Sorry, fashionistas…no recycled press releases or speculation here -- just the straight scoop and an honest review. I stalked all three local Targets for early releases on Christmas Eve and then ran out at the crack of 8 a.m. (opening time) yesterday to get the goods.
The verdict? Unless you live where it’s 70 degrees and sunny, you won’t be sporting these around town any time soon. For those of you without Snuggie-envy, you can appreciate Target’s tag text, “At Target, Thakoon lends his style to summer, with apparel perfect for lounging at the beach or lingering in the lounge.”
Once you get over the ’there’s nothing I can wear right now’ disappointment, there are some pieces worth hanging in the closet until June. (Otherwise you'll end up searching eBay for sold-out Thakoon pieces six months from now). The best pieces are the Shibori print ones…dress and top, here’s a close-up of the print. Shibori dye-ing is a labor intensive process involving hundreds of tiny knots to produce intricate designs of flowers, fish, starbursts and other Japanese motifs. The complexity of the process makes traditional tie-dye look like cave drawings and is used for decorative fabrics as well as ceremonial kimonos. Thakoon’s printed patterns add a unique element to a mass-produced collection and stay true to his love of crafted prints. (Remember Michelle Obama’s silk Thakoon dress at the DNC?? It’s available at Shopbop for $1250).
The Shibori print dress is by far the best piece in the collection, using the Shibori technique as the basis for the print as well as signature Thakoon details such as all-over pintuck pleating and a rounded neckline. Other features I love include hidden pockets, a hidden front placket and ¾ cuffed sleeves with button trim. Although the polished cotton fabric is sturdy and the print dispersed, you may want to wear a slip or cami for extra coverage. There’s also an ebony/gray version that’s not in stores yet…am dying to get my hands on it, as it could possibly be worn with warm tights now…
The Shibori print in both color combos also appears on a t-shirt ($14.99), A-line skirt ($26.99), contrast trim cotton knit cardi ($32.99) and a zip back top (white/blue only, $29.99) that’s similar in fabric and construction to the dress. The cardi in ebony/gray is my pick for right now -- good fabric and construction -- and the white/blue combo will look good in the spring. The other piece in this print that I’m dying to see is the Tunic top in ebony/gray ($29.99). It looks (at least on the web site), very Tory Burch and if the fabric/construction match those of the dress, it’s a definite must-have to wear with tights and jeans.
Another stunning print is the multicolor orchid-shape one called ‘camo’. It appears on a t-shirt dressed up with short, cuffed sleeves ($14.99) and a strappy cami ($24.99). The fabric is a soft, stretchy blend of cotton/modal (55/45) and features a tiny chest pocket, making it perfect for golf. Not sure that’s what Thakoon intended, but it’s cuter than similar Nike, Reebok or Lija golf shirts in the same fabric, costing $60+. (This piece is also available in the Shibori print.)
Moving far away from traditional print techniques, Thakoon uses the Cyber Floral print on several pieces including a tie-front skirt ($26.99), gauze top ($26.99) and a strappy dress ($39.99) that echos the basic silhouette of the billow dress in the main line Thakoon collection. The Target dress features crepe-finished cotton, adjustable drawstring neckline and a tie waist. Again, the fabric is quite thin, so you’ll need a slip and/or cami and no guarantees about how this will hold up in the wash.
The most expensive piece in the collection ($44.99) doubles as the most hideous. Seriously, who will this look good on?? All-over accordion pleated poly…yuck. At least it’s lined and the lingerie-style straps are adjustable, but there’s just no shape. If you like this print, it’s available with the same styling as the Cyber Floral dress above.
Another green piece to avoid is the insanely overpriced windbreaker ($34.99). I understand the concept of ‘filler’ and ‘margin make-ups’ for collections, but this one is just offensive. Nylon, no lining…stay away.
Diving into the darker colorway…although the Colorblock Tank ($22.99) in ebony/platinum looks cute in the photo, be warned that it has elastic around the bottom. This is neither pictured nor described and makes a huge difference, depending on your body type, in how it looks. The lightly creped poly fabric is a decent silk imitation and the colorblocking is cool, but I have a feeling that many of us are too short-waisted to wear this effectively. A better choice is the wide scoop neck striped t-shirt ($16.99) in all cotton.
Part 2: Thakoon for Target: The Dark SIde
Click here to get $5 off a $50 purchase and free shipping at Target.com
Thakoon at shopbop.com 
I saw the shibori print dress online said "not in stock" so I rushed back to Target to get it. So glad I did!
Did you see the pleated navy blue crop pants? They looked kind of hideous on the hanger but were actually really cool on. I can see them working with some cute heels and a tank.
Great review of the line!
Posted by: Susan | December 28, 2008 at 07:36 PM
The only one I like is the spaghetti strapped floral dress, but I do really like it.
Posted by: Eyeliah | January 02, 2009 at 04:18 PM
Ooh, the Shibori dress, please! I wish we had a Target in Vancouver.
Posted by: lisa | January 04, 2009 at 11:44 PM