Calypso for Target

You know how every so often Target invites designers to make few items for a limited amount of time?
These collaborations remind me of the episode of Project Runway where Sarah Jessica Parker shows up as the guest judge, Chris cries, they have to make an entire outfit for less than $15 and designers everywhere gripe about how challenges like this sets the unrealistic expectation for the masses that cheap designer clothing is possible. Designers can only make their clothing cheap if they can get cheap labor, craft a simple design that is not labor-intensive, and sell large quantities. Plus, textile suppliers will give bigger discounts on bulk sales (the founding principle of places like Walmart and Costco). In steps mass retail chains like Target, Walmart and Kohl's that make cheap "designer styles" for the masses possible. It's still not really the same as shelling out three month's rent for a designer dress because many of those are hand-stitched or made of exclusive luxury fabrics, but those dresses usually aren't machine-washable and dry cleaning is a pain so I totally welcome these designer pauper clothes.

Next up is Calypso St. Barth.

Coming May. 

This is a brand I've never actually heard of before. It sounds like a Caribbean version of Martha's Vineyard and it actually is resort-wear.

Check out Target's lookbook.
The collection will be available May 1 - June 11.

Here are a few of my favorite items.