Macy*s Lines Up Another Big Designer Collaboration: Giambattista Valli

Giambattista Valli is designing for Macy's and while you may not have heard of him, I assure you this is a big deal. Let me count the ways by quoting New York Magazine, Valli "just showed at couture weeks, is known for extravagantly priced and over-the-top evening wear, and whose name has become synonymous with expensive, luxurious, in-your-dreams clothes."

It seems like, if you know what's good for you, you would take advantage of this designer slumming it by designing for Macy's.

The collection will be called Giambattista Valli for Impulse. Women's Wear Daily broke the news saying that while Valli's couture line "feature[s} exaggerated layers of tulle, feather-covered garments, enormous bows and wild mixes of animal prints." His collection for Macy's will be a more consumer friendly ready-to-wear version of his designer duds, "Valli's collection for Macy's touches on all the same themes, including feminine fabrics, bold prints and riotous color, lace, tweed, brocade, fake fur and point d'esprit tulle."

The collection hits stores this month and features graphic tees, cocktail dresses, skirts, tops, jackets and something they refer to as "edgy pants." I tried to google "edgy pants" but all I got were links to photos of Lady Gaga and pants for skiing.

The collection will range form $50 to $150. Valli is just another in a recent string of designers added to Macy's line-up.

You've probably heard that Karl Lagerfeld is designing a collection at Macy's, similarly titled "Karl Lagerfeld for Impulse." His line will debut the same time as Valli's though I'm sure fashionistas will jump at an opportunity to purchase clothing designed by Chanel's creative director for less than $200.

Other designers doing collections for Macy's include Kinder Aggugini and Matthew Williamson.

Macy's also teamed up with Vogue Nippon editor Anna Dello Russo to style ads for I.N.C, Macy's in-house contemporary brand.

Collaborations between mass retailers and top designers are very popular. Obviously, Lagerfeld for Macy's. Back in 2009, Jimmy Choo for H&M was a big deal.

Martine Reardon, Macy's VP of marketing and advertising, tells WWD the reason why designer collaborations are so popular, "Our customer loves fashion...[She] can't necessarily go to couture fashion shows and doesn't want to spend $1,000."