Subversive for Target, I bet Justin Giunta understands how much my feet hurt right now.

With all my recent ramblings about shopping at flea markets today seemed like a good day to blog about a new line for Target that I am super excited about. Some people squealed with delight over Proenza Schuller and those damn lucky Aussies get Zac Posen, but we jewelry obsessed get Justin Giunta. Don’t know the name, well I guarantee you are familiar with his style. Justin does a little line called Subversive Jewelry.

I remember the first time my eyes met with his pieces through the glass of the jewelry display case at Barney’s in NYC. I was in love and had never seen anything like that, all the tangled chains in a calculated mess. You see his influence on tons and tons of jewelry designers now who pile on the chain and brass stampings, but Justin is the grand daddy of this look. The problem for me is his jewelry costs a bazillion dollars, but not his new line for Target(said Tar-jay with faux French accent) which makes me very happy.



I happen to know for two reasons that Mr. Giunta is a flea market connoisseur. Where do you think he gets all those wonderful one of a kind vintage bits and pieces? There is no other way for a jewelry designer unless they do exactly what we do which is go to flea markets, antique stores, thrift shops and more. Shopping for the interesting parts is as much a part of the job as making the jewelry. Ok so onto the two reasons I know. First a year or two ago I was at a flea market and there was a vendor who sells vintage jewelry parts. He travels around the country to different events and also has a huge warehouse. Well I had picked up several unique pieces to use as pendants and asked their price and the vendor said $20 each. He must have seen the look of “are you $#@!!!ing kidding me” on my face because he quickly replied: “Justin from Subversive uses these”. He then went onto explain who Justin was and how his warehouse had been photographed for Vogue and I told him I knew exactly who Justin was and how much I loved his work. Needless to say Justin can charge hundreds for a piece and I can’t so I had to leave the charms in the booth. Second I just read an interesting article about him in New York Magazine’s new online fashion blog The Cut where when asked where he gets his jewelry parts (note to author we will never tell and that is why he was vague) Giunta replied: “I go all over the world to flea markets and warehouses and dig through dirt, oil, and grease to find this stuff!”. I feel his pain, I’ve filled out custom forms in Berlin to bring you kids the good jewelry stuff and I still have dirt under my nails from the last 3 days at the flea market.



According to the Target press release: The Subversive for Target collection plays on the idea that more is more, and each piece is designed with a concept behind it, so it is both visual and thoughtful. This collection includes an eclectic mix of charm bracelets, delicate drop earrings and bold multi-color block necklaces. Key pieces include the jeweled locket fringe necklace, the tri-strand faux pearl necklace and the red butterfly brooch cuff bracelet. The exclusive Subversive for Target collection ranges in price from $14.99 to $59.99.

The Subversive line for Target is limited edition and will only be available at select Target stores nationwide and at Target.com March 23 through July 20, 2008. I have not seen the goods at my local Target so online might be my only hope. I wonder if Justin's feet ever hurt as badly as mine do right now from 3 days of standing and shopping for 7 hours on end.