a Good designer is one who works within his/her customers budget. At times customers want something they saw in a magazine or their vision for their outfit can not be made in their budget, but that doesn't mean the designer can not offer them something else, without compromising qaulity and style. That is a good designer, not someone who says he or she can only work within a budget of 2 lakhs or above, that is ridiculous and don't you think, that it isn't very creative. I mean this person went to college, got a degree or diploma in Fashion. This person knows how to work a piece of garmet etc etc etc if this person is not creative enough, then he/she isn't really an artist or a designer.
I'm sorry, I missed this part of your post.
You aren't describing a good designer...you're descibing a good darzee. Someone who will scrounge around and make something passable for any budget. Everyone knows that designer outfits are priced well beyond the cost of fabric and karigari, even when you account for the higher quality. What you're paying for is the designer's creativity, and yes, the exclusivity of owning a "designer" piece. No real designer is going to sacrifice that exclusivity in order to cater to all budgets. If you walk into Chanel and tell them that you need a dress for $500, they'll politely point you to the door. That isn't because they're not creative, nor is it impossible to produce a dress for $500. Rather, it's because producing a dress at that cost would not be consistent with their image as a premier couturier.
While HSY certainly is no Chanel, I think the point still holds true.