Missoni Madness

Target launched its affordable Missoni line yesterday, and the Target website promptly went down due to the number of people trying to log on. Target said that demand for the items was greater than on Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year.

The Missoni brand launched in Italy by Ottavio and Rosita Missoni in 1953, and it has grown to include housewares, fragrances, and hotels-- The company plans to have thirty hotels open or in development by 2012. Some of their current locations include Brazil, Turkey, Oman and Scotland.

Target's Missoni line ranges in price from about $30.00 - $50.00, whereas real Missoni clothing can cost in the hundreds or thousands of dollars. Needless to say, many of the items have already been scooped up and are out of stock. Word is that some items are already being posted for sale on ebay.

While Target's limited edition line offers four-hundred pieces in the classic Missoni zigzags, stripes, and abstract floral prints, here are a few of my favorites:

H & M also plans to partner with high-end designers later this year when it offers collections from Jimmy Choo and Versace.