Zac Posen for Target Pop-Up Shopping Event: More "Pop" than "Shop"

The latest designer to do a capsule collection for Target is NY-raised fashion darling, Zac Posen who has dressed such Hollywood heavyweights as Gwyneth Paltrow, Rachel Bilson, & Rihanna.

For 24-hours the pop-up shopping party was set up on a corner in the fashion district as a sneak preview before the line ships to stores and is available online on 4/25. Tuxedo-clad security and candy-touting cocktail waitresses sashayed through the luxe-lounge-inspired space. Walking in I felt like I was going V.I.P. past velvet ropes to a nightclub for cocktails--low overhead lighting and hot pink neon lights lit up silver beaded pan

els. Baroque chairs angled just so encouraged shoppers to take a load off after their bargain hunt. It was a good 12 hours since the sale began (11PM on 4/15), yet the place seemed dead. Racks boasted several styles (at the most) with multiple size XS's. A nearby shopper who stopped on her lunch break said she heard that they're nearly sold out, which accounted for the fact that much of the collection I had spied on New York Magazine's The Cut had yet to make an appearance that afternoon. I was disappointed in the fact that I was more inspired by his chic, pop-up packaging than I was in the collection itself. It strips the glamour when you water down great design by cutting back on thread count, seaming, and hardware. Posen is known for impeccable tailoring; body-skimming silhouettes, structure, and creative use of color and shape. Robbed of his signature stylistic elements, the pieces that were left seemed bland and lacking in ambition. Evidently, there must have been enough early-bird fashionistas that disagreed and were more than happy to snatch up a ZP frock for under a bill. Highlights included a bright crimson leather motorcycle jacket for $200, black slim tuxedo pants with contrast navy detailing for $40, a strapless two-piece removeable-ruffle cocktail dress (cool concept) for $80, and the multi-tier floral topiary at the entry-way. As Posen dates architect and interior decorator, Brian Callahan, one can only assume that he is the one responsible for dressing the space. Perhaps he follows suit and does a discount line for Tar-jay? A frugalista can only dream.

Right now, "Fancy Footwork," Chromeo