Stella McCartney is about to release a 42-piece Australia-exclusive line in Target stores on March 12. Her only other such collaboration, a limited-edition range for European chain H&M in 2005, sparked brawls at cash registers across Britain. The Target range will include a trench coat, tailored jacket and pants, shirts, a day dress and an embroidered cocktail frock. McCartney said she hoped the garments would be "something you want to keep forever''. She also said the Target collection would complement her high-end collection, rather than diluting it: "This is about exposing more women to our label,'' she said.
Meanwhile, in Britain Kate Moss' personal style is the reason her 90-piece collection for UK store Topshop is being touted there as the most eagerly awaited clothing line ever. Moss' line will not be available until May 1, but there's already a massive waiting list. An insider notes that "It's like she's taken her entire wardrobe and just said, 'here, copy all my clothes'. On their own the pieces aren't necessarily that exciting, but the key is how it's all put together." The first glimpse fans will get of the look will be the April edition of UK Vogue, featuring Moss, 33, in one of her own backless mini-dresses. It will be the first time a high-street dress has graced the cover of the fashion bible.
Affordable Luxury
Stella does Target and Kate does Topshop
Trend Themes
1. Collaborative Fashion Collections - Opportunity for luxury designers to collaborate with affordable retailers to reach a wider audience while maintaining the integrity of their brand.
2. Celebrity-inspired Clothing Lines - Opportunity for retailers to create clothing lines inspired by the personal style of celebrities, generating high anticipation and demand.
3. Fast Fashion with High-end Touches - Opportunity for retailers to offer fast fashion items with high-quality elements, providing affordable luxury options to consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Design - Opportunity for fashion designers to explore collaborations with affordable retailers and create exclusive lines.
2. Retail - Opportunity for retailers to capitalize on the demand for celebrity-inspired clothing lines and collaborate with celebrities.
3. Apparel Manufacturing - Opportunity for manufacturers to specialize in producing fast fashion items with high-end finishes to meet the growing demand for affordable luxury.