John Derian for Target, Not a Bullseye

Don’t rush to Target for the latest collection from John Derian, famed decoupage artist, or you’ll be greatly disappointed.

Ads leading up to the guest designer’s debut line of decorative home items for the retail giant gave an in-store date of September 7. I visited on the 16^th, only to be told that the items would be set on the 18^th or 19^th. Not wanting to push my luck, I returned on the morning of the 20^th. Low and behold the shelves were practically cleared out, which at first made me sad. But after taking a closer look at some of the remaining items, I realized I wouldn’t have purchased anything anyway: the melamine trays, vases and coasters were lackluster in design and pitiful in quality.  The framed art was ok, but not something I’d actually want to hang on my walls. I’ve seen kindergarten projects that made better picture frames. And I never even saw the stationery.  It’s amazing what good photography can do:

  

I guess all of those sayings like, “you get what you pay for” and “it’s too good to be true” are common for a reason. It’s too bad because his signature design elements are to die for.  You’ll just have to get the real thing at Caspari, for a much prettier penny!

[source: RealSimple]