British label Peter Pilotto, known for its colorful (and widely copied) kaleidoscope print dresses in sculptural, figure-flattering cuts, is Target’s next high-fashion collaborator. The brand, which is codesigned by Pilotto himself with his partner, Christopher De Vos, announced the partnership today at their runway show at London Fashion Week. According to a press release from Target, the collection will feature women’s apparel, accessories, and swimwear, with most pieces costing less than $60. It’ll make its debut on February 9, 2014, during the next New York Fashion Week.
But what makes this high-low collaboration even more interesting than Target’s previous ones is that they’re partnering with Net-a-Porter to sell “a curated assortment” of the collection. This will allow access to international customers, and tap into Net-a-Porter’s high-fashion customer base, who will be surely thrilled to procure one of Pilotto’s dresses for the same amount they normally pay for a pair of stockings. It’s a win for both retailers, but especially for Target, as it further strengthens their “luxury” rep (meanwhile, Net-a-Porter presumably gets to rake in a percentage of profits). Should it work well, perhaps this will become a long-term partnership — a godsend for those of us who are constantly stymied by those “no longer available online” messages we always get on Target.com.
See Target’s brief video about Pilotto, below.