TARGET

“TARGET” adds Canadian fashion content to their Canadian stores with their arrival in Canada. First up, nationally, “ROOTS” for Spring 2013, and in Quebec, in 2014, a Quebec designer. These are marvellous opportunities for the Canadian designers involved and the Canadian public.

 

Wondering ahead to the near future, a few questions:

1. What other Canadian brands will follow in Roots "cross Canada" footsteps ?

2. Will target be offering the "Quebec designer for the Quebec stores" opportunity to other designers in other provinces?

And further into the future:

3. Will the provincial designers go on to become national contenders?

4. Will designers who meet the "cross Canada" criteria be considered as candidates for the U.S. stores?

 

From the target website/ pressroom:

 “Target announces finalists of the target emerging designer award”

Montréal, qc (january 28, 2013) —

 "Target corporation (nyse:tgt) today announced the finalists for the target emerging designer award. The award, first unveiled at “MONTREAL FASHION WEEK” last September, offers up-and-coming fashion designers the chance to win a $25,000 grant, a full page profile in “ELLE QUEBEC”, and create an exclusive collection that will be sold at target stores across Quebec in 2014.

 After reviewing the submissions, target and its partners are pleased to announce the following five finalists selected for the final competition:

· ANASTASIA LOMONOVA (ANASTASIA LOMONOVA)
· by THOMAS (NATASHA THOMAS)
· MÉLISSA NEPTON (MÉLISSA NEPTON)
· NISSE (NARGISSE ENNASRI AKYUZ)
· UNTLLD (SIMON BÉLANGER & JOSÉ MANUEL ST-JACQUES)”

“We are very pleased with the caliber of the entries we received and think this speaks to the quality of design talent that Quebec is known for,” commented John Morioka, Senior Vice President, Merchandising, Target Canada. “participating in the selection process was energizing and I look forward to seeing our five finalists bring their collections to life on the runway. While it will be difficult to select one winner from the amazing design capabilities I have seen so far, I look forward to working with the winner to bring our first Quebec collaboration to life.”

 "The grand prize winner will be announced on February 7 at a private party hosted by Target during Montreal Fashion Week. The target emerging designer award is linked to the Designers Fund, a joint initiative of “GROUPE SENSATION MODE” and “FONDATION DE LA MODE DE MONTRÉAL”.

“As previously announced, Target plans to open 124 stores in Canada beginning in 2013, with the first stores in Québec opening in the fall."

 

"Target announces brands set to launch in Canadian stores"

 "Unique brands and designer partnerships provide Canadian guests with true target experience

Mississauga, on (January 25, 2013) —

 “Target today officially unveiled its exclusive partners, owned brands and limited time only collections that will be available to Canadian guests when stores start opening in March/April 2013."

 "In addition to Target’s ongoing partnerships, Canadian guests will also be welcomed with an exclusive, limited time only collaboration with “ROOTS”. Delivering the quality, craftsmanship and comfortable styling the brand is known for, the Roots Outfitters Collection for Target includes fashion for women, men, boys, girls and toddlers, and will be available from March to June 2013."

 I say “Bon Chance” to the Quebec Designers in this first competition, and,”Bravo Roots”! Let's hope success on both fronts will keep Target moving forward on its use of Canadian talent!

 

ANASTASIA LOMONOVA http://www.anastasialomonova.com/
By THOMAS /NATASHA THOMAS http://bythomas.ws/
MELISSA NEPTON http://www.melissanepton.com/en/
NISSE / NARGISSE ENNASRI AKYUZ http://www.n-isse.com/
ROOTS http://canada.roots.com/
TARGET http://corporate.target.ca/m/company/en/home
UNTTLD / SIMON BELANGER & JOSE MANUEL ST. JACQUES http://www.unttld.ca/  MONTREAL FASHION WEEK  http://montrealfashionweek.ca/

ELLE QUEBEC http://www.ellequebec.com/

GROUPE SENSATION MODE http://www.sensationmode.com/

FONDATION DE LA MODE DE MONTRÉAL http://www.fondationdelamodedemontreal.com/