Isaac Mizrahi returns to Target in new advisory role
A legendary designer who was a major Target fashion collaborator some 20 years ago is returning in a first-of-its-kind position for the discount giant.
Isaac Mizrahi is joining Target as the retailer’s first creative director at large. In this new role, Mizrahi will serve as a creative advisor to Target's internal design organization and mentor design talent. Target says it hopes to elevate its “design credibility and cultural relevance” by having Mizrahi in the fold.
Mizrahi first collaborated with Target from 2002-2009, and had some of his items included in a special design collaboration “anniversary collection” Target released in 2019. Partnerships with Mizrahi, as well as other renowned designers such as Philippe Starck and Lilly Pulitzer, are credited with helping to build Target’s cheap-chic image while also setting it apart from the competition.
"I'm thrilled to have this opportunity to inspire a brand I care so deeply about," said Mizrahi, Target. "My partners at Target and I have always shared the idea that great design should belong to everybody, and Target is poised to be the design authority in a way only Target can. My role is to collaborate with its incredible team to bring more joy, style and sophistication to design through storytelling, creativity and a shopping experience that feels even more fun."
Specific duties Mizrahi will perform in his new at large Target role include:
•Working with senior VP of design Gena Fox as a creative advisor across key product and design milestones, including new product concepts, design innovation and emerging trends;
•Identifying new opportunities for design partnerships, capabilities and experiences;
•Playing a key role in a new mentorship program launching summer 2026 that will enable select Target designers of all experience levels to work directly with Mizrahi via one-on-one mentorship sessions, creative immersion experiences and inspiration trips, and design workshops and consultations;
•Brand storytelling; and
•Design-focused collaborations and purpose-driven partnerships, including community engagement initiatives.
[READ MORE: Target to undertake 13 ‘community activations’ in 2026 — here’s where]
The retailer is reuniting with Mizrahi following a strong first quarter, with better-than-expected sales in all six of its core merchandising categories as its turnaround efforts to attract shoppers under new CEO Michael Fiddelke gain momentum.
"Great design is deeply human — it ignites confidence and joy, and it's what guests tell us they love about shopping at Target," said Cara Sylvester, executive VP and chief merchandising officer, Target. "Isaac has always believed, as we do, that great design should be accessible to everyone. What excites me most is the opportunity to pair his creativity and perspective with the incredible talent we already have inside Target as we shape the next chapter of style and design for our guests."
Target has also been trying to raise its fashion profile with other initiatives such as serving as the exclusive retail sponsor of a digital series inspired by the format of Bravo’s popular show, "What What Happens Live with Andy Cohen." Launched by NBCUniversal and described as a "first-of-its-kind" shoppable Bravo digital series, “Shop What Happens” will deliver content in an engaging way for audiences to discover and shop curated Target products, according to NBC.
Target Corp. operates more than 2,000 U.S. stores and online.
