The Jason Wu for Target collection was definitely made with a cat person in mind.
Kitty cat print runs rampant through the 53-piece collection released on Sunday, but feline and dog lovers alike would probably agree this is one of the better designer collaborations to come out in recent times. It would not be excessive to use an enhancing expletive to say just how cute the collection is.
With a flotsam and jetsam of what seemingly is Michelle Obama’s greatest fashion hits, the collection caters to a sense of twee Americana with its full-skirted striped dresses and red, white and blue color palette.
Rather than follow in the vein of recent bombastic designer collaborations, such as the garish tropical-print extravaganza of Versace for H&M and Missoni’s zigzag pattern tornado for Target, Wu’s collection takes a sweeter and decidedly calmer route, which suits the designer’s clean and charming aesthetic.
The collection features an array of saccharine floral print and polka dot print dresses for $39.99 that have just the right amount of youthfulness without going all Disney Channel young. The number of $29.99 skirts would mix and match well with the number of $26.99 blouses, perfect for students who want to look polished eight hours a day at their grueling office internships.
Likewise, the aforementioned discretely striped dresses that range from $34.99 to $59.99 show some American flair that doesn’t make one look like a patriotic lunatic, but more like a chic first-lady wannabe. And with Obama’s infallible fashion taste, that is a definite compliment.
In terms of accessories, the purses are perhaps one of the best parts of the cohesive collection. With feminine little clutches and shoulder purses befitting a character from television show “Downton Abbey,” the prices range from $24.99 to $59.99, which aren’t bad prices for purses carved from the same designer who made the first lady’s inaugural ball gown.
There’s a sense of Zooey Deschanel sweetness to the collection that might put off those who were pining for recent risque trends of suggestively placed cutouts or bandage dresses suctioned to the body, Spanx style. But judging by the steadily diminishing stock of clothes from Wu’s collection at the local Los Angeles Targets, this is the exact type of sweetness that the American consumer is craving.
Email Jue at tjue@media.ucla.edu.