Fashion week explodes on the New York scene next week, on September 10th to be exact. To celebrate the occasion, and to show that art can be repurposed in a fashionable way, Target is putting up a set of nine vinyl billboard ads designed by four notable New York artists: Laurie Rosenwald, Michael Anderson, Josh Goldstein and Charles Wilkin.

The billboards will be unveiled this weekend, and will feature iconic NYC imagery such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, accompanied by splashy graphics and verbal cues like "coffee," "knish," and "cheers, New York."

Left: A rendering of Target's Time Square billboard campaign. Right: Artwork by Laurie Rosenwald. Courtesy Laurie Rosenwald.

But what about the repurposing? you ask. When the billboards come down at the end of October, they will be made into one-of-a-kind tote bags designed by Anna Sui. "It's a campaign mixing art, fashion, design - just something fun to do," said Kelly Basgen, a Target Corp. spokeswoman.

Target estimates that about 1,600 bags can be made from the vinyl billboards, which range in size from 3,256 to 5,942 square feet. The exclusive designer items, which will be 15 by 17 inches, with black vinyl handles, black enamel studs, and a black metal zipper are being offered for $29.95.

People who see the ads can select which billboard they want their bag made from, and can expect to receive them in January 2010. Once again, Target comes through with style and excitement designed to offer their "frugalistic" customers a connection with the world of high fashion. Editor's note: Laurie Rosenwald is featured in the American Illustration annuals: AI20, AI21, AI23 and AI24.