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We have to admit that we weren't sure what to expect from the upcoming Calypso St. Barth and Target collaboration, but after dropping by the preview this morning, we're pretty impressed. First off, yes, à a la Liberty, this is a full-on "lifestyle" line (minus men's and tie-dyed bicycles) that features pretty much everything from women's and baby clothes to makeup pouches to metallic Moroccan poufs to beach-ready footwear.
Second, the wallet-friendly pricing ranges mostly from $1.99 to $59.99. So, if you outfitted your entire life in Liberty prints last spring, this could be an optimum time to cycle out the florals for some bright and tropical tie-dyes and ethnic print patterns. Think Talitha Getty gallivanting around Marrakesh, but at a mass market price point.
Let's start with the womenswear. Calypso is known for its premium fabrics and soft, flowing silhouettes, so everyone is wondering how the looks and quality will translate into the Target line. We fondled and groped all the pieces (in summer whites, bold pinks and reds, and delicious shades of blue), plus carefully inspected all the intricate beading and sequins, colorful embroidery, grosgrain-piping and crocheted lace. And, folks, it all looked and felt really good. Most of the pieces (like the white harem pants, wrap dresses, peasant tops, and beachy shorts) are made out of soft cotton voile.
Also, we spoke with the Calpyso creative director herself and she confirmed that a few pieces are made of real silk and pure linen. We're betting that the navy blue tie-dyed tunic with creamy crochet paneling—priced at just $36—will sell out in a snap (we saw it on a model and it looks much more expensive than it is), plus all the editors were eying a melon-hued tie-dyed maxi dress ($49.99) with a rope belt. The womenswear ranges from $19.99 to $49.99, with the exception of plus-size dresses (available online), which can run up to $79.99.
We should also make a quick mention of the baby girl and girl pieces, which are priced between $4.99 and $19.99. The sheer adorableness of the items (pink tie-dye ruffle one-piece bathing suits and elephant print rompers) will melt the hardest of hearts and if that doesn't, the prices will.
The tie-dye and elephant print motif is carried over to the home collection and pricing runs from $3.50 for bright, resort-feel acrylic plates to $59.99 for gold and silver Moroccan-style poufs (not real leather, but they feel like it and they're probably much easier to clean). There were also candles, hammered metal-ish votives, and irresistible ceramic elephant tea pots in rose-pink or cerulean blue.
Accessories run the gamut, too. The jewelry and hair accessories run from $12.99 to $49.99 and we have to say that the hammered gold-ish necklace with rose beaded chain and tassle looked and felt pretty substantial for under $50. There is also a line of beach totes and make-up pouch accessories in tie-dye and woven canvas starting at $9.99. Did we mention the bright and resort hued flip flops ($12.99) and canvas wedge espadrilles ($29.99)? Plus the über-soft sleepwear and intimates with lovely crocheted detail double nicely as outside apparel, too.
There is no word on any sort of New York pop-up, but with the East Harlem Target now open, there most likely won't be one this time. The Calypso line launches on May 1st and runs through June 11th, so we're marking our calendar. Photos were forbidden at the preview, but full look books will be available soon, so stay tuned.
· Are You Sick of Designer Collaborations? [Racked]
· Target [Official Site]
· Calypso [Official Site]
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