Recessionistas, Rejoice! Jimmy Choo Comes To H&M

SANDY COHEN

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When top-tier clothiers align with mass-market retailers, there's a potential bonanza for everyone.

Designers are happy with their increased exposure, the stores like the higher-end customers, and consumers like getting luxury labels at pocketbook-friendly prices.

Expectations are particularly high for this Saturday's launch of a limited-edition Jimmy Choo collection at H&M because shoes, the signature of the Choo label, remain an obsession for many stylish women — recession or not.

In previous collaborations with Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney and Commes des Carson, shoppers fought over pieces — literally tugging at two ends of the same sweater when Victor & Rolf introduced its H&M line at just 12 locations. H&M has turned budget-conscious designer shopping into a competitive sport.

(There's an undefined line between "cheap" and "budget-conscious," but starting at $69.95 a pair, the Jimmy Choos seem to fall into the latter category, even if a regular pair of Jimmy Choos may sell for more than $1,000.)

The Jimmy Choo collection to be sold at 200 stores includes heels, flats and over-the-knee boots, plus suede and leather dresses, jackets, leggings, studded bags and animal-print clutches. The men's line is built around slim jackets, boots, cashmere sweaters and casual pants.