Style for a Steal: Top Designers Bring it to the Masses

(Pictured: Jimmy Choo for H+M)

Every season designers unveil their lust-worthy creations that the average girl will only ever see in a magazine. Who can afford that couture Dior dress? Fashion designers are finally cluing in - many of us simply can't afford the beautiful things they make. Now, rumors abound that couture brands like Escada and Christian Lacroix have gone bankrupt. Even fashion isn't immune to the economic forces, it would seem.

A few savvy designers are taking notice and creating more affordable pieces. Joe Mimran (Joe Fresh) jumped on this trend early with a very successful line of clothing, accessories, and now make-up for Superstore. People can't seem to get enough of his cute $6 t-shirts and funky $19 ballet flats.

Who can't afford great fashion at that price? The only difference you're paying less for usually is fabrication - the easiest way for a designer to cut costs. Instead of using that luxurious Japanese silk, they will take a polyester blend.


Joe Fresh Hat $14, Tunic $24, Jeans $29 Vest $29


Other department stores create buzz with “guest” designers. Target and H+M are great examples of this. Target's Go International line has spotlighted such designers as Alexander McQueen and Jovovich-Hawk. H+M teases the public trying to anticipate which designer will be next. Here's the inside scoop: look for accessory and footwear designer Jimmy Choo to be hitting their shelves on November 14, 2009!


Alexander McQueen for Target

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Alexander McQueen on the Runway (photos: Style.com)

As you can see, Alexander McQueen had to tone down his high-end designs to make his Target line more affordable.

Vera Wang is another popular designer known for her beautiful wedding dresses but also for creating red carpet hits for celebrities such as Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Lopez. She has recently teamed up with Kohl's to create her Simply Vera line. The creations range from women's clothing to intimate apparel, accessories and home décor. Cute dresses come in at about the $50 mark - totally affordable.


Red Carpet Vera Wang (photo: Style.com)

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Simply Vera by Vera Wang, Pleated chiffon dress: $39 USD

Vera Wang's style message: "Casual can be dressy. Dressy can be casual.' Vera hopes her line will 'encourage women to have fun' and a have 'a little fashion in their lives.'

Another designer jumping on the cheap chic bandwagon is Alfred Sung. He best known for beautiful bridal gowns but his name can be found on everything from eyewear to jewelry and even furniture. He has recently teamed with Zellers to create a ladies fashion line, pricing in at $25-$50. Will that coat for $45 survive a Northern winter? But then, that's hardly the point right?


Dress $37 Alfred Sung Spring Collection

Do you shop the designer department store labels?

by Rachele Kehler

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