Raccoon

The The Dennis Basso Sample Sale could not have come at a better time! With bone-chilling wind gusts that register below zero and temperatures that barely reach twenty degrees, there is seriously no better day for discounts on the warmest jacket around: Fur coats!

Although a glamorous, celebrity obsessed and world-renowned designer line, Basso began his business grassroots style. The humble designer’s very first store was, well, a town car. Basso got his start back in the early 80’s by hawking furs out of the trunk of his car to passerby’s and those who flocked to him via word of mouth. On days like today, I hope he was wearing one of his own jackets for hypothermia’s sake.

Now, Basso is beloved for not only his stunning designer fur coats and ready to wear pieces, but also for his recently launched bridal line, fragrances, and uber affordable faux fur line over at QVC.

Today, a considerably small jumble of chilly and glamorous shoppers flocked to midtown to check out his sample sale at Soiffer Haskin. Although a morning that people wouldn’t dare leave the warmth of their own home, diehard fur fans didn’t pass up a sale like this with record low prices on high-quality furs.

I was incredibly surprised by the Dennis Basso dress collection. A wide variety of dresses were on hand in various styles, with a few avant garde pieces and well made skirts tossed in. Do note that these dresses were obviously used in photo shoots or on the runway, if not tucked away in storage for some time, as some merchandise that was lighter in color, appeared a bit drab. Be on the lookout for snags and stains at this sale.

Back to the dresses (I will be brief fur fans!), there were an equal amount of merchandise distributed in every size section (2-14) with stand outs including the tutu-esque Hand Embroidered Satin Organza Dress in Peach ($2,150, orig. $8,500), the very interesting Satin and Chiffon with Embroidery and Feathers Cocktail Dress in Navy ($1,450, orig. $5,800), a Champagne Daisy and Tulle Cocktail Dress ($5,800, orig. $14,500) and a Silk Chiffon Organza with Satin and Embroidery Floor Length Gown ($800, orig. $8,000).

Okay, it’s fur time, here we go! As expected all of the intention was focused on the coat section. Many coats were twists on your classics in sizes 2-16, with only one single full length fur coat on hand (a Natural Dark Sable Ankle Length $65,000, orig. $150,000). There are multiple sizes in most styles and while browsing, refer to the chart to figure out which size will work best for you as they are broken down as follows: 2=A, 4=B, etc. The coats are mainly arranged by color. Some of the lusted after pieces included a Dyed Charcoal Grey Shearling with Toscana Trim ($1,920, orig. $4,800), a Brown Knee Length Shearling ($1,950, orig. $6,500), a Red Brown Shearling with Fox Trim Poncho ($1,575, orig. $4,500), a Dyed Brown and Blue Sheared Mink that falls just above the knee ($7,350, orig. $21,000), and a sharp and edgy Slink with Raccoon Trim Cropped Waist Jacket, which was my personal favorite ($1,920, orig. $4,200).

There were quite a few vests available as well. About a dozen of the Dyed Desert Shearling with Beaver Trim Vest ($395, orig. $2,500) were lined up for a very affordable price. As was the Natural Brown Sculpted Sable Vest ($2,975, orig. $7,500). Two racks of fur trimmed raincoats were being ignored, perhaps because there were no great deals of the bunch (prices ranged from $1,295 – $4,375, plus, who wears fur in the rain?).

The accessories table wasn’t all that impressive. About four pairs of leg warmers were jumbled in a messy pile ($450) and a half dozen scarves were on display, from a Knitted Sable Scarf ($3,125, orig. $16,500) to a Knitted Mink Multi Camel Color Scarf ($300, orig. $1,500).

Before heading home, take a peak at the very interesting Bleached Pearl Sparkled Mink Coat ($5,775, orig. $16,500), the soft cardigan-like Blue Grey Sable and Cashmere Coat ($6,300) and the Dyed Antique Beige Shearling Coat ($1,440, orig. $4,806).

All in all, if you are in the market for a high quality fur coat, then look no further than the Dennis Basso Sample Sale. Do be aware that most items here are not traditional, these are fashionable furs, so if you’re into the classics, especially full length furs, then this very well may be a waste of your time.

WHEN: 1/26 – 1/30; Sat-W (9-6:30)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(Just west of 8th Avenue)
New York
(718) 747-1656, M-F (9-6)

By Caitlin Colford