Anna Wintour attends precious few fashion shows and is known for blackberry-ing throughout, offering golf claps after (maybe). She never misses a Jonathan Saunders show, however. In fact, she's been actively involved in his career convincing this Scottish designer to show in New York instead of London, where he began. Although Jonathan's runway shows are off-site (not in Bryant Park), it's one of the hottest tickets and most buzzed about at New York Fashion Week...right behind Marc Jacobs and Proenza Schouler.

His guest turn as Target's latest Go International designer, showcases many of his signature design elements and highlights his educational background in textiles (BA & MA). In addition to active, contemporary designs, Saunders is most well known for his unique prints -- he combines the best of traditional silk-screening with modern engineering, sometimes using as many as twenty silk screens per design and up to twenty unique prints in each collection. The prints in the Target collection are well done and used judiciously. I'm especially impressed by the multicolor marble print used in a top and as a contrast panel in one of this belted dresses and skirts. He uses a polka dot panel in a similar dress...possibly an homage to Yayoi Kasoma, Japan's 'dot diva'?

Also love the Mondrian nod in the signature piece that's on billboards, TV ads, etc. Bold colorblocking on soft, stretchy cotton that an be worn as a mini-dress or tunic top over tights/jeans. Designer details include 3 covered button-loop closures at the back of the mock turtleneck and cuffed, elbow-length sleeves.  These sold out immediately online and in stores, so if you can find one on eBay or elsewhere, definitely snap it up.

The hoodie sweater dress can also be worn as a dress or top and is another surprisingly good quality cotton knit. Designer details include a full-zip front in the signature cross-trim styling and ribbed trim around the cuffs/back yoke/hem.

Although less wearable (at least for now) than the other pieces, I also liked the ombre top. The outer layer is a sheer, poly chiffon (looks/feels like a crepe finished silk, but is machine washable); and the under layer is a soft, stretchy blend of cotton/modal (60/4). Both look and feel more expensive than they are. Designer features include trendy ombre coloring, Grecian collar and trapeze styling.

The only 'miss' I've seen so far is the printed top. While I like the colorful, jagged print accented by polka dots and stripes, I don't like the way it looks ironed-on the shirt. Even new, it's starting to show signs of cracking...who knows what will happen when it's washed. The silhouette isn't very flattering either.

Overall, this is an awesome collection and I highly recommend snagging some pieces early, as they're bound to sell out. Sizing note--the XS and S run very small like Junior sizes; the L and XL run more like true Misses sizes.

eBay only lets me upload 6 pictures...if you'd like to see more photos (including back views and close-ups), please see my blog, DogMom's Dish on October 5 and 11.  To access, click on the About Me by my seller name and then the 'dog dish' icon on left side of the page.  You'll see my reviews + a link to receive $5 off + free shipping on your next Target order.