This product image released by Starbucks shows the Rodarte design Starbucks gift card, part of a series of limited-edition products for the holiday season. The card is one of several Rodarte-designed items including tote bags, cup sleeves and mug. The signature pattern features a pixelated checkerboard of gray, white and silver set against different shades of green.
This product image released by Starbucks shows the Rodarte design Starbucks gift card, part of a series of limited-edition products for the holiday season. The card is one of several Rodarte-designed items including tote bags, cup sleeves and mug. The signature pattern features a pixelated checkerboard of gray, white and silver set against different shades of green.
AP Photo/StarbucksStarbucks netted a record $13.3 billion in 2012. And because it isn't immune to competition, the global coffee seller has updated interiors, offered more products and even tapped into couture fashion.
You might remember Natalie Portman in "Black Swan." The actress played a ballerina in the 2010 film. Her portrayal was even more memorable by her edgy, artsy costumes. They were designed by an upstart, small fashion house called Rodarte, which was founded in 2005 by Kate and Laura Mulleavy.
In this film publicity file image released by Fox Searchlight, Natalie Portman is shown in a scene from "Black Swan." Fashionistas flipped over the film's forward-thinking ballet costumes by Rodarte, sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy.
In this film publicity file image released by Fox Searchlight, Natalie Portman is shown in a scene from "Black Swan." Fashionistas flipped over the film's forward-thinking ballet costumes by Rodarte, sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy.
Fox Searchlight, Niko Tavernise/APStarbucks recently sold several items designed by Rodarte, including a to-go tumbler for $12.95.
The coffee seller is the latest mass retailer to jump on this designer trend. Neither the Rodarte nor Starbucks would comment for this story. Joshua Thomas, a spokesperson for Target, says the retailer has now worked with more than 100 designers.
"It always starts with the customer at Target," Thomas says. "What have they been receptive to in the past, where are they at currently."
Like offering lower-priced versions of designer fashions called Go International that began in 2006. Suddenly everyday shoppers could buy clothes by names they read about on fashion blogs and in magazines. Many of the clothes would sell out on the first day. Target's Thomas says it's about staying current.
"We try to one up ourselves รข€" try to make it new, try to make it fresh," Thomas says.
One partnership that didn't work out as well as others was Target's holiday pairing with upscale retailer Neiman Marcus.
Britt Beemer, who studies consumer behavior at America's Research Group, says a high-end name isn't a sure thing.
"When you bring in an outsider designer to do something, it's not their name, it's the product, the look, the design and the merchandising," he says.
Designers Kate Mulleavy, left, and her sister Laura acknowledge the audience after the Rodarte fall 2012 collection show during Fashion Week, last February in New York.
Designers Kate Mulleavy, left, and her sister Laura acknowledge the audience after the Rodarte fall 2012 collection show during Fashion Week, last February in New York.
Jason DeCrow/APTarget regulars, Beemer says, didn't think the products warranted the higher prices. Some Starbucks drinkers are also price conscious. Last year, Beemer says a lot of people said they cut out Starbucks coffees to save money.
"I'm sure they've lost some volume because of consumers cutting back so they say, 'okay, how can I sell more to my customers I currently have'," Beemer says.
But what's in it for designers? They get money and an introduction to a larger buying public.
But Rodarte clothes aren't easy to find, and industry watchers say the company has yet to find a sustainable market for its artful line. Still, the name has cache with a certain type of customer.
Grace Brace, 26, of Minneapolis who works at Target, says the collection didn't make her go to Starbucks any more than usual. But while there, she contemplated buying a mug.
"I almost did yesterday but I didn't and the store's out of them so I can't today," Brace says.
Unfortunately for brace, the entire collection has sold out as the Minneapolis Starbucks she patronizes.
