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by Hadrian Miguel, Lifestyle & Beauty Director

Hot on the heels of other designer collections for Target like Anna Sui and Alexander McQueen, now comes celebrated French designer Jean Paul Gaultier.

As part of Target’s Designer Collaborations, a special program that features well-established designers who draw inspiration from a collaborative partner, muse or creative element, the exclusive 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.

Jean Paul Gaultier with model Agyness Deyn

Jean Paul Gaultier is legendary for his rebellious and innovative designs and his popularity comes partially from the risks that he takes in his designs and theatrical shows. By blending  unconventional use of materials, edgy & androgynous styles,  along with the pulse of London and New York street wear into designer fashion, Gaultier turned the classic idea of Parisian chic on its head with his punk, pop, and rock sensibilities.

Gaultier’s story of success is a classic tale of passion, longevity, and talent. 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. Several years later, after working at the design houses of Jacques Esterel and Jean Patou, Gaultier launched his first womenswear collection in Paris. Early on, he introduced elements that have remained Gaultier signatures, such as the nautical navy-and-white striped Breton-inspired  tops and the reconstructed trench coat.

Cone bra corset made famous by Madonna

In the 1990′s, Gaultier became internationally known  for his provocative and structured costumes he designed for Madonna’s world tour, constructing the infamous cone bra corsets along with modern, tight black suits. His runways shows are often outrageous and soon more success followed when Gaultier presented his couture collection in 1997 which was lauded for its craftsmanship, meticulous design and exquisite attention to detail. At that time, Gaultier was one of the only designers to feature couture for men as well as women, and to showcase corsets for men. In 2003, Jean Paul became the creative director and designer at French luxury house Hermès.

The world of Jean Paul Gaultier includes womenswear, menswear, accessories, fragrance and couture for a worldwide audience. His creations and designs are favorites among a wide range of celebrities like Janet Jackson, Lady GaGa, Catherine Deneuve, Rihanna, Mickey Rourke, Kylie Minogue, Marilyn Manson, Katy Perry, and Dita Von Teese. He currently designs for three collections: his own couture and ready-to-wear lines, as well as the  clothing line for Hermès,  and luxe handbags…and now a fourth at Target for a very limited time.  His cheap and chic clothing for Target will launch on Target.com and at 250 select Target stores nationwide on March 7, 2010 and remain available through April 11, 2010.

From ingénue to rock ‘n roll, this collection celebrates women of all ages and a host of distinctive, iconic American styles. What you can find in Gaultier’s collection for Target includes a criss-cross bandage nylon dress which 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 a 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.

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 prices from $17.99 -$199.99, this line of seasonal, affordable must-haves also  includes high-waisted pants and shorts, mini skirts, strong-shoulder jackets, cropped tanks and swimwear that women everywhere will covet.

Here’s a look at the Jean Paul Gaultier for Target collection:

Photos Courtesy of Target