Prabal Gurung x Target

As the lookbook for the new Prabal Gurung x Target collaboration is released I feel like re-entering the familiar debate of whether or not designer labels should embark on this bourgeois route. Bluntly put, should a luxury brand that would generally not be accessible to the poverty-stricken fashionistas of the world, cheapen themselves with partnering up with a less fashionable and less expensive mass market store ie. Target, H&M, Walmart or Topshop?

I love designer x highstreet collaborations. It brings on trend, stylish clothes to the people. That sounds quite political, perhaps I should start a “Fashion Party” and we could have Anna Dello Russo’s song as our theme song*… Oops! Gone off on a tangent again, back to the question at hand, but does it cheapen the brand’s image?

Personally, I think it’s a great bit of marketing for the brand, and they do generally produce a few goodies, example in hand, I am loving this collaboration between Prabal Gurung and Target. The jewel print is absolutely gorgeous, and I’m coveting a pair of those lace-up booties and at prices starting at $39.99 you don’t really need to think twice about it, do you?

However, when asked where your gorgeous, fun and flirty dress is from you can’t just say “oh this old thing, it’s from [insert designers name ie. Prabal Gurung]” and then forget to mention the for [insert highstreet name ie. Target]. That’s just cheating.

What do you think? Do you like the look of this collaboration?