Zac Posen is launching a lower-priced bridge collection exclusively with Saks Fifth Avenue next spring. According to Posen, the line—called Z Spoke—has an "urban hipster quality." He added that he could see the collection on Lower East Side girls.

That's a long way from Posen's designer collection, which is heavy on dramatic party clothes and over-the-top evening dresses. Posen says it's not a change of design philosophy as much as an answer to retailers' demand for more American sportswear—meaning he needs to sell some clothes.

Z Spoke will retail from $78 (for a t-shirt) to $675 (for a knit dress) and launch in 17 Saks stores on the same floor as Tory Burch and Elie Tahari.

“To me, it’s more appropriate to build a whole brand and collection around this price point," said Posen. "Chic sportswear should be at this price point. Designer dresses and cocktail pieces should be at a more expensive price point.” Zac Posen's designer collection retails for $900 to upwards of $12,000.

[WWD]