A multi-brand sample sale is taking place in the Garment District this week with pieces from a number of Italian designers such as Gianfranco Ferre, Versace, Cavalli and more. Fashionable Femme Jen got a look at the selection, which is season appropriate. Think down jackets, coats, sweaters and more…
Merchandise galore fills the tables, racks and shelves at the 6th floor space of the CP sample sale. Both men and women’s shoes, bags and clothing are amply represented in brands like Gianfranco Ferre, Costume National C’N’C, Versace, ro, Galliano and Just Cavalli. Bags and accessories alone take up 5 walls and a large center table. Racks and racks of just about everything line the sale space and are arranged in a logical fashion (Coats on one rack, sweaters on another), but be prepared to do some digging! 3 mirrors in front of the restrooms are available for try-ons.
While the pricing is higher than I would like for a sample sale, it’s an “affordable high” since you’re getting brand new designer products at a 70% discount. Unlike some “designer sample sales” there’s a relatively decent selection and all items are brand new with box, tags or wrapping. For women, there is an abundance of jackets, sweaters, knits and other season appropriate wares. While most sizes are offered, sizes S and XS are well stocked throughout this sale.
Winter-wear dominates this sale. The jackets are mainly down filled styles—long, short, cropped, fitted, belted, hooded, fur trimmed etc.—in all different colors and patterns. Highlights include a mid-length Just Cavalli black down filled jacket with a fur trimmed hood, asymmetrical front zip and gold hardware for $273 and a thin orange Galliano waist length down jacket for $191 (orig. $363). Additionally, there are racks of pea coats, sweater jackets and cropped capes by Galliano and Costume National C’N’C and a rack full of velour pink puffy vests with fur trimmed hoods. Here, I spot a Black hair + leather trimmed Costume National C’N’C Cape for $401 (orig. $1,338).
Other wares include a handful of evening dresses (not a big selection). I spot a Versace floor length black halter gown with embellishments in Size 8 and 10 for $349 (orig. over $1100). There is an abundance of knits, such as a super cute crochet black GF Ferre turtleneck sweater in sizes XS and S for $96, a deep purple Costume National C’N’C Cable Knit Cape for $86, a black Galliano sweater with wide embellished sleeves in sizes S/M/L for $116, and Size S/M/ L Galliano grey sweater + shell sets for $249. Most knit items range between $80 and $300. In the back corner, there are a few non-knit pieces—mostly silky, patterned Galliano lingerie-like dresses and tops and solid colored C’N’C pieces.
On the shoes and accessories front, lots of bags and a meager selection of shoes. One lone table of mostly Just Cavalli sneaker-like shoes and a couple Costume National boots with limited sizes sits in the back. Bags and wallets are piled high in the sale space today. Highlights include a Just Cavalli signature print fold-over wallet in a variety of colors for $124, a clay or black colored leather C’N’C dome bag with front zip pockets and silver hardware for $237, a bright red or bright blue ro zip around wristlet with a front clasp pocket for $55, a medium size black or white leather Versace bowler bag for $295 (orig. $749) and a large GF Ferre Satchel in assorted colors and textures (iridescent rhubarb, green, brown) for $199. A couple of the bags—and especially the small leather pieces—are nice silhouettes, but I’d say most of the items are nothing to write home about.
I didn’t really dig into the men’s section too much, but it looks like the men have a better shoe selection than the women. There’s also a section of man bags and a wall of boxed button down shirts. Otherwise, there are also racks and racks of men’s knits and jackets.
If you’re looking for discounted winter items and are a fan of C’N’C, Galliano and GF Ferre, it may be worth the trip. If you’re looking for super cheap designer wares, you may want to wait for last day discounts or try Macy’s!
Where/When: 20 W. 36th St (b/w 5th & 6th Ave), 6th Floor. Thru Sunday October 21st; Daily (10a-6p).
I’ve been to this sale before; It’s a definite SKIP. Prices are way too high for the stuff, especially since you can get way more than 70% off at Century 21 and other department stores. I also wouldn’t go to a sale that includes Galliano, who is permanently black-listed for me.
Smart move Larry. Until Galliano makes better choices, he does not deserve mine, or anyone else’s business!