News International has invested millions of pounds in a joint venture with online French fashion company BrandAlley, which sells high-end men's and women's clothing, MediaGuardian reported Friday.

The parent company of the Times and News of the World, among others, will support BrandAlley UK with marketing, including advertisements in the Sunday Times' Style magazine and the Times.

News International would not reveal the exact amount it is contributing to the venture.

BrandAlley.co.uk aims to offer designer fashion brands at bargain prices. Some brands that will provide products on the site at the launch Friday include Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Chloe shoes and Damaris lingerie, MediaGuardian reported.

The high-end site will have open membership for its first month, after which it will become a “private members' club,” and joining will be by introduction only. BrandAlley, which launched in France in 2005, claims to have a 1.3 million membership base and 1.8 million monthly visitors, and has 200 brands that offer “private sales” to its members.

“BrandAlley has a proven track record in France and we are confident that, together with News International's backing and consumer reach, we can create a great business in a rapidly growing sector,” Clive Milner, managing director for News International, told MediaGuardian.