By: Esra Erdogan/Columnist
When I first heard that Missoni was doing a capsule collection for Target, I was not very excited. Target’s Go International collections, which usually feature smaller labels’ secondhand designs, are really horrible. I had been consistently disappointed with the releases for a while now because of the bad quality or impractical designs. But Missoni is different, and clearly a lot of people noticed.
Once I saw the look-book of the Italian label’s huge collection, which featured everything from rain boots to bedding to a bicycle, my interest was piqued. A full-fledged fashion house with a very iconic print at Target prices? Sign me up. I set an alarm for 8 a.m. on Sept. 14 and carefully counted down the days until I could get my hands on the goods.
Except I slept in this morning. When I realized I would not be able to make the store’s opening without being late for work, I did not stress. The collection has over 400 pieces and there was no way that there would not be a healthy selection of things when I would arrive there around 9 p.m. I even called ahead to ask if the store had anything left and was assured by the Target operator that yes, they had sold a lot today but there was definitely something left.
This rack at the Target in Pembroke Pines was completely empty.
Imagine my horror when I walked in to the store and saw empty racks and shelves. The only thing that was left was a hideous, pea green colored corduroy jacket. No hats, no bags, no cardigans or scarves. As I gaped at the juniors and accessories sections, a saleswoman told me that people had lined up at the door before the store was even open and not much was left. I almost did not have the courage to ask her if all the other departments were sold out, too.
The aforementioned jacket.
I took my empty cart for a run around the store while I scrounged around for what was left of the psychedelic zigs, zags and stripes that I yearned for. I discovered that a lot of the children’s clothes were untouched, and almost considered trying on an XL in a very cute cardigan for little girls. You may think that I was being ridiculous but clearly I was not the only genius who had come up with this idea; there were absolutely no XL sizes left for girls.
This wall, which I assume at one point held accessories, was also barren of Missoni.
The shoe department was sparse and again only girls sizes were left. “I checked the website at 2 a.m. and it had already crashed,” another shopper said to me who was also scrounging around for bits and bobs. “I checked all day throughout work but the website was still down. I finally got here after dinner and there was nothing.”
Bedding? Nothing. Luggage? Forget about it. That laptop sleeve I wanted? No chance. I even asked the people manning the fitting rooms if they had anything left but no, all hope was lost. Even the stationery was sold out. Finally, I had somewhat good luck in the housewares section where I found two mugs. Unfortunately, they were both chipped. But I bought them anyway because I could not leave empty handed. One for me, one for my desk. I also grabbed some of socks on my way out, one pair for me and one pair for my sister. My grand total was $24, a lot less than I expected to spend.
My loot, which ranged from $5 to $7.
The cashier told me they would be restocking three times a week, one of the days being Sunday. She also said that the employees are not sure which items would be in the trucks until they open them.
I felt angry and defeated. I really did have my eye on a mini dress and a pair of shorts, both in the signature print. Target had let me down again, but this time it was not because of bad design which was even worse. As I headed home, I realized that maybe this experience was a blessing in disguise. Did I really need a hundred dollars worth of Missoni for Target gear? Probably not. For now, I will follow my own advice and hold off on impulse buys. At least until Target restocks on Sunday.
Haute Topic is a weekly fashion column. Look for it every Wednesday this fall.
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