After days of high-class runway shows, where expressionless models glide on impractical heels, dressed in highly-styled outfits not always suitable for the everyday grind, Target’s latest looks at the first Red Market showing were a refreshing change of scenery.

If previous shows had been runway, Target was a circus as cabaret-themed dancers began the show with a saucy act not really suitable for many of the front-row tots in attendance. Post-routine, models made their entrances decked out in well-coordinated Target threads with a definite 40s edge. On display were lots of black and white separates, punctuated with tweed, argyle knits, military influence, felt hats and suede gloves.

The age of innocence followed, with the large projector screens showing cute animated images of bunnies and flowers, and girls on rollerskates making an impressive entrance dressed in 70s-inspired garb. For the ladies, there were paisley prints paired with coloured hosiery, with hues of fuchsia, purple, grey and black making statements, while the men looked countrified in their checked pants and shorts, waistcoats and Wellington boots.

Before they knew it, half of the front row was suddenly swamped in a thick fog as a dry ice machine worked overtime to create a spooky atmosphere. Dancers dressed as zombies gyrated to Roisin Murphy’s “Ramalama Bang Bang”, with models in Halloween masks following in kooky streetwear. There were hot pink jeans, silver and gold metallic zip jackets, green guitar-print hoodies and NYC-print tees. Not to mention the most unusual accessories: large plastic spiders and snakes which clung precariously to their wearers.

After the scariness subsided, the young crowd was treated to another upbeat performance, this time from an R&B artist, before cute lingerie hit the runway. Styled for the impressionable tween crowd, cute camisoles and cheeky undies were paired with clothing and accessories to present underwear in a totally non-intimidating manner.

But as parents would know, teenagers aren’t always sweet angels, so Target brought out the bad girls and boys to close the show. Kitted out in mini skirts, coloured denim jeans, leggings, vests and bomber jackets, print shirts and top hats, the vibe was (thankfully) assertive, fun-loving teens rather than angry, troubled emos.

On day two of a long weekend, many parents took the opportunity to treat their trendy youngsters to a fashion show aimed squarely at their youthful tastes, with entertainment aplenty including a free concert by The Veronicas as an encore. But for the grown-ups there was relief, as the impending cries of “Mummy, I want that!” wouldn’t have furrowed a brow, knowing everything on the menu was well within their budgets.

PHOTO GALLERY: Target Rocks Red Market 1