The last four years has seen a tremendous debate over the value of fast fashion: Is it here to stay, or is it simply a passing trend? Having found a decidedly large demographic of aspirational economic-battling-consumers that are trend-savvy and brand conscious, fast fashion vendors have largely bridged high-end luxury with affordable price tags.

H&M and TARGET are undoubtedly the foremost pioneers that jumped on the band-wagon in the early 2000s with designer collections: Karl Lagerfeld, Lanvin, Madonna, Zac Posen, and more recently this past autumn with Versace and Missoni.  

And next month, another terrific designer name will be added to that growing list of high-fashion/fast-fashion double-dippers: Jason Wu.  Just yesterday, TARGET released the first glimpse at the upcoming collection; and true to Wu form, the new merchandise is a testament to the designer’s sophisticated, yet sexy take on femininity and elegance.

"The exciting thing about this limited edition collection of affordable women’s wear and accessories is that it allows me to reach a wider audience and bring my designs to people who may not have been able to purchase them before," Wu told the esteemed publication Women's Wear Daily.  

Just ten years ago, the thought of a high-end designer brand available for the masses in a mega-store that competes with Wal-Mart would have been laughable; but today, that concept is ripe with possibility and mainstream appreciation.

That said, it’s safe to assume that fast-fashion may be here to stay -- but when it comes to featured designer fast-fashion collect-ables, don’t expect those items to stay on the racks for too long.   Jason Wu’s limited edition collection is set to appear in stores nationwide on February 5; it will include an onslaught of ‘IT’ items with exceptionally affordable price-tags, from handbags and scarves to sexy, feminine garments.  Get ready, set, TARGET!  

Photos: Elle.com