First Karl, Then Stella...Now Miuccia?

(NEW YORK) If Stella could trump Karl in sales, imagine the impact of Miuccia Prada! Though unconfirmed, word came late Wednesday that H&M and Prada are said to have had initial discussions about the possibility of collaborating on a capsule collection of clothing and accessories. A Prada spokesperson had no comment on the matter.

Lisa Sandberg, communications director at H&M, issued a statement saying, "Our cooperation with Stella McCartney in 2005 is a clear example of what we've always believed at H&M-that design is not a matter of price. Customers really enjoyed the fashions, and sales and profits were good-so we would certainly consider other partnerships like this in the future."

There seems to be no end for the public's demand for affordable clothing designed entirely, or at least partially, by some of the world's most established designers. In addition to McCartney and Lagerfeld's collaborative ventures, Luella Bartley recently debuted her line for Target, and the retail giant that is said to have also met with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler.

Why Miuccia Prada-the woman who built a billion-dollar fashion empire from a line of woven nylon bags-would have any desire to partner with a retailer of chic mass clothing is anyone's guess. But according to company sources, Prada is undergoing several internal corporate changes. The company recently announced that it would be moving its Miu Miu show from Milan to Paris, perhaps in a strategic attempt to distinguish it from the Prada collection, but also to afford itself a path should a possible partnership with H&M solidify.