Matthew Williamson is not afraid to experiment with his very specific design aesthetic at different price points. Witness his new collection, MW by Matthew Williamson, which just bowed last week.

MW by Matthew Williamson, the designer’s latest lower-priced collection, follows closely on the heels of his recent one-off Macy’s capsule. This line, however, is truly a diffusion line–just don’t call it cheap. While the prices are more accessible than the main line, a cute metallic thread cheetah print coat dress will set you back more than $500.

I caught up with the designer at his colorful Meatpacking District store, where he was celebrating the launch with some fabulous friends (like Dree Hemingway.) Of course I wanted to get the scoop on the collection, but I also wanted to drill him about Cat Deeley. (Ed. note: Leah and I both have girl crushes on the now Emmy-nominated host of So You Think You Can Dance. She’s so pretty. And so nice. And so normal. So when I found out they were friends, I couldn’t resist. Anyway. You’ve been warned.)

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