Since Christophe Decarnin took over Balmain in 2006, the fashion label has become known for its sky-high prices as much as its spangled mini dresses and pumped-up shoulders. For us mortal beings, there are however news about a more recession-safe label being produced within the design house to reach out to more potential customers with affordable pricing.

Currently, the destroyed Balmain t-shirts are selling for $1,624, jackets from $5,333 and runway dresses can be up to $59,856. (And here’s irony for you: Decarnin picks up much of his own wardrobe at army surplus stores!) The brand’s ready-to-wear sales have doubled each season according to Balmain chairman and chief executive officer Alain Hivelin, and next season brings an eyewear collection with Oliver Peoples. The brand’s much-buzzed-about $2,000 jeans are priced as such because, Hivelin says, certain pieces receive hundreds of hours of embroidery or have been reworked up to 50 times before they hit retail.

However, Hivelin realises that such prices leave out a plethora of potential customers, particularly in fast-growing markets like China and Southeast Asia – so he is quietly testing lower-priced possibilities. Already, a Mongolian cashmere range is selling in China and soon, the brand will test out Blue Label – a new Autumn clothing collection, priced 40 to 50 percent lower than the runway line — on the market.

Keep an eye out for the Balmain launch of Blue Label. There has been no official announcement yet about whether it will be available through the e-boutique but I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

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Featured Contributor: Sar Ruddenklau

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