Target is partnering with legendary French fashion designer Jean Paul Gaultier as the third designer in a series of Designer Collaborations (Alexander McQueen and Anna Sui), a unique program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element.  The exclusive Private Brand Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection pays tribute to the American woman – celebrating the forces of style both past and present in American pop culture. The affordable collection will launch on Target.com and at select Target stores nationwide on March 7, 2010 and remain available through April 11, 2010.

“Jean Paul Gaultier is a fashion icon who is known to push boundaries and create inspiring, yet timeless designs,” said Trish Adams, senior vice president, Target.  “Target is honored to partner with such a renowned designer, and to bring Gaultier’s craftsmanship and creativity to women across the country, at a great value.”

Jean Paul Gaultier has long been known as the enfant terrible (bad boy) of fashion.  At the age of 18, with no previous formal training, he was hired as a design assistant for Pierre Cardin in Paris after sending his promising sketches to the designer in the mail.  Six years later, after working at the design houses of Jacques Esterel and Jean Patou, Gaultier launched his first womenswear collection in Paris.  In the 1990s, Gaultier became globally famous for the costumes he designed for Madonna’s world tours, constructing cone bra corsets and skintight black suits.  More success followed when Gaultier began his haute couture collection in 1997 which is known for its meticulous design and craftsmanship.  In 2000, the CFDA presented Gaultier with the prestigious International Award and three years later he became the designer at the French luxury house Hermès, replacing Martin Margiela, one of his former apprentices.

Known for designing bold and daring couture collections as well as costumes and dresses for music and movie superstars worldwide, Gaultier developed his Target collection based on the iconic American woman and the cultural forces that influence American style both past and present.  By creating a fusion of style – Rock n’ Roll chic, Hollywood glamour, bold Hip-Hop attitude and Punk alternative trends – Gaultier’s collection is a celebration of how American women have revolutionized fashion over the decades.

“My collection with Target pays homage to the wide range of personalities that make up the diverse styles of American women,” said Jean Paul Gaultier.  “From ingénue to rock ‘n roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles.”

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target captures the essence of American pop-culture fashion with a collection of spring sportswear staples that juxtapose Gaultier’s French touch of wit and charm.  Lazer-cut embroidery, poplin and mesh are woven throughout the collection, providing rich texture on flirty silhouettes, while classic shapes get intricate details and pops of bold colors for modern flair.  Ranging in price from $17.99 -$199.99, this line of seasonal, affordable must-haves includes high-waisted pants and shorts, mini skirts, strong-shoulder jackets, cropped tanks and swimwear that women everywhere will covet.

Gaultier’s signature Breton-inspired stripes add nautical charm to a sleeveless crewneck tee with anchor graphic and a navy and cream striped tank dress.  A criss-cross bandage nylon dress exudes modern glamour while a halter neck A-line dress defines old-Hollywood lady-like appeal. Women will rock n’ roll in a cropped two-tone motorcycle leather jacket with zipper detailing that adds a tough chic topper to spring’s lightweight dresses. Hip-hop takes center stage with a fitted dress featuring suspender straps and cropped open shoulder knit tops with drawstring waist.  The season’s menswear trend shines through on a poplin black and white button-down sleeveless shirt dress with coordinating long-sleeve cropped shrug, while pinstripes find their way on paper-bag waist pants and a short-sleeve double-breasted blazer.  Gaultier shows punk rebellion by adding a mix of exotic tattoo-inspired graphic prints to mesh leggings and wrap cardigans as well as swimwear; boy-shorts and halter bikini tops go from tattoo edgy to feminine floral.

Jean Paul Gaultier for Target celebrates the many iconic evolutions of American fashion through the decades, making designer fashion for every woman at affordable prices.