Discount Lines by Top Designers were once considered a novelty. But in the last few months, they have become a fashion trend. The trend has taken on a life of its own. Designers are creating these lines as an economical survival strategy (in the current economy, $600 platform wedges in ostrich-skin aren’t selling like they once did), but some designers – such as our imaginary BFF Isaac Mizrahi – pioneered the movement to provide stylish options for the fashion-loving mass.
The consumer, that’s you and me, reaps the rewards. We can now afford designer clothes at prices previously reserved for substandard choices. While not all budget designer lines are worthwhile, some of the GO line is. Target’s international lines, for instance, are largely forgotten. However, there are bridge and diffusion collections that should be included in our regular shopping routine. Our top discount designers are below.
The Best Designer Discount Lines
Norma Kamali. We’re hesitant to use the W-M word at this time, but we will still include Norma Kamali’s line in the big box retailers (ahem Walmart) on our list. The line, in our opinion (and no one would argue with that), is fantastic. This isn’t Kamali first foray into the world of budget fashion. She’s designed an entire line before, which was sold by Spiegel. Kamali is a budget-friendly designer, because she designs pieces that can be worn in many different ways, are easy to mix and match and have a high wearability factor (wal-mar’s line is mostly black, white and red basics with animal prints), as well as because the quality is not compromised because the line is “budget”.
Isaac Mizrahi. Mizrahi has been a pioneer in this fashion style for the past five years, thanks to his groundbreaking partnership with Target. Mizrahi’s luxe designs, his affordable bridal and party dresses (remember that it is all about the details), and the classic style of his clothing have always been a favorite. This season marks the end of Mizrahi and Target’s partnership (a fact which still causes us to break into a cold, sweaty sweat at night). But we are confident that there will be plenty more Mizrahi products in Target’s clearance section for the foreseeable future. . .
Michael Kors. MICHAEL Michael Kors is one of the bridge lines (unlike Kamali’s and Mizrahi’s ventures), which falls just above “budget”. ($70 for a casual top with flutter sleeves, however you look at it) The collection is always on sale, so you can get pieces at more than 50% off. Kors knows exactly how to create items that are practical, wearable, and not gimmicky.
Vera Wang. We’ll admit that Vera Wang’s Kohl’s collection (Simply Vera), hasn’t really impressed us. The inconsistency is what bothers us. On the plus side, a good number of items feature Wang’s feminine sense and take on classics. (But we will skip the long-sleeved logo tees). Prices can also be high, but the line is often “on sale”.
Marc Bouwer. Marc Bouwer’s bold, flowing dresses are well-known in high fashion circles, but what about in budget? Marc Bouwer’s M collection is exclusively available on QVC. It includes tops and pants as well as coats and dresses. The pieces are laden with his signature draping but without the price tag. We wouldn’t spend $60 for an embellished top. Budget? Not so much. But if you are selective, an embellished knit top designed by Bouwer for under $50 is worth mentioning.
Kenneth Cole. Kenneth Cole Reaction is well known both for women as well as men. There are several retail stores that carry the line, including Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Macy’s. Accessories and coats can be found at Piperlime and Endless.com. The Reaction collection could be said to lack any kind of fashion inspiration. It doesn’t set off those style fireworks that we desire. However, it is a great source of foundation pieces which you can wear for years.
DKNY (Donna Karan). Donna Karan describes DKNY as the pizza to (Donna Karan’s) caviar. While we’re not thrilled about the idea of having anchovies in our closet, it’s okay if we get to wear hip urban clothes at affordable prices (we never really understood the fish-egg thing). DKNY’s upper range is still out of our budget (a $125 cotton shirt is a crime!). However, on sale the brand offers quality pieces for prices that we can afford. DKNY was also the last line to opt out from a Fall 2009 Fashion Week Show at Bryant Park. Read more on WWD.com).
Nicole Miller. JCPenney isn’t what you’d consider a fashion haven (though they are pretty affordable), but it’s still worth stopping by if know which lines to check out. Nicole Miller has a long-standing collection of separates, handbags and accessories at this mid-level retailer. Miller’s bold prints are great for her JCP collection, but we wish she would bring more dresses from her higher-end collections.
Doo Ri. It’s not a budget-friendly designer, but we did report last month that a Doo Ri Diffusion Line was on its way. We’re not sure budget even describes the price ranges, which are between $80-$475. We’re still willing to wait until the actual line debuts.
Zacposen. This one is also in progress. . . Posen confirmed that he is working on “lower-priced collections” to be preceded with a signature scent.
Betsey Johnston. Betsey Johnson is in the process of launching a diffusion line. We don’t know the specifics, but Johnson’s representative confirmed it last month. BJ will be collaborating with H&M, or Target, in some wild designer fantasies.