Brian Atwood Discounted Designer Shoes Label

It’s not often that a fashion trend emerges, gains momentum, and shows no signs of slowing down. Sure, we’ll see some designer trends remain on the fashion forecast from one year to the next (witness the staying power of last Fall’s over-the-knee boots and military-inspired styles), but it’s the rare runway look that just gets hotter and hotter, earning a unanimous “I have to have it!” from fashionistas of all styles, shapes and sizes.

However, if there’s one Fashion “Do” that we can all agree on, it has to be the recent surge in lower-priced diffusion lines by the top names in designer clothing and designer shoes, and even designer handbags and accessories. After all, while we might not be able to afford the luxe, premiere lines by our favorite fashion designers, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to own a coveted designer name with an affordable price tag? I know I would. (Hey, I’m still giddy over my $50 cardigan from the Zac Posen for Target designer collection that launched this past spring!) Being a serious shoe-a-holic though, my excitement was pretty much off the charts when I heard that the latest big name to launch a lower priced collection will be none other than famed footwear designer Brian Atwood!

Atwood has teamed up with Jones Apparel Group to create a new footwear and accessories label which will be a lower-priced counterpart to his high-end Brian Atwood shoe business. The new designer label will be called B Brian Atwood and will launch in two phases: B Brian Atwood shoes and boots will hit select department stores and specialty stores in Fall 2011, while B Brian Atwood handbags and B Brian Atwood jewelry are set to launch in 2012.

In the official press release, Brian Atwood to Launch Contemporary Footwear and Accessory Line, 'B Brian Atwood,' With Jones Apparel Group, the 43-year-old luxury shoe designer stated, “When thinking about a partner and building my brand, Jones was an obvious choice. I look forward to translating my design aesthetic and guarantee of high-quality, sexy footwear for a larger audience through a new, contemporary line.” The exclusive licensing agreement with Atwood will no doubt be a huge coup for Jones Apparel Group which is already home to such designer brands as Nine West, Anne Klein, Stuart Weitzman, Robert Rodriguez, Bandolino, and Joan & David.

Brian Atwood Loca Studded Pumps

Since launching his namesake Brian Atwood line of footwear in 2001, the Chicago native has garnered global attention for his stunning shoe designs. With ultra-flattering silhouettes, bold colors, elaborate skins, and playful style names like Drama and Super Charged, it’s no wonder that he’s earned a loyal following among such Hollywood A-listers as Gwenyth Paltrow, Madonna, Sarah Jessica Parker and Victoria Beckham. SJP famously sported the super-chic Brian Atwood Loca Studded Pump in Lilac Suede (shown above) in this summer’s SATC movie sequel, while the Brian Atwood Maniac has quickly become a red carpet staple. Most recently, the Maniac has been sported by True Blood actress Anna Paquin at the 2010 Entertainment Weekly and Women In Film Pre-Emmy Party and, of course, at the 2010 Emmy Awards ceremony itself where Mad Men star January Jones paired her eye-popping Royal Blue Atelier Versace Atelier with Black Brian Atwood Maniac Platform Pumps.

Brian Atwood Balleto platform sandals

Although the new line of B Brian Atwood designer shoes will be considerably less expensive than the pieces in his signature collection, a pair of B Brian Atwood pumps is still going to put a sizeable dent in our pocketbooks. Footwear bearing the B Brian Atwood label will retail for between $200 and $400 for core items and up to $600 for a pair of B Brian Atwood boots – definitely pricier than last year’s limited edition Jimmy Choo for H&M collection where most pairs of Jimmy Choo for H&M heels cost between $99 and $149, and you could even score a pair of flats for $70.

Still, considering the anticipated quality of craftsmanship, not to mention the fact that a pair of Brian Atwood pumps typically starts around $525 and can easily command four figures (check out his sensational, crystal-embellished Balleto Platform Sandals for $2,085!), the prices in the B Brian Atwood line don’t seem too far out of step. While one pair would still be a major splurge for me, it’s an extravagance that, unlike the designer shoes in his premiere collection, doesn’t seem completely out of the question. (I’ve been lusting after a pair of Brian Atwood shoes for a few years now, and this will be the first time that they’re not 100% out of reach!)

And what will be the inspiration for Atwood’s new collection? Citing an interview with WWD, the In Style magazine article Brian Atwood to Launch More Affordable Shoe Collection quotes the former model (no surprise – he’s gorgeous!) turned elite designer: “The cool, East Village girls who have great style are kind of a muse,” he says. “Our brand essence is fun. It is lipstick, boys and killer heels.”

No surprise that Atwood finds inspiration in NYC’s ultra cool East Village. The superstar shoe designer was recently named one of US Weekly’s 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers. The uber-stylish group was honored at a glam red carpet event on September 15. Check out the adorable pic that Atwood tweeted of himself and fellow honoree, MTV reality star Olivia Palermo, at the Big Apple bash!

It’s been a huge month for Brian Atwood. In addition to announcing the launch of B Brian Atwood and making the 25 Most Stylish New Yorkers list, the famed shoe designer participated in the second annual Fashion’s Night Out on September 10, joining industry pals Victoria Beckham and Nicole Richie at Bergdorf Goodman. But this was no ordinary celebrity appearance. Brian was promoted as special guest DJ for the event. I’m not sure if it actually happened or not, but I love it nonetheless! If you were lucky enough to be there, let us know!

So, are you excited about B Brian Atwood or do you think the prices are still too high for savvy shoppers? What other high-end designers are on your discount wish list? Drop us a line in the comments section and share your thoughts. We’d love to hear them!