There are some names in fashion that just ooze luxury. Christian Louboutin, Bottega Veneta, and Chanel roll off the tongue. Now be honest, what is your initial reaction when you hear that a label you love and aspire to obtain is launching a low-end line?

Does it make you cringe that everyone will have it? Or are you happy that something from your coveted designer is now affordable?

Kohl’s has been carrying Vera Wang’s Simply Vera for two years now so the initial shock of designers going budget is over. But the past few months we’ve heard announcements from Target and H&M about well-known and normally high-end designers creating lines specifically for those stores

Target –
Anna Sui’s Gossip Girls inspired line ran in Target from September 13 through October 17. She is also doing a line of totes for Target from recycled material from billboards.

Then rumors recently proved to be true when Target confirmed last week that Jean Paul Gaultier (best known for Madonna’s cone-shaped bras) will be doing a line for the store.

H&M -
I would argue that H&M had the biggest designer score when they landed Jimmy Choo. The shoes are fantastic, he always has a fresh perspective, doesn’t retread what some other designer is doing. It’s even fun just to say “Jimmy Choo.”

Then H&M went and got one of my personal favorites – Sonia Rykiel. Everything I have from her, I consider special. But I also consider her pieces unique and I’m not sure that I want everyone wearing my girl.

But maybe my snob side is showing. Just maybe we will see what these designers can come up with when the budget for material is not unlimited and everything can’t be made to order. Maybe it will be like a Project Runway episode – make me a line of clothes, each item priced below $100, and wearable for the masses.

Judges?