Manage Delivery
The Target company should name its little mascot dog “Missoni.” Designers such as Isaac Mizrahi and Zac Posen have been somewhat of a draw when they did collections for Target at an affordable price point. But Tuesday when the Missoni collections went on sale, there were lines outside the door and a shopping frenzy that pretty much cleaned out the merchandise in record-breaking time.
Fred Rains, a manager at the Target store at 21st and Greenwich, said he was very surprised at the response. Rains says the company isn’t going to restock.
“But more product will be trickling in for the next few weeks,” he says.
Seems those fun television ads showcasing some of the 400 items with the famous Missoni zigzag patterns worked so well the merchandise that was supposed to last until Oct. 22 was gone in less than a day.
High school student Wynn Hukle says she was lucky to get one single item online.
“I ordered the romper, and it was the only thing they had left. Luckily, they had one and it happened to be my size, so I think it was meant to be,” Hukle said.
Now, of course, there are thousands of items being offered on eBay, and some of the prices already look more like the original Missoni collection than the Target prices.
I can’t help but wonder what the famous Missoni family thinks of the frenzy they’ve caused. The Italian company was founded in 1953 and now sell some items in upscale department stores and boutiques for as much as $8,000. Missoni for Target prices are more realistic, with most items costing less than 40 bucks. Prices for clothing, accessories and home furnishing range from $2.99 to $599.99.
I’m surprised — but not shocked — at the success. The deluge of kicky television ads and the buzz in the blogosphere aside, just the opportunity to get an item with a designer label and a recognized look at a fraction of the price you’d usually pay will get them lined up at the door. And that “limited quantities” thing doesn’t hurt, either. I’ll have to admit that the bicycle would be a hit under the Christmas tree.
Speaking of shopping — The eighth annual Holiday Galleria featuring 120 national and regional merchants is Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 in Century II Expo Hall. The event is sponsored by the Junior League of Wichita.
One of the special events is the Community Catwalk Brunch and Fashion Show at 11 a.m. Oct. 1. Junior League members will model clothing and accessories from the Galleria’s venders. I get to emcee again this year.
Tickets are $40. Call 316-682-7473 or go to holidaygalleria.org . If you’re interested in sponsoring a table, e-mail sponsorship@ holidaygalleria.org .
