Women's wear designers branch out into male territory this spring

After last year's announcements of John Galliano and Roland Mouret both starting men's lines, good news for the notoriously neglected stylish gentleman keeps coming in 2010: women's favorites Rodarte and Matthew Williamson release their capsule collections.

While Rodarte has just launched its range of men's cardigans, selling at openingceremony.com for $2,760 (an amount that could possibly pay for all the items in their collection for US retailer Target), Williamson has designed a more comprehensive range, featuring his signature bright colors and paisley prints, to become available in February.

"I wanted to start a menswear line of slim-fitting, luxury cashmere jumpers in a range of great colours," Williamson said. "[...] Cashmere and silk printed scarves and hand-beaded t-shirts complement the line and form a solid foundation for the collection to grow next season."

The collection will go on sale at London department store Harrods as well as international flagship stores and online at matthewwilliamson.co.uk.

The announcements follow last year's news of Galliano and Mouret branching out into men's wear. The former is planning a line that will be down-to-earth in comparison to his high-fashion creations for Dior or his own label John Galliano, with the designer eyeing a "contemporary-priced, 'urban casual' sportswear line."

Available from fall, the collection will include outerwear, knits, shirts, jackets, jeans and accessories for "trendsetting, extravagant, adventurous" 18- to 35-year-olds.

Desires for more luxurious men's wear will well be catered for by Mouret, who is planning to sell suits priced from $1,600 to $3,800, starting this spring.