It’s official: Isaac Mizrahi is returning to Target. But this time, he has a fresh new title. In its pursuit to strengthen its position as a style destination, Target has named the American fashion designer as its first-ever creative director at large.

“I’m thrilled to have this opportunity to inspire a brand I care so deeply about,” Mizrahi said in a statement. “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.”

The Brooklyn-born designer founded his eponymous label in 1987, and later sold it to Xcel Brands Inc. in 2011, and then to WHP Global in 2022 in a deal that valued the brand at $68 million. Mizrahi’s relationship with Target began back in 2003 when the designer partnered with the retailer on an industry-shifting collaboration that emphasized his “high-low” approach. His former partnership with Target came to an end in 2008 when he exited to lead Liz Claiborne. Since then, the retailer has welcomed many high-low brand collaborations with labels like Rodarte, Missoni, Diane von Furstenberg and Kate Spade, among others.

In this new role, Mizrahi will serve as a creative advisor to Target’s internal design organization, mentor design talent and elevate Target’s design credibility and cultural relevance. Target is launching a new mentorship program this summer where select Target designers will work with Mizrahi through design workshops and consultations, one-on-one sessions and creative immersion experiences.

Mizrahi’s appointment to Target’s creative team is the latest development in the trend of mass retailers tapping established designers for in-house roles: John Galliano at Zara, Zac Posen at Gap Inc. and Clare Waight Keller at Uniqlo.

“Isaac has always believed, as we do, that great design should be accessible to everyone,” Cara Sylvester, Target’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said. “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.”

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