Designers: Couture's New Cheap and Chic

While Karl Lagerfeld is designing for H&M, Jean Paul Gaultier is doing his version of budget fashion. JPG is planning the launch the Haute Couture equivalence to a diffusion line in January. His "semi-couture" collection will feature luxurious dresses that require only one fitting, thus making them less expensive than traditional couture. The gowns will be sold exclusively at his dozen or so boutiques.

Related: Jean Paul Gaultier