The Recessionista Reviews Jean-Paul Gaultier for Target

So, I had to emerge from my Oscar love fest to visit my local Target store this morning.  Today was the launch of the new Jean-Paul Gaultier for Target collection.  I have to admit, I was very pleasantly surprised by this collection.  I went to the store with no expectations after being so disappointed in the Rodarte collection.  I really didn’t expect much from this latest budget designer collaboration, but there are some wonderful pieces here for the price.  The key phrase is for the price.  The fit for this collection is more adult sized than the Rodarte garments.  I applaud Gaultier for making his styles more accessible to shoppers than the Tavi sized tweens that Rodarte seemed to cater to with their collection. Many more women will be able to buy and enjoy these clothes because the fit is more “Misses” sized rather than “Juniors.”

My top picks are the “cold shoulder” (cheeky title, Target marketing) blue top with peekaboo shoulder cut-outs and the lingerie vintage looking slip dresses. The tattoo mesh tops are interesting and fit well.  I also like the French Marine blue style knit tops.   I didn’t see the eagerly awaited trench coat.  One thing I always enjoy about launch day at Target is listening to shoppers to hear what they are saying about designers most of them haven’t seen before.  I loved listening to passersby remarking on the JPG garments.  There was everything from one lady looking at the ” Clin D’Oeil”  top and remarking, “What in the world is this? “,   to teenagers running for the racks of the green polka dot lingerie dress and screaming, “Oh, I love this! Wonder if my Mom will let me buy this.”

I bought this chic, blue polyester top with the cut-out solders ala Donna Karan.  Its very sleek, looking on, and it has an amazing (for Target especially) gold chain tie hardware closure at the waist.  The fit is blousy, and comfortable. I actually bought it in a smaller size.

I also liked the mesh Tattoo tops with the long sleeves.  You need to wear a camisole or other foundation under them, but they are comfortable and casually chic.  And I surprised myself by joining the teenagers in my love for the green lingerie dress with the cream polka dots and the black lace.  I didn’t buy it because I thought maybe it was too young for me, and it does look like a slip, but the fit for the price is really wonderful.  It hugs the curves in the right places, but its not too snug and its very comfortable. The dress is French style, flirty and fun. I could see this on a 1950s movie star like Marilyn Monroe.  It has a vintage feel.  I’m still wondering if I should’ve put it back on the rack. If it goes on sale (if it doesn’t sell out), I may be sorely tempted.  I also like the length of the dress. It is not a thigh high mini, but a knee length dress.

The floral dress, with rolled collar, is well designed, but I wasn’t wild about the “fabric”.  Its made from nylon better suited to a rain jacket. With the Liberty of London Target launch coming in one week, I passed on this. But it is very pretty and I’m not the only one who thinks so.  Its already sold out on Target.com.

I didn’t try on the leather jacket, it looked cute, but I just can’t go for a $199.99 jacket at Target, even if it is Jean Paul Gaultier. I also didn’t try the Marilyn Monroe seven year itch styled halter top dresses, but they looked promising (but low cut.)

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of the collection.  I was surprisingly impressed.  This is the best Target Go collection I’ve seen in ages. Jean Paul Gaultier, please give us more chic n’ cheap designs.