Politics aside, this ain't your mother's melamine!

I feel like I'm treading a fine line here, but here it goes... Target has joined forces with John Derian, a New York creative force who made his name as a decoupage artist. His glass tableware is made with color reproductions of 18th and 19th century illustrations, and all his pieces, from paper weights to serving trays, reflect his unique combination of whimsy and serious design.

He has an amazing shop where he sells his wares in the East Village as well as at select retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, and Barneys New York (read: not inexpensive!).  The news is that his new Target collection is a more affordable take on the same approach using melamine pieces instead of glass, yet retaining all his quirky charm!  

Dreamlike images of butterflies, dahlias, leaves and feathers decorate the nearly 100 items, each under $25. The appetizer plates above are $1.99 each, the dinner plates to the right are $2.99, and the large tray at the bottom is $16.99. The collection includes service ware, dinnerware, ceramic mugs, coasters, stationery sets, notebooks and fabric-covered storage bins.  The good news is that these pieces feel substantial and carry the same spirit (if not exactly the same look) as the original, more expensive glass pieces.

The downside is that these pieces are available for a limited time only at www.target.com and select Target stores beginning September 5. But if you can't wait, some items will go on sale Friday at the online sale site Gilt Groupe. The sale begins at 9 a.m., but you must register to be a member before you can shop. This is something not to miss, as once these are gone, they are gone!

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