Karl Lagerfeld Launching a Low-Budget Line

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Karl Lagerfeld is slumming it. The Creative Director of Chanel has just announced that he will launch an "affordable" range of clothing called The Karl Collection.

His 100 piece women's line will retail from $95 to $450, so this isn't exactly Karl Lagerfeld for Target, but it's still no Chanel. The Karl Collection will be available on Net-a-porter on January 25 and on karllagerfeld.comon February 28.

First he did a collaboration with Macy's in August where he created designs that ranged in price from $50 to $170. The success of that collection is probably what spurned him to create another budget line. Give it like 5 more years and the inevitable economic collapse of our nation and I'm sure there's going to be a Karl Lagerfeld for Wal-Mart. Just you wait.

Karl says of his new range: "It's my today's taste and style and a reflection of how I think a great number of people would like to be dressed now."

According to a spokesperson, the collection is supposed to be "ageless" though the majority of the label will be denim and leather and geared more towards young women in their 20's.

Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter Group told Women's Wear Daily, "We believe in this collection based on Karl's talent, his global appeal, and the product itself. We don't share projections, but this has the potential to be an important business."

She basically said, I'm not supposed to say that this collection will be hugely successful, but this collection will be hugely successful.

Natalie Massenet adds, "It's a very strong, well-edited collection with a great mix of street attitude and timeless chic. It also is an entire wardrobe that mixes and matches well with itself. While it has great contemporary price points, it has enough edge to resonate with a sophisticated fashion consumer who is looking for great new items at any budget."

It's no surprise he's launching The Karl Collection, his Macy's collaboration did really well. Terry Lundgren Macy's CEO previously said, "We're blown away by the sell-throughs with Karl. Even before his p.a. [public appearance], we did more than $1 million in sales."

Additionally, Karl said he can't make a career just working for Chanel, "It's pretentious to make only expensive things," and for those that think he's watering down the Chanel image by spreading his name around like some kind of sartorial slut, he has this to say, "This is not a problem whatsoever. The more and more your name is around, it's even better for Chanel. I am linked to that. I think this is the right moment for this."