A lower-priced collection designed by Missoni for Target drew hours-long lines, crashed the retailer’s website and sold out almost instantly this September. Though once viewed as a crass dilution of haute fashion brands, diffusion lines have become virtually de rigueur for iconic designers in search of a few populist credentials. Next February, Jason Wu, the designer behind Michelle Obama’s white Inauguration Ball gown, will unveil his collection for Target, while Marni drops its line for H&M in March. Between this duo—and the many more partnerships sure to pop up—interest in diffusion lines is sure to continue.
Karlie, Kanye and More: Five Fashion Stories to Watch in 2012
In a special edition of Fashion Friday, we predict the biggest style headlines for the year to come.