But let’s put this aside. It doesn’t matter that this line is even remotely true to McQ’s aesthetic. Would you pay $80 for a dress like the tatoo-print one featured in this line anywhere else, without the icon associated with it? The reason this line sells (if at all) is the fact that it’s associated with a world-renowned designer. Place it on a Forever 21 rack, and it’s no big deal. And definitely not worth 80 of my hard-earned bucks during a recession. Smart recession shopping is about looking high-end for an awesome price. I feel that this line fails to achieve either.

And one more comment: personally, I see no creativity here. As a salute to pop culture, what would Nina, Heidi, or Tim Gunn say about the line (without being paid $ to praise it)? I understand that there’s a cohesiveness to it and the inspiration came from a music album, but the designers stuck to just 4 colors. Black (too much for my taste), hot pink, a blue tatoo print (ick), and grey. and besides, black leggings? Grey jeans? A black zip-up? Graphic tees? I’ve seen all of these things before in every store at the mall for less. I was actually relieved to realize that I wanted NOTHING from this line, because it never hurts to save money these days (especially when it’s just clothes you’re talking about).