou is an 18-piece collection in flower and animal prints composed of summer-ready dresses and separates all at affordable prices. Here is a sample of what the collaboration looks like.

Image credit: Bloomingdales.com

One more reason to fall in love with fall is the long-awaited H&M designer collaboration. This year H&M has brought Pringle of Scotland, a “champion of British heritage” to their home of “fashion at the best prices” and the result is a practical yet sophisticated collection. From cosy jumpers to elegant sportswear and even some coordinate sweaters (argyle, anyone?) for you and your doggie, this collection can easily find place in everyone’s winter wardrobe. The materials used: cotton, recycled polyester and some wool, show H&M’s new commitment toward creating less harmful fashion.

The ’80s were a wild era where many things are concerned, especially in the realms of fashion, hair and music. The three sort of went hand in hand with each other, as they still do, so it’s no surprise that people have held onto the ’80s with a certain level of nostalgia.

We see glimpses of the decade all the time, and now we’re getting a heaping dose thanks to Opening Ceremony’s upcoming capsule collection, which features “standout designs” from Vivienne Westwood. For example, Opening Ceremony has recreated the “trousers from the designer’s landmark Pirate collection in 1981 and the tongue trainer from her 1983 Witches show.”

Read more about the collection here.

By Wendy Rose Gould

Image Credit: Vivienne Westwood, NYMag

I’ve been counting down the days for the Altuzarra for Target collaboration to hit stores. Joseph Altuzarra, known for his luxury women’s ready-to-wear, has a gift for creating truly feminine pieces with a sexy-meets-sophisticated edge. Think business woman with refined sex appeal.

You can imagine my disappointment when I woke up this morning to a 7:30 a.m. text message from a friend — a woman who works HR at Target — saying, “Soooo, we actually don’t have a lot of the new collection at all. We only got 11 pieces in.” She suggested I venture to a different Target location because their store’s shipment just wasn’t impressive.

So I did what any fashion-loving, collaboration-obsessed woman would do. I called other locations for an assessment. Each had the same story: “We only have three racks,” said one store. “We have a limited supply and only one of each size for the garments we do have,” said another.

I stuck with my original plan to go to the location nearest me. If everyone had a piddly supply, I figured I’d save myself some time by driving the least amount of miles.

Target, as a whole, was quiet upon my arrival. I ventured over to the clothing racks where I found three small displays dedicated to Altuzarra. These displays were actually misleading, as they didn’t even have flashy signs or even the words, “Altuzarra” to advertise the newest arrivals as Target has done in the past. In fact, some of the displays still said, “Xhilaration,” one of Target’s anchor brands. My friend’s description of their shipment was accurate: 11 pieces, including the Altuzarra booties. There was also only one of each size for the garments that were on display. In short: sort of a sad display.

The Altuzarra racks did have some buzz around them, so I worked quickly, grabbing the pieces that had potential to flatter my hard-to-fit figure. I did have to grab some items that weren’t my size, but for the most part I was able to snag what I needed. With seven pieces in tow, including a pair of the booties, I scurried off to the dressing room to try everything on.

Altuzarra for Target Striped Sleeveless Dress- Light Blue/White, $39.99

Before I tried on this , I scolded myself for that morning’s bra and underwear choices: all black. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this piece was double lined with quality fabric, which prevented that “see through/peek-a-boo” effect that so many of the Target collaborations have. I felt that the garment was well constructed and provided a nice, clean palette for accessorizing. However, if you have a large bust like I do, you will probably want to go up a size or two to accommodate the ladies, as I experienced some gapping action. I also think this garment needs, at a minimum, a belt.

Altuzarra for Target Dress Python Print, $44.99

This was my second favorite piece I tried on. Again, I was impressed by the quality and construction. When you’re working with an animal print, it’s imperative to use quality materials or else you very quickly dive into the realm of “trashy fashion.” The construction and textiles used kept this piece far from that iffy line, though, and I found myself really impressed. The dress does run a little small in the chest, so size up if you have a larger bust.

Altuzarra for Target Sweater with Crane Embroidery, $49.99

This was, hands down, my favorite piece I tried on. Looking at the sneak-peak pictures, I wasn’t too impressed — especially with the $50 price tag. I wondered if the embroidery would be shoddy, but I was blown away by the quality once I saw it in person. I was also less flabbergasted at the price. Overall, this cozy sweater fit comfortably and true-to-size. The embroidery was very well done — thick, luxurious and with a sort of glintzy glimmer quality to it that elevated an otherwise boring black sweater.

Altuzarra for Target Sheer Peasant Blouse with Embroidery- Ruby Hill, $44.99

This isn’t really my style, but I decided to try it on anyway. The glimmery details on the front are really pretty and I think it’d pair well with trousers, a skirt or even jeans. It was more sheer than any of the other pieces I tried on, but it didn’t feel fragile the way that some gossamer pieces in Target collaborations can. I found that it fit true to size.

Altuzarra for Target Ankle Boot, $59.99

I was extremely unimpressed with these Altuzarra Ankle Boots for several reasons. 1. They ran small. 2. They were highly uncomfortable (and I have a high tolerance for foot pain). 3. They felt and looked cheap in person. These boots had that super shiny plastic-y appearance to them. I heard others commenting on how cheap they looked, as well, so I’m not alone in my assessment. In short: I was very unimpressed. You can get yourself much nicer booties for the same price or less, so don’t waste your money on these.

Altuzarra for Target Orchid Print Sweatshirt, $29.99

I really wanted to like this feminine sweater, but I found that it also read cheap. If you have any kind of bust whatsoever, prepare for a strange fit with the shiny/non-stretchy material that smooshes and rises in unflattering ways. I do like the floral print, but the materials used are what lost my vote on this one. I also feel like this piece is one of the more juvenile of the collection. If you’re over 25, I’d definitely say “NO!” to this piece.

*I also tried on the Altuzarra for Target Jacquard Pencil Skirt in black ($34.99), parts of which can be seen in some of these pictures. However, because it was not my actual size, I feel like I cannot give an adequate review in terms of fit. Regarding construction, this skirt felt sturdy and well made. I also appreciated the subtle texture. I think it would be a nice addition to any woman’s “work wardrobe” due to its versatility, especially for $35.

I think I would have liked more pieces in this collection would I have had the opportunity to try them on. I was really hoping to try some of the pants and more of the dresses. From what I did try on, it was about a 25% hit and 75% miss, at least based on my personal tastes and my body shape. Note that even if your store has a limited supply, you can buy the entire collection online.

By Wendy Rose Gould