After my post about the Prada Saffiano Cuir Double Bag yesterday, I received a question asking what a diffusion line is.
Most top designers have both a principle high end line and a cheaper diffusion line, also sometimes known as a bridge line. This allows them to capture a far broader market and increase sales without compromising brand integrity and exclusivity. It also allows them to counter counterfeiters and chain stores who copy and interpret their lines, by offering a genuine product with the same aesthetic at a more affordable price.
In some cases both lines are sold in the same place, but the diffusion lines are also sold in department store concessions, chain stores and outlets.
Some of the most popular ones (with the main line on the left and the diffusion line on the right) are:
- Donna Karan/DKNY
- Chloè/See by Chloe
- Marc Jacobs/Marc by Marc Jacobs
- Armani/Armani Exchange
- Dolce & Gabbana/D&G
- Prada/MiuMiu
- Versace/Versus
- Roberto Cavalli/Just Cavalli
- Balmain/Pierre Balmain
The featured photograph is my Pierre Balmain bag