is the most common term in American English for the mass-produced but still good-quality clothing intended to be bought off the rack by well-heeled but not necessarily super-rich customers. Well-known (in the garment trade, anyway) bridge lines include St. John, Tahari, Ellen Tracy/Linda Allard, and Albert Nipon. Many couture designers have their own bridge lines, which include Anne Klein II, Lizwear (from Liz Claiborne), and Armani Exchange.

Cheers, HC