MILAN, Sept 25, 2011 (AFP) - Italian fashion house Missoni hailed the success of its low-cost line for US department store chain Target as an "unexpected success" on Sunday after the group's catwalk show in Milan.

Missoni - SS 2012 / Photo : Pixel Formula

"We really couldn't have imagined it. It was a very unexpected success," creative director Angela Missoni told reporters backstage after presenting the spring/summer 2012 collection in the picturesque courtyard of Milan University.

Missoni's trademark geometric-patterned knitwear was a defining feature of the collection and the colours were rich browns, purples and yellows in outfits reminiscent of Flamenco dancers or stylish South American soirees.

"It was really a southern inspiration," said Missoni, highlighting in particular the sparkling fringes, large shawls and ruffles from the show.

Missoni said the "Sunrise Birds" collection was meant to define a woman with "carefree sensuality" and the outfits were "asymmetric and mischievous".

The family business launched its 400-piece Target line earlier this month. Online demand for the collection quickly sent Target's website crashing and several pieces cropped up for resale on Internet auction site eBay.

With much of the womenswear priced under $50 (37 euros), Missoni for Target appealed to fashion-conscious but thrifty shoppers eager to save money in hard economic times. High-end Missoni dresses typically cost more than $1,000.