Project Number 8 Sample Sale: Slight yet Satisfying

A group of dapper dans collectively waited in the cold drizzle for the Project 8 Sample Sale to open its doors on the Lower East Side. By the men’s excitement and early presence, I arrived at a prediction as I clutched my umbrella: the women’s section would be mobile, maybe even slight, allowing me to properly browse.

Shortly after noon women piled in, cluttering and cramming the racks, making it increasingly difficult to shop in the small store. No regular priced items were available, Project Number 8 is cleaning house and will be closed early next week to restock. Shoppers wisely opted to use a nearby couch as a place to pile their items and sort through clothing. Beneath each rack sits cardboard boxes full of cheap randoms for $10 and up. Nothing too exciting down there except for the Hope Ballerina Slippers ($25) in blue, black, and blush that are crunched up in a cute drawstring sack. Most of the other messy slew of items situated in the inconveniently placed boxes, included knit and cotton leggings, socks, and a strange wrap around dress that looked more like an apron than anything else.

Women of all ages, in properly hip attire, given the downtown area, fiercely grabbed marked down samples and discounted designer wear, weighing down their thin arms as they hobbled toward the long line for the fitting room. I couldn’t help but play along, nabbing some interesting finds that are sure to upstage all of your friends during your next night out. A few great items from Henrik Vibscov were hung about, such as the Rug Body Knit Onesie ($52) and the Loose Black Dress ($98, orig $324), resembling a potato sack in the best possible way (that sounds like an oxymoron but this dress is extremely versatile). A Détacher: to be determined had a heavenly soft, Plunging V-Neck Sweater ($143) and Black Blazer ($240). A brand I’ve never heard of, KnowHowow had one of the more interesting dresses with a dizzying black and white design ($75, pictured).

Although there is not much of a selection, the quality of each article of clothing is excellent. The materials used are a unique blend and given the price, each piece is worth a feel if not a purchase. Perhaps chock it up to the owners for the exceptional choices. An incredible blend of mohair makes the Stephan Schneider Cream Turtleneck ($98) luxurious, just as the blend of linen and silk does for the Christian Wijnants Blanca Knee Length Skirt in Emerald. The top discounted item I came across was the 50/50 blend of wool and ly in the Christian Wijnants Chunk Black/Black Sweater ($270, orig. $1050). My absolute favorite selection of the sale was the Correll Correll Vest with a blend of linen, silk, cotton and acrylic ($150, pictured).

The shoe selection was disappointing and only featured a select few pairs of heels from Maison Martin Margiela.

The Project Number 8 Sample Sale is nothing to skip work over, or even give up a Saturday for, but if you’re interested in imaginative pieces at descent prices then perhaps you should take a stroll to the Lower East Side.

WHEN: 2/24 – 2/25; F-Sat (noon-7)

WHERE: 38 Orchard St.

at Hester St.

(212-925-5599)

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Caitlin Colford at 03:24 PM
SALES , Sample Sale Reviews |