If you happened to be driving up New York City's West Side Highway the eve of Aug. 18, unaware that the Target Kaleidoscopic Fashion Spectacular was taking place, you might have thought aliens had taken over The Standard Hotel.

Every room of the hotel's south side -- 155 in all -- was brightly lit in neon colors while 66 strategically placed dancers moved in a synchronized and choreographed show that was simply stunning.

In addition to cool flashing patterns, the side of the building was transformed at one point into a dancing skeleton as well as the expected Target bull's-eye symbol.

On the ground below, Target took over the Meatpacking District's streets and The Standard's Biergarten to host guests and VIPs, including "Weeds" star Mary-Louise Parker -- wearing Frock by Tracy Reese -- with her hot, young boyfriend Charlie Mars; "30 Rock" actress Katrina Bowden; and "Gossip Girl" star Penn Badgley, who followed Coco Chanel's advice (take one thing off before you leave the house) by removing a bracelet that would have cluttered his sleek summer outfit.



"Project Runway" judge Nina Garcia, pregnant in a Michael Kors top, has been busy filming this summer as well as getting her gig as a Target StyleBoutique writer up and running.

"It's giving women advice, really editing their closet, letting them know what to buy in every situation," the Marie Claire fashion director, who is due in December, told StyleList of her Target gig.

"It's what I do for the magazine, it's what I do in my books, and it's what I do for Target."

However, on "Project Runway," she's a bit more critical. "This season, the designers are very sensitive and very fragile, that's all I can say. There have been a few tears. It makes for good TV."

Young designer Prabal Gurung was also on the red carpet, but admitted he's never gone to Target. "I really haven't been, but I'm really excited about it," he told StyleList.

"I hear the home stuff is incredible, and I'd love to check out some menswear, like T-shirts."

Gurung added, "They're the biggest supporters of young designers with their partnerships. It's absolutely astounding what they do."

However, when asked about negotiating with Target for his own line, he replied with a quick no, his voice cracking in a suspicious fashion.

Hmm... we're not buying it.

In related news, check out who's launching a Halloween costume collection for Target.