Big Retailers Discover Haute Couture

Perhaps the biggest fashion coup of the season is the debut of Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons at your local H&M(HMRZF Quote). The once-in-a-lifetime collection includes a deconstructed line of skirts and jackets for women with intricate seams in materials like boiled wool and gabardine. In time for winter, coats play a big role in the collection, with a long trench coat, oversize blazer and pea coat in abstract dimensions. More conventional cotton shirts offer a muted canvas for the designer's polka dot short sets and asymmetrical cardigans. Men's suits include classic tailored pieces as well as a belted trench coat offset by a casual selection of weekend bags, slip-on canvas shoes, wool hat and a new version of Comme des Garçons' wallet.

While some might say the fabrics and material of many budget designer lines are simply not on par with their high-end counterparts, Thome Browne at Brooks Brothers is the exception. Known as Black Fleece, the designer creates yet another winter collection of preppy and upscale classics that are by far the priciest pieces you'll ever find at your local mall.

For women, Browne evokes images of '20s Park Avenue with a selection of knee-length pencil skirts in navy and black, sleeveless cape dress in charcoal wool and camelhair morning coat atop an argyle vest. For men, Browne creates a grown-up "Gossip Girl" look with navy-and-white plaid blazers, ankle-length camelhair coat and black herringbone jacket with tuxedo shirt and wingtip shoe. The collection ranges between $300 and $3,500.