There’s an interesting article in yesterday’s New York Times Style Section about Patrick Robinson, the new creative force behind the Gap. As you remember, I rarely go to the Gap, but ever since a few weeks ago I have noticed that it’s completely different — the fabrics are lighter, the designs more feminine, and the colors beautiful. I particularly like their focus on grays, taupes and purples. These differences are exactly what the article highlights, along with giving a good snapshot of the challenges facing the Gap.
On other news, Target is opening 4 mini-boutiques in Manhattan in September to highlight the made-for-Target-designer lines — I find the whole concept fascinating though I assume these stores will be mobbed. Target (and Kohls come to think of it) have done a good job at attracting major designers to make lower-cost counterparts. I like that because it means that there is no trademark violations of copying designer stuff yet still gives people more affordable access to good design. As for the mini-boutiques (or pop-up bodegas, as they are also called, so they may not be permanent) — let’s just hope they are not too small. The Brooklyn Target clothing section is ALWAYS mobbed, and that’s a big store.
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Aw, I wish we had those boutiques around here! I love going to Target for the sole purpose of checking out the designer lines, but it’s such a pain to drive out to the burbs so I hardly ever get there…if we had the boutiques in the city I’d be there all the time!
Good article too…I hope Patrick Robinson does some interesting things for the store. And speaking of him and Target, I loved his collection for them that came out last summer.
I’m glad the Gap is revamping — I rarely go there nowadays either. I occasionally run through their website to see if something crops up and the new items look better. I got the cute black ballet slippers with the half-bow a few days ago.
As for Target, I made the journey a few weeks ago and was pretty impressed with the Botkier for Target line; though faux, they were gorgeous! I hope those bodegas aren’t too small or they will be mobbed indeed.
H. — I had totally forgotten that Patrick Robinson also did a collection for Target.
G.G. — Thanks for stopping by! I love your blog. And I was eyeing those little black ballet slippers myself — only problem is that the last pair of ballet flats I bought there shredded the back of my heel (which is odd considering I wear shoes with an elastic back often)