As we approach Autumn, our favorite designers are unveiling their latest fantasy fabrics and extreme silhouettes on the runways of New York. But what chance does the common consumer have at actually owning a piece of what floats down the runways?

Apparently we have a pretty good one–IF we are savvy shoppers, as most designers have secondary lines that are runway-inspired.

“Most people want to be a part of what’s happening in fashion—we all get dressed,” says Michael Fink, vice-president, women’s fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue. “If I am a designer, I want to design for the most people I can. What you find by designers who sell at different levels is that at lower levels, they’re using less expensive fabrics. The more extreme silhouettes that you see on the runway are redesigned to be more wearable.”

“As a fashion director,” he continues, “it’s interesting to see where inspiration comes from. Look at leggings—suddenly every girl was wearing them last summer. And for spring 2007, Ralph Lauren had cashmere leggings on the runway that he’d worked into the collection.” 

The only problem for designers is keeping everyone happy. “If a dress from the runway is $5,000 and the designer makes a similar look in the same season for $500, the high-end customer will be turned off,” Saks’ Fink says.

But usually, he adds, these customers understand how it works: “If they’re into fashion, they understand that there are levels of labels. They’re not surprised that there are different collections from the same designer on the second and third floors.”

And then there are collections that are created when the designer licenses his or her name to a separate manufacturer in a specific category. The designer may have input on the design of the collection, but more times than not, the licensee is in the driver’s seat.

Fashionistas nationwide are curiously awaiting the Simply Vera Vera Wang exclusive collection at Kohl’s. The line, with $34 silk-blend t-shirts and a $138 double-breasted brocade car coat, debuts Sept. 9.

Hot on Wang’s stiletto heels comes Alice Temperley’s collection at Target, in stores Sept. 16 for sixty days, featuring knit tops, jackets, dresses, pants and more from $14.99 to $139.99.

Iconic designer Roberto Cavalli’s one-off collection for women and men will launch in 200 H&M stores on Nov. 8. At press time, images were not available of the Cavalli line but a company spokeswoman described it as “glamorous,” offering “fall/winter party trends featuring sharp retro couture and androgynous decadence.”

Personally, I cannot wait for these separate fashion lines to hit store floors!  Part of what I teach in my business is to learn how to dress yourself beautifully and fashionably based on what your budget affords.  Ladies, it really is possible.