Kathleen Hooker

A handful of Upper East Siders wait for the clock to strike 6 p.m. Wednesday evening, while tucked comfortably within a warm hallway of the grandiose Park Avenue hotel, The Loews Regency. The floral aromas that wafted throughout the halls, with the help of ample heat, proved to be the most comfortable wait for a sale to commence. The designer dresses, salon haircuts, and fashionable tweed coats donned by awaiting shoppers, provide promise to the first ever Katherine Hooker Sample Sale for ready wear, with promised discounts of 25%-35% off original prices.

“Don’t they know we’re New Yorkers? We have to be somewhere else after this,” one impatient shopper states as the clock ticks well past the stated start time, telling further that this is her first stop before fashion related events tonight in lieu of Fashion Week.

While continuing to wait to head inside, another woman shares, “They were scrambling to put stuff on the racks. This isn’t like the last sale.”

Finally, the cherry wood doors of Room 931 open to uncover what all have been waiting for, except, the reveal is rather slight. Women pack in like sardines into the tiny hotel room, immediately grabbing for jackets to try on. With only five small racks, all organized by size, it is nearly impossible to get a good look at what the London based designer is offering.

The single attendant (no wonder it took so long) instructs that if the tag doesn’t indicate US, it is a UK size. The US sizes range from 2-16. Further, she reveals that some of these ready-wear jackets have been altered for photo shoots and runway shows, so please try on first in case they are a size too small.

Every jacket and coat was in flawless condition, all heavy and wonderful, and certainly worth their hefty price tags (yes, even with the discount). There was not a vast selection, styles were minimal, and the same dozen or so cuts and colors were repeated throughout the racks. The Harris Tweed Tori Coat ($645) was gorgeous and flattering, falling just before the knee. The Tali Jacket ($575) was a short, military style jacket, and would be your perfect mate during these not so cold, not so warm New York days.

Take a pit stop at the small coffee table, decorated with a bucket of Fingerless Gloves ($80), Cashmere Scarves ($350), Alpaca Snoods ($210), Alpaca Hats ($180), and Belts ($130).

The Cape Coat ($645) came with either a collar or hood, with two colors to choose from: brown and grey.  All jackets and coat styles were shown love but the most sought after, and celebrity of the sale, was the Contrast Coat in Orange ($645), also available in a light blue. With only few offered, the constant inquiry of “Do you have this Contrast in any other size?” and “Where are the Contrast Coats?” was frequently heard.

If you’re not in the market for a new designer coat or jacket, or are not willing to spend big bucks, then this is not the sale for you. Although each piece is equally striking and well made, outerwear is all you’ll find here and it is in the minimal. While heading to the 9^th floor elevator one disappointed shopper, who waited for the sale begin with the hope of shopping for Katherine Hooker skirts and dresses, called her friend and proclaimed, “The sale was disappointing. I’m ready to drink now.”

WHEN: 2/9 – 2/11; Th (6-9), F (10-9), Sat (9am-noon)

WHERE: The Loews Regency Hotel
540 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10021

By Caitlin Colford