Sun, 21 Feb 2010 01:39:19 +0000

Target is partnering with legendary French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier as the third designer in a series of Designer Collaborations, a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element. The exclusive Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection pays tribute to the American woman - celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture. The affordable collection will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide on March 7, 2010 and remain available through April 11, 2010.

Known for designing bold and daring couture collections as well as costumes and dresses for music and movie superstars worldwide, Gaultier developed his Target collection based on the iconic American woman and the cultural forces that influence American style both past and present. By creating a fusion of style - Rock n' Roll chic, Hollywood glamour, bold Hip-Hop attitude and Punk alternative trends - Gaultier's collection is a celebration of how American women have revolutionized fashion over the decades.

"My collection with Target pays homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women," said Jean Paul Gaultier. "From ingénue to rock ‘n roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles." Ranging in price from $17.99 -$199.99, this line of seasonal, affordable must-haves includes high-waisted pants and shorts, mini skirts, strong-shoulder jackets, cropped tanks and swimwear that women everywhere will covet.

Stephen Burrows, designer

Stephen Burrows is the first African American fashion designer to achieve international acclaim. After graduating from the Fashion Institution of Technology in 1966. Burrows began making clothing for the O Boutique, opposite Max’s Kansas City in New York. Stephen’s window displays literally stopped traffic, and the young designer was soon besieged with orders. With friend Roz Rubenstein, he launched a ready-to-wear collection for Bonwit Teller in 1969. Later that year Joel Schumacher, Henri Bendel’s visual director (now film director), introduced Burrows to Bendel’s legendary fashion director Geraldine Stutz and he was hired on the spot.

Burrows, influenced by music, dance, and the body, produced revolutionary clothing that was soft, comfortable and chic. His innovative designs which made use of color and technique were revolutionary during a time when American fashion was strongly influenced by the European design houses; very structured, heavy and lined. With the advent of stretch fabrics such as wool and rayon jersey, Burrows crafted a close fit and slim silhouette. He originated a finishing touch – the “lettuce edge” – that became a signature and remains in the collection today. His designs became a foundation for signature American style.

Stephen Burrows’ World opened at Henri Bendel in 1970, and thrust Burrows into the limelight. It was an immediate success. His client roster included Cher, Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Liza Minnelli, Jerry Hall, Lauren Hutton, and Barbara Streisand. The industry took notice, and Burrows was nominated for a Coty Award, fashion’s highest honor in both 1971 and 1972.

In 1973, renowned fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert organized a benefit fashion show at Versailles, France. The show was a collaboration between the United States and France. Participants included the most influential designers of the day — Pierre Cardin, Christian Dior, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent and Emanuel Ungaro representing France; Halston, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Anne Klein and Stephen Burrows representing the US. An international sensation, the event brought acclaim to American fashion for the first time. Noted for his extraordinary segment, which introduced color in ways never before seen on the runway, Burrows received rave reviews.

Following this success, Burrows was recognized with Coty Awards in 1973, 1974, and again in 1977. Urged by Halston to set up shop on Seventh Avenue, Stephen soon left Henri Bendel and opened his namesake business, quickly licensing products such as fragrances, sunglasses and furs.

On February 13, 2002, “Stephen Burrows World” reopened in Henri Bendel with an event dubbed “the party of the season” by Vogue. The collection has been applauded by the New York Times, the American, French and Japanese editions of Vogue, Essence, and the New York Magazine, among others. Stephen has been welcomed back to fashion with a star on the CFDA’s Fashions Walk of Fame on Seventh Avenue.

2006 marks Stephen Burrow’s 40th year as a designer. In June of this year, he was honored with the CFDA’s Board of Directors Special Tribute Award. Currently, Stephen Burrows is available at fine stores in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East.

“BURROWS IN PARIS ” Stephen Burrows presented his Spring Summer 2007 collection in October of this year as part of the French Fashion Week. Suzy Menkes of “The International Herald” remarked” He is the Master of matte jersey, and colour combinations!”