Cheap chic: these designers are getting more affordable

Recession or not, a designer bargain is always good, and many 'high-brow' brands are now trying to widen their reach, launching less expensive lines.

Faster by Mark Fast

The London designer is staying true to his policy of making his clothes work for diverse body types: plus-size model Crystal Renn walked this season's runway, and the equally curvy Hayley Morley - a previous Mark Fast walker - now stars in the visuals for his Faster line, alongside Anouck Lepere. The nylon and elastane knits cost in between $25 (for tights) and $400.

http://www.fasterbymarkfast.net

Black Carpet by Paule Ka

The usually very up-market Paris label is also working on making its clothes more accessible to the public, although the prices remain steep in comparison to Mark Fast's: available from March, the Black Carpet range - re-interpretations of the little black dress inspired by what actresses should be wearing at the Cannes Film Festival - will be priced from €690 to €2450 ($930 to $3,300).

http://www.pauleka.com

Rad by Rad Hourani

Rad Hourani's second line of affordable, unisex pieces launched online in January. Prices start at $100.

http://shop.radbyradhourani.com

Narciso Rodriguez for eBay

For his first capsule collection for the auction site, Rodriguez has created eight simple yet elegant pieces, including a reversible trench and a denim skirt suit. Prices range from $75 to $350.

http://stores.ebay.com/narcisorodriguez

Alice by Temperley

Temperley's cheaper line, ranging from $130 to $820, was launched with an Alice in Wonderland-inspired bash during London Fashion Week. The line is available at the brand's stores as well as online on net-a-porter.com.

http://www.alicebytemperley.com

Badgley Mischka

At between $2,000 and $4,000, the new bridal dresses, going on sale this spring, will only cost half of the usual price. The collection, which will appear under the designers' Mark & James label, will carry 12 different styles.

Bridal dress designer Monique Lhuillier also launched a more affordable range of her dresses last fall, called Bliss by Monique Lhuillier, priced from $2,300 to $3,500.

http://www.badgleymischkabride.com / http://www.moniquelhuillier.com