Balmain “Quietly Testing” Lower-Priced Line
Balmain isn’t exactly known for its wallet-friendly pieces. The Michael Jackson-inspired military jacket that opened the S/S 2009 show and sent us into a frenzy sold for upwards of $11,000. And most of Balmain’s shoes, tops, pants and accessories have at least three digits following the dollar sign.
Now, I have a tendency to obsess over clothes that I cannot possibly afford so when I heard that Balmain is quietly testing a lower-priced line called Blue Label, my wallet and I were both satisfied. Finally, I thought, Balmain Chairman and Executive Director, Alain Hivelin, has realized that the line can grow only if they broaden their customer range. Granted, Blue Label won’t be as cheap as Old Navy or Target. But the pieces will be 40-50 percent cheaper than Balmain’s usual astronomical prices. And this is something we should all be absolutely giddy over.
What do you think?
What other high-priced lines should launch lower-priced lines? What are some of your favorite collaborations between high-priced lines and low-priced clothing stores?
Posted on on January 25, 2010 / Filed Under: Fashion News / Tags: Balmain, Budget Fashion, Designers
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Zephyr - CF Editor
I actually didn’t know about this until I heard from you, Tiara. As a huge fan of the line I’m excited to check out the pieces – I’ll be on the lookout from now on!
christina
I think Balmain would really benefit with a “lower” budget line. Look at the success Marc Jacobs gets from his Marc by Marc Jacobs line!
JG
I cannot wait for this. I am absolutely obsessed with Balmain (especially after the Fall 2009 runway show with lots of sequins and shimmer!). This is going to be fabulous. Some other lines I love are Marc by Marc Jacobs (which I actually prefer to the collection line), MICHAEL Michael Kors and Rachel Rachel Roy.
I think it’s great that designers do this becuase it’s something they don’t have to do. They gain their respect and loyal follwers by designing spectacular pieces for the elite. Making a more affordable line gives the average woman a chance to wear their favorite designers without spending thousands.
FashionStyleAdvice
Balmain is wonderful, but I agree, the prices are sooo high!
I like that Marc Jacobs has a Marc by Marc Jacobs line that is a lot cheaper! :)
Milana
Blaire
This is exciting. I like to splurge on a few high end pieces every now and then, but $11,000 is not justifiable in any way shape or form (neither are many of their other prices) for a college student.
I’m personally a fan of Marc by Marc Jacobs, I like it more than Marc Jacobs…
It’s just more…wearable, I guess would be the word.
Lu
So basically it will still be really expensive?
I agree on everyones M by MJ, even offering things like J by MJ would bring a lot of revenue.
Claire
Whilst I would LOVE to see a Chanel diffusion line, I doubt it’ll happen. And maybe it takes something away from saving up to own one of the pieces? I’m still at the stage of saving to be able to purchase these things in the sales/diffusion line, but one day…