Target Recreates Iconic Vogue Covers at NYFW

This was my favorite fashion ad campaign for fall. Target collaborated with Vogue to recreate some of their iconic magazine covers using products from the store. On the first day of NY Fashion Week, they hosted a fabulous party to let the industry crowd experience and interact with those images live.

The classic swimwear cover greeted you at the entrance with models posing in a live diorama. You could insert yourself into some of the looks to pose for your version of the photo. The iconic black and white scene of models in menswear inspired tailored outfits in a chess board ballroom was transformed into a stage with dancers performing.

A second room contained a life-sized carousel with models posing in a long evening gown where you could join them on a ride on a custom carved peacock. This was a reference to the 1918 cover illustrated by George Wolfe Plank.  The photographs from the actual campaign were shot by Tim Walker.

There were Target bulls-eye cookies served up on a floating tray supported by a big balloon. Servers in bowler hats and British chic (many called a "Clockwork Orange") offered up many a cocktail with charm.

What I liked about the Target and Vogue Magazine campaign the most it shows how gorgeous you can make the most humble items look if you have the talent and creativity. (That top image? Dishwashing gloves, inexpensive makeup, and costume jewelry).

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ETSY Collaboration With American Museum of Natural History

The design industry is all about collaborations between brands. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of exploring the collaboration from the American Museum of Natural History with 22 independent designers from Etsy. 

Indie designers from Etsy created unique pieces for the museum

The designers specialized in a broad range of mediums. They were chosen for their work that was inspired by natural history. Many of the creators designed a unique item for the collection inspired by a an element of the institution. Jason Lynch of Smidge Co. made gorgeous 3D cards inspired by dinosaur fossils. Molly Goodall made adorable outerwear pieces for children inspired by astronauts and the Rose Center for Earth and Space.

The best part of my day was the opportunity to visit the museum's Rare Book Room. Some of the designers and I were treated to a peek into rare folios of engraved illustrations of the natural world dating as far back as 1575 from an original Gesner tome. These beautiful publications served as inspiration for Jessica Kertis, who made hand-painted leather pouches inspired by prints found in the books. 

A jewelry designer and museum employee Amanda Bielskas Craftology had already spent a lot of time with the rare books. It was a natural fit for her to look at the illustrations of the whale from the book room and the iconic blue whale exhibit as her muse for the necklace she created for the collaboration. 

Birds and the ornithology collection was another popular theme for the creators. Brooklyn ReHAB featured illustrations on their pottery. I loved the bird skull soaps from the Bower Studio.

Our natural world has inspired artists since the beginning of time. I loved seeing how the American Museum of Natural History could spur creativity in the makers from my favorite indie designer marketplace. You can find the Etsy designer collaboration online or right at the museum shop.

photos from AMNH.org and Mariana Leung

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