Judith Leiber’s opulent accessories are on sale in the Flatiron District. The signature clutches and bags are pure luxury for her fans, giving them maximum flash. As Fashionable Femme Jen found out, even at a considerable markdown – you’d better be prepared to shell out:
Walking into the Judith Leiber sale, it is slightly disconcerting to see thousand dollar products stacked on shelves and laying on black cloth-covered tables, flea market style. Though the presentation is a bit shabby, the selection is somewhat diverse. Most of the items are from the Fall and Pre-Fall collections, with a few random surprises mixed in. Pricing is set at 60% off retail and 70% off retail for 3 or more items.
There are a couple tables of signature crystal and beaded minaudieres. Highlights are the intricately beaded Margie Pattern Minaudiere for $1,598 (originally $3,995) and the Swanee Pattern Minaudiere for $1,598 (originally $3,995). I was disappointed that the most unusual novelty minaudiere at the sale was a bright pink leather bear for $1,198. I was hoping to see a few more elaborate pieces.
As for bags and clutches, there are crystal, beaded and exotic choices available. I spot a long black crocodile purse with flowers for $2,398 (originally $5995) and the Aurelie crocodile handbag for $3,198 (originally $7,995). There is also a table of sale purses for $400 including the Lola clutch in assorted patterns (originally $995).
Located in the center of the sale space is a $100 “As Is” shelf full of Monica clutches in a black, gold and silver zigzag textured silhouette. There is also a table with exotics and furs on one half and dog items and gloves on the other. Furs are priced as marked. A pile of $500 fur throws in black, white brown and bright yellow with jewel embellishment sit behind a stack of black, brown and gold long gloves for $100 a pair. A variety of belts are $150 each. For pets, there are satin (red, silver and black in thick and thin styles) and studded black leather dog collars priced at 2 for $150.
Near the registers, a small selection of Judith Leiber for FEED beaded fold-over clutches are available at $495 a piece with all profits going to charity. There is a box of flower shaped cocktail rings (in gold and black) and a red crystal compact for $110 (originally $275). Perhaps the most affordable items at the sale—the crystal encrusted key fobs for $50 and purple enamel rose keychains for $10—sit at the check out.
The sale was rather empty when I stopped in around 12:30 and there seems to be a decent amount of stock available. While I didn’t see anything I felt to be extraordinary, there are a couple nice pieces and there’s a chance the sale will be restocked in the next few days. For fans of the brand or those in the market to drop $500 to $3000 on a novelty piece, this sale may be worth a peek during lunch or along the way.
-Fashionable Femme Jen
Where/When: 225 Fifth Avenue (b/w 26th & 27th Sts). Sept 12-15th; Wed-Fri (9-7p), Sat (11-4p). Credit Cards Only.
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