Gap, Target to Add Designer Lines

Gap Inc. (San Francisco) is partnering with American fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg (New York) on a global kids and baby collection for its GapKids and babyGap brands. The line is expected to hit stores in March 2012 in almost 30 countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Italy, France, China, Japan and Australia, as well as online in 75 countries.

“We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to build on Gap’s successful past collaborations and develop this collection with Diane, a true American fashion icon and inspiration to women around the world,” says Art Peck, president of Gap brand, North America. “I’m also looking forward to offering our customers an exciting collection that applies her signature approach to print, optimistic color and femininity, mixed with our expertise in great quality premium children’s clothing at accessible prices.”

Target Inc. (Minneapolis) also announced a new designer addition, signing Josie Natori to create a limited edition collection with Target, called Josie Natori for Target. The line will include bras, panties, sleepwear, loungewear, camis and chemises and represents Target’s first limited-edition foray into lingerie and loungewear.

Josie Natori for Target will be released in two installments, with the first shipment arriving in stores in October for the Christmas season, and the second in January 2012 to coincide with Valentine’s Day.

“I’m an entrepreneur at heart, so the ability to collaborate with Target on a collection that will reach women across the country was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” says Natori, reports Women’s Wear Daily.