'Posen for Target'

Rihanna with Zac Posen

First there was Karl Lagerfeld for H&M, then we saw Matthew Williamson unveil his first capsule collection last spring for the Swedish fast fashion giant.

This past October, we saw Jil Sander at Uniqlo and squeezed as best we could into kidswear designed by Stella McCartney at Baby Gap.

And now, get ready for Zac Posen.

The fashion darling will design, according to WWD today, the next limited edition collection for Target’s Go International series – which has in the past delivered the creations of Jonathan Saunders, Alexander McQueen, Thakoon and Rogan. The exclusive collection is expected to hit Target stores nationwide and online from April 25 to May 30, 2010.

Posen, a favorite among budding socialites and young Hollywood (Sean Combs is a well-known financial backer of the label), has a flair for designing forties-inspired frocks with lace, fur and other luxurious extras for his adoring clients: Diane Kruger, Vanessa Hudgens, Demi Moore and Joy Bryant.

The 29-year-old designer created a collection of red-carpet gowns and tailored pants for Target Australia in 2008, although the two companies are unrelated in most respects.

Will we see some more ruffle-ridden, mini-floral dresses and black-tie pantsuits reduced to the $15 to $150 range?

Zac Posen Fall '09

I’m hoping the answer is “yes.”

One would think that Posen, whose pieces range from $900 to $12,000 in price, is trying to generate more visibility.

In a move similar to many of Posen’s fashion contemporaries, the capsule collections are a sure way to generate buzz and increase marketability among new, first-time customers.

Vanessa Hudgens in Zac Posen

For small fashion houses like that of Posen (insiders have filled me in on the hiring freeze in an effect – not so much a secret), thinking outside the ready-to-wear box is the only way to ride the recession wave.

In fact, plans are already in the works for Z Spoke, another more affordable line exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue.

Whatever Posen’s motive may be, I expect to hit the stores early for a chance to buy my very own “Zac Posen” fashion masterpiece.

P.S. Happy Cyber Monday everyone! Don't miss out on the deals today! Only a few hours left!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of stylenews.peoplewatch.com; nymag.com; instyle.com