Discount department store Target has teamed up with an American retail powerhouse to push a joint initiative.
The retailer has inked a deal with US toy company Mattel, maker of the iconic Barbie fashion doll, to launch a local competition for Australian fashion students and design hopefuls looking for their first big break into commercial design.
Entrants to the Barbie competition will be invited to design the next Barbie party dress to be sold in Target stores, with the winning designer’s name to be printed on the swing tag, in addition to a prize pool worth over $700.
The national competition kick starts this week and hopefuls are invited to submit their designs through the Target's Facebook page, facebook.com/targetaus.
Target Australia general manager for childrenswear Shayne Quanchi said entries will be judged on their look as well as the ability to be mass produced for Target stores with the competition only open to non-professional designers.
“The dress will be sold as part of our girls’ offering in sizes 3- 8 across the country, so this is a money can’t buy prize for one lucky up and coming designer.
“We are really excited to partner with Mattel on this competition, as a great way to identify new fashion design talent, or perhaps uncover someone who has an interest in drawing and creative arts- but may not have considered fashion design before and potentially kick start someone’s career.”
The competition will run until June 12, 2013.
The alliance with Mattel follows an announcement by Target Australia earlier this week, which saw the parent company Wesfarmers downgrade Target's full year guidance, citing it has been hard hit by the tough trading environment.
As previously reported on ragtrader.com.au, Target's earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) for the 2013 financial year are now expected to be between $140 million and $160 million.