Oscar de la Renta Is Coming to the Masses With Cheaper Line

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Well, keep in mind that this is Oscar de la Renta we're talking about here—he of the most expensive store in America—so it would be wise to take the term "cheaper" with a grain of salt. However, according to WWD, the new line the ultra-high-end designer is planning to launch this spring exclusively with The Outnet is actually within reach of mere mortals. Oscar de la Renta for The Outnet will range from $325 to $1,295, with the bulk of the dresses set to retail at less than $1,000, the trade daily reports.

WWD explains: "While Oscar de la Renta for The Outnet uses the same fabrics, the same patterns and is made in the same factory as the main collection, they are all past fabrics and past patterns for the outlet... For the main collection, the graphic design team develops the prints and the company pays for the runway show, a model to wear it, a second sample and a pattern maker. But in this case, because the fabric and pattern already exist, the brand has "sunk all those costs." So you can now get it in a sort-of affordable price range.

The cheapest items in the line are a ikat shorts and a hot-pink sleeveless tie-neck blouse for $325, while pencil skirts will retail for $450, and dresses will be in the more expensive range: $895 up to $1,295 (the most expensive piece in the collection, a coral trapeze gown).

The 24-piece collection will hit The Outnet on Tuesday February 26.
· Oscar de la Renta Creates Line for The Outnet [WWD]
· Behold the 25 Most Expensive Stores in the United States [Racked]