If you’ve had your eye on the Zac Posen Designers For Target range, now is the time to buy.

I was attempting to be sensible yesterday afternoon in my local Target - ie duck in to buy some sensible sports socks then duck back out before any damage could be done - however that was not to be.

Unfortunately (for my bank account, not for me), being a sucker for pretty shiny things, I got sidetracked along the way by the Designers For Target range and noticed that there are some nice reductions going on with the Zac Posen range - some were 50% or more off the original price.

As each DFT range comes to the end of its run, the few remaining pieces are usually reduced to make way for new stock (Target likes to clear them out entirely). There are still some decent pieces remaining in popular sizes so get in quick.

For a refresher on the Zac Posen DFT range, click here.

By Caroline Warnes

Yesterday marked the last day of the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival and the day belonged entirely to Target.

Held at the waterside location of Central Pier in Docklands, Target hosted an all-afternoon event, including some free attractions outside in the 35 degree sunshine including a concert by The Veronicas.

But it was the action inside that I was excited about - that is, the two fashion shows to launch Target’s new collections (in particular, the latest Designers For Target range from New York designer, Zac Posen).

Having seen the new collection live on the runway, I have to say that the pictures on the site don’t do the collection full justice. The reds and purples are much more vibrant in person, and the materials are much more luxurious.

The collection was presented with a distinctly 1940s flavour with a modern twist - think Cate Blanchett playing Katharine Hepburn in “The Aviator”, if that makes any sense. The wide-legged pleat detail pants (you can see all these at the DFT website) featured heavily throughout the show, teamed with the various blouses in the collection, tucked in neatly - a great look for the office this winter.

Also a great idea for winter is the black Turkish coffee coat, which is a reinterpretation of the classic trench coat. In person it looks very smart and tailored and is priced well at $199.

And then there are the dresses - which were nothing short of spectacular. I was all ready to be wowed by the full-length Ottoman Dress, which has been featured heavily in promoting the collection and closed the show. And while it was indeed stunning, I was actually more taken with another dress in the collection - the Brocade Trim Ottoman Dress, pictured here. It comes in either brilliant red and black and once again I have to emphasise that it is so much more stunning in the flesh than it is in photos. The detail at the back is so unusual and exquisite and the mid-thigh hemline makes it very wearable for semi-formal and cocktail occasions. And once again, the price is right at $179.

I will have photos from the runway show later this week. The full range hits Target stores on April 3.

By Caroline Warnes

Hot New York designer Zac Posen has just been announced as the next Designer For Target.

That is fantastic news for Australian women who love fashion - Posen’s designs are creative and beloved by a host of celebrities, including Natalie Portman and Katherine Heigl - however, the clothes from his main collection also carry the hefty celebrity-style price tag.

Bringing Zac Posen’s range to the Designers For Target collection will bring it all in reach of us mere mortals - pricing is yet to be confirmed but it is likely to be similar to previous DFT ranges, with the most expensive items being around $200.

Zac Posen is a New York born-and-bred designer who took the fashion world by storm back in 2000 when he designed a gown for supermodel Naomi Campbell.

He’s best known for his edgy take on 1940s fashion, and his designs flatter women of all shapes and sizes - whether you’re super svelte or on the curvy side.

You can now view the range online at the Designers For Target website and it will be in stores on April 3.

The Zac Posen collection launches next weekend at the L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival next weekend, and I’m heading down there to report on the range up-close. Stay tuned to the blog next Sunday night for more!

By Caroline Warnes