Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Prabal Gurung for Target Lookbook Inspiration

Target's past capsule collections with designers such as Erin Fetherston, Jason Wu, Jovovich-Hawk, and Richard Chai have won my attention and given me a soft spot for the discount retailer over the years. With the February 10 launch of Prabal Gurung for Target on the horizon, I thought it would be fun to see his past work and compare it to his capsule collection for Target. 

The wide assortment of footwear and jewelry, in addition to the vivid kaleidoscope prints and saturated hues in the Prabal Gurung x Target lookbook has me nodding my head in approval. After studying the lookbook, I think this might be one of their best designer collaborations to date.

I've put together some comparison looks from Prabal's previous collections against his looks for Target in honor of the upcoming collection. It appears that many of the pieces in the Prabal Gurung for Target lookbook are inspired by recent runway looks.  This is great news if you're a fan of Gurung's work and you're looking to score his runway style for less.

Let's take a closer look to compare the Prabal Gurung x Target lookbook with recent runway looks.

Prabal Gurung for Target peplum top, Prabal Gurung resort 2013 peplum top

Above, both looks feature a piped peplum top with a waist defined in black. For a sleek look that emphasizes the top, it is styled with black bottoms and open-toed shoes in both outfits.

Prabal Gurung for Target dress in First Date print, Prabal Gurung fall 2012 print dress

A belted kaleidoscope print dress from the Target collection might have been inspired by this futuristic black and blue version from his Fall 2012 collection, in which he showed off his expert tailoring with sleek dresses in modern fabrics. Both dresses above feature a belted waist, colorblock panels, and of-the-moment digital prints.

Prabal Gurung for Target lace front top, Prabal Gurung resort 2013 neon lace top

The lace top (above, left) looks quite similar to the peplum version from the Resort 2013 collection, in which neon silk figured prominently. Both outfits feature an acid yellow lace fabric over a structured white top. It's interesting to note how both looks are paired with printed bottoms and intricate peep-toe heels in black.

Prabal Gurung for Target dress in Floral Crush print, Prabal Gurung resort 2012 floral dress

Who doesn't love a dress with pockets? I find the ease and comfort undeniable. These two chic sleeveless dresses look strikingly similar with their side-seam pockets, belted waists, A-line shapes, and graduated floral prints.

Prabal Gurung for Target blazer and shorts in Floral Crush print, Prabal Gurung resort 2013 shorts suit

Prabal's floral shorts suit for Target may have been influenced by his Resort 2013 collection, which showcased Rorschach-esque prints and bright colors. Both looks are not for the shy since they are print-heavy with lots of exposed leg. If wearing three pieces in the same print is too much for you, substitute in a solid black or white top, blazer, or pants to tone it down. 

Prabal Gurung for Target sweatshirt in First Date print, Prabal Gurung fall 2012 sweatshirt and skirt

A printed sweatshirt with a mini skirt and strappy heels? Above, left, the look from the Target lookbook exudes cool and casual glamour. It reminds me of this edgy runway ensemble from the Fall 2012 collection that mixes a casual sweatshirt with a dressy skirt and heels.

Prabal Gurung for Target shirtdress in Nolita print, Prabal Gurung fall 2012 shirtdress

images via elle.com and style.com

The printed shirtdress/tunic with a solid-color back and curved side seams from the Target lookbook looks like a reincarnation of this more subdued version from the Pre-Fall 2012 collection. I might wear the shirtdress for winter with leggings or tights and boots, and for spring with platform wedges.

There are just over three weeks until the collection launches (although Target will probably do a pop-up during NYFW), and my anticipation is growing. See the entire collection (including footwear and accessories) on Target's Facebook page or see the entire lookbook with prices at Elle, and don't forget to take Target's style quiz and see the adorable videos which show the clothes in motion on Olivia Thirlby.

**Update: See my fitting room photos and read my Prabal Gurung for Target review on The Key To Chic.