It seems hi-end designers are becoming less immune to partnering with retail chains to offer affordable namesake lines to the masses. Socialite/fashion designer Rachel Roy, the soon-to-be ex-wife of former hip-hop mogul Damon Dash, is set to launch a diffusion line for Macy's this fall. Called Rachel Rachel Roy, the contemporary label will be available August 1st. The reasonably priced version that reflects Roy's simple yet chic taste includes sportswear from $59 to $299, shoes from $79 to $199, jewelry up to $195 and handbags topping out at $109. You may know Roy from the huge following she has in the fashion and entertainment worlds (she dressed Indian supermodel/Hermes ad campaign chick Lakshmi Menon at last week's Costume Institute Gala), has been featured on Oprah more than once and gets shout outs in Vogue regularly. It would not surprise us if Michelle Obama steps out in one of her garments, considering the first lady's penchant for rising designers.

Rachel Rachel Roy ad

Rachel Rachel Roy rock-inspired studded purses

In other designer-brands-for-less news, Target just announced that Queen of Vintage-Inspired Fashion, designer Anna Sui, is the second to sign up for their Designer International Series. Also, JC Penney will debut an exclusive line with menswear designer Joseph Abboud. Target's first collaborative effort with British wunderkind Alexander McQueen sold out very quickly this spring. Sui's is guaranteed to do the same, considering the added hot element her collection offers -- inspiration from the four main characters of 'Gossip Girl,' the hit teen show Sui has worked with.

"I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters' style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion," Anna Sui told WWD. "By combining the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour, we created a collection that exudes New York City fashion." Mark your calendars; the capsule collection will have a short run, as did McQueen's, available only from September 13 to October 17.

In other designer-brands-for-less news, Target just annouced that Queen of Vintage-Inspired Fashion, designer Anna Sui, is the second to sign up for their Designer International Series. Also, JC Penney will debut an exclusive line with menswear designer Joseph Abboud. Target's first collaborative effort with British wunderkind Alexander McQueen sold out very quickly this spring. Sui's is guaranteed to do the same, considering the added hot element her collection offers -- inspiration from the four main characters of 'Gossip Girl,' the hit teen show Sui has worked with.

"I liked the idea of creating a collection reflective of each characters' style, sensibility and unique approach to fashion," Anna Sui told WWD. "By combining the elements of art, city, spirit, punk and glamour, we created a collection that exudes New York City fashion." Mark your calendars; the capsule collection will have a short run, as did McQueen's, available only from September 13 to October 17.

Rachel Rachel Roy pumps

Rachel Rachel Roy boots and handbags

Rachel Rachel Roy sportswear

After much success with an exclusive line with I Heart Ronson by Charlotte Ronson (on super discount in stores and online now!), JC Penney will follow in the footsteps of Target and drop Joe Joseph Abboud this fall, which will appeal to a younger customer as well.

I Heart Ronson Cardigan, $12.99 and Tunic, $14.99

I Heart Charlotte Ronson Crinkle Shirt, $21.99 and Vest, $14.99

As for why the influx of designer collabos, bottom line: it's business. If it doesn't make dollars, it doesn't make cents. It's a smart move that benefits everyone: we, the consumers, get style that's reasonably priced. With the industry constantly reporting we're not spending like we use to due to the recession, department stores move units while designers sell their garments in droves. It's a win-win situation for all, and I'm not mad.

Tell us, are you feeling the designer collaborations for less? Which are your favorites?