The Shops at Target's new collections are set to launch in stores and online September 9. In preparation, Boston-based PATCH NYC had a preview party in their courtyard last Wednesday, showcasing their exclusive home line for the bullseye. I sat down with designers Don Carney and John Ross to get the scoop on the collaboration.
After starting up in New York in 1997, Don and John moved PATCH NYC to Boston in 2010. The Target collection includes barware, bedding, tabletop, and decorative accents inspired by their love of nature, travel, and flea market finds.
How did you get involved with Target?
Last summer, we received a phone call, totally out of the blue; someone from Target had visited the shop and thought we might be a good fit for The Shops at Target. Soon after that, they came to visit us at our workspace to see if it would work.
You don't get a phone call like that every day!
We thought maybe it was a joke.
What was your inspiration for the collection?
A couple different things inspired us. When [Target] came to visit, we presented them with a theme that reoccurs for us every fall: woodland, with a dark, spicy palette, often times animal imagery. Though we wanted to shake it up a bit. We both like Art Deco geometrics, so we introduced some of that imagery and provided them with some vintage items to get inspired by. They're kind of two unexpected themes that can work together when done right. And that's always been our aesthetic, too, to combine things that maybe you wouldn't expect to see together. That's where the name PATCH came from.
What are your favorite items from the Target collection?
We both really like the cookie jar. Don: My favorite is the fox lamp. John: My favorite is the bedding. I've always wanted to do bedding and I really enjoy sleeping. And I think it feels beautiful.
Where are your favorite places to shop and find inspiration in Boston and New England?
Oftentimes we'll drive to Maine. We search through little junk and antique shops in Ogunquit or Wells. One of the great things about Boston is its proximity to other states. In terms of inspiration, we love the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. The structure, the space, the courtyard — obviously, we love courtyards — it's just a really beautiful small-scale museum.
Prices range from $4.99 to $119.99. Check out PATCH NYC at Target in stores and online starting September 9.
(Images: Tara Bellucci)
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I'm so confused. What are "The Shops at Target" are these stores within a store? A smaller version of Target that's being launched as a pilot project?
The Shops at Target is a program in which Target partners with small, forward-thinking boutiques to design collections of clothing, home goods, or personal care items for a mass-market audience. They change every few months.
I love owls, yet I'm so over them by now, they're everywhere. Maybe foxes are the new owls.
That fox lamp is great. If you squint, it's a direwolf.
@pi - YES! I now know what to get the Game of Thrones-obsessed in my life.
Anyone know if it will be available online?
OOh! Can Direwolves be the new owls?
I get that Owls are overdone but if you like something why not use it? Chances are if you like the object and you're not doing it for the trend you'll probably still want it after the trend dies and everyone else has thrown out the owls. Don't deny yourself something you like because you think others will judge you based on fairweather trends :)
I agree @STREAM13. I am really drawn to the throw pillows, the bedding and those cute purple owl candle in this collection! Can't wait to see this stuff in person!
I find the woodland theme stuff a little freaky, but I'm definitely going to look into those pouf/ottoman cushions.
What happened to Target's Red Hot Shop? It just seemed to disappear (ages ago). I thought it was a good marketing idea.
I actually volunteer with wildlife rehabilitation, so I like the wildlife themes. I just bought a cute rug with owls on it. But I had to really, really like the owls in question - there's still personal style to consider. And owls are my achilles' heel when it comes to dealing with wildlife - I have respect for them, but I'm a little scared of them.
@Daniellec, It's my understanding that the entire collection will be available online, with some online-only exclusives.
This is, by far, the coolest designer collection for Target that I've ever seen.
So cute, I love the floor poufs. I really with Target would institute a costumer limit on the number of items purchased for special selections. Even if I go fist thing in the morning on the day of release items are often gone within minutes.
C'monnnnnn Target, bring this to Canada already.
Those poufs look great! I hope they are decently priced.