Beach chic designer Lilly Pulitzer was met with backlash this week on social media, after Target announced it would be collaborating with the brand for a limited edition collection expected to launch April 19, as passionate fans felt it would cheapen its cache.
The collection will include 250 pieces of apparel, accessories and shoes for women and girls, as well as home accents, outdoor entertainment items, beach gear and travel essentials.
Here is a video from Lily Pulitzer talking about the Lily Pulitzer for Target collaboration:
“This spring, we wanted to offer our guests a collection that embraced color, print and pattern in a bold, fresh way,” said Stacia Andersen, senior vice president, apparel and accessories for Target in a press release.
Here are some not-so-pretty comments made by fans of Lilly Pulitzer on Twitter
I really only liked Lilly because not everyone could afford it. Like. I don’t want to wear it if my maid can too. #LillyForTarget
— Catie Warren (@catie__warren) January 7, 2015
OH NO with #LillyforTarget the lower classes can pretend to be “CLASSY” and “PREPPY” with the trashy upper middle class girls too! #smdh
— Cameron Higgins (@cam_higgz) January 8, 2015
The definition of basic, lmfao. A brand doesn’t equal class, but how you act when wearing it does. #LillyforTarget pic.twitter.com/SXhgKEyYe5
— Alyssa Morley (@alymorley) January 8, 2015
God forbid someone make great fashion that could actually be affordable for the masses… #LillyforTarget pic.twitter.com/GAHyZOYF0q
— Nadia (@TheLifeOfNadia) January 8, 2015
And here is some of the backlash on Facebook:
“Target is a design leader known for offering an unparalleled assortment of stylish, affordable products,” said Jane Schoenborn, vice president, creative communications for Lilly Pulitzer. “The Lilly Pulitzer for Target collection marks a new chapter for our brand, and we’re excited to give Lilly fans everywhere, including those who loved the brand for years and those who will get to know it for the first time through this collaboration, a chance to experience this incredibly chic collection.”
During the holiday season of 2014, Target joined forces with TOMS, a shoe and apparel brand, to give back to those in need during the holiday season.