Releases, Backgrounders and Statements

 

Minneapolis (February 2009) — Target is partnering with designer Alexander McQueen for his McQ line to launch Target Designer Collaborations, a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. The exclusive McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection draws inspiration from British rock band The Duke Spirit, and will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide March 4, 2009. The collection will be available through April 14, 2009.

 

Designer Collaborations is another way in which Target brings an emporium of designers to its guests. These exclusive collections will bring top design at unbeatable prices to women everywhere, for a limited time. Additional designers will be announced throughout the year. This program is separate from the company’s GO International initiative.

 

“Alexander McQueen is an incredible talent and his McQ line is the perfect premier brand for the new phase of designer partnerships at Target,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target. “His music-inspired collection is fashion-forward with a rock ‘n’ roll twist, providing sophisticated looks at a great value.”

 

Known for its potent mix of rebel edge, creativity and technical mastery, McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection was inspired by youth subcultures, music, rebellion and style revolution. These qualities are epitomized by Liela Moss, lead singer of The Duke Spirit. Moss serves as McQ’s muse for a collection that exudes a rock ‘n’ roll-punk vibe and hip-brit accents.

 

An exclusive The Duke Spirit CD will be sold alongside the McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection. The special compilation CD also will be sold in the Entertainment area at all Target stores, as well as on Target.com beginning February 24, 2009.

 

London born McQueen left school at the age of 16 for an apprenticeship with traditional Saville Row tailors where he learned about the technical construction of clothing. He then honed his skills working under the top theatrical costumiers of London, and after working as a design assistant to Romeo Gigli in Milan, McQueen finally returned to London in 1994 where he completed a Masters degree in Fashion Design at St. Martins. His degree collection was famously bought in its entirety by fashion legend Isabella Blow.

 

Within a decade, McQueen became one of the most respected fashion designers in the world. He held the title of Chief Designer at the French Haute Couture House Givenchy from October 1997 to March of 2001 and has created women’s ready-to-wear, men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, eyewear and fragrance collections for the Alexander McQueen label as well as establishing a secondary line McQ Alexander McQueen in 2007. Among his many achievements, McQueen was named British Designer of the year an impressive four times and awarded the prestigious title of International Designer of the Year by The Council of Fashion Designer's of America (CFDA) in 2003.

 

McQ Alexander McQueen for Target is a contemporary collection of spring must-haves with a rock and roll twist in a muted color palette of black, white, grays and tan with accents of cobalt blue and bright pink. Studs and mesh add edge to wardrobe staples including a chambray sleeveless shirt dress with stud detailing, mesh wrap dress and open yarn zipper cardigan; while graphic prints and silk screen photographs add an irreverent touch to tunics, dresses and tees throughout the collection.

 

The essence of The Duke Spirit is captured in the iconic Liela silkscreen tee with necklace collar. A classic McQ juxtaposition of feminine fabrics and tough detailing is apparent in the sateen strapless pleat dress in moody blue Tattoo Print featuring mermaids, dice and anchors paired with a leather studded belt. A gray denim cropped stud jacket is rock ‘n’ roll while a menswear inspired tuxedo blazer is an edgier cover up over the bright pink zig zag tiger print tunic. Swimwear in sleek silhouettes make a statement while cotton voile print scarves are stand-out pieces.

 

Ranging in price from $19.99-$129.99, the line includes a variety of seasonal staples including lightweight sweaters, skinny denim, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts. Stand-out pieces include a coated cotton poplin black trench, tattoo print overlay tank and a colorblock one-shoulder dress with a hot pink shoulder with twill detailing and a bubble hem.

 

The McQ Alexander McQueen for Target collection, the first Designer Collaboration, celebrates the fusion of fashion and music at affordable prices and makes designer fashion available to women everywhere.

 

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,684 stores in 48 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.