Designer collaborations with retail giants like Target, The Gap & H&M seem to be a dime a dozen these days. Kate Moss works with TopShop, Rodarte teamed up with Target & even Alexander McQueen has released capsule collections so that people who aren’t on the very top of the fashion pile can get in on the fun.
What’s the value of these deals? It’s really all about economics. Of course — like there was ever any doubt! The appeal of the designer label brings a new type of customer to the mass-market retailer, while women who don’t read Vogue are given more exposure to the high-end label in question. There’s definite hype factor, too: the idea that those of us on a modest budget can suddenly own something by one of our most desired labels sends the internet all a-flutter.
But is it really worth it? One of the most highly anticipated collaborations, Jimmy Choo for H&M, launches on November 14th, & the reaction has been mixed. As one would expect, the pieces are luxe & sexy, with over-the-knee boots, studded dresses & more fabulous pairs of stilettos than you can shake a bunion at. But the question remains: if Jimmy Choo can make shoes at such a low price-point, what have we really been paying for all this time?
