The Hermes Sample Sale: Scarce and Scarf-less

No scarves, no bags, no jewelry, big problem. The Hermes Sample Sale opened to the public today at Soiffer Hasken on 33^rd Street, to a manageable crowd pre-gamming in order to get their fashion fix before tonight’s Fashion’s Night Out.

The Soiffer Hasken showroom is more often than not packed to the brim, with oodles of ready to wear, heels, and bags overflowing into the aisles. Not today, I’m afraid. The Hermes Sample Sale offered nothing more than a few hats, one aisle of shoes, knits, and one aisle of ready to wear. While moseying around the sale, I heard a handful of women ask employees where the scarves were, only to be disappointed by their response. To top that off, despite their advertised “up to 70% off” draw, every item was no more than 50% off the original retail price. Additionally, there is a strict “No Photography” rule in Soiffer Hasken, and is strongly enforced by trolling security. However, I was able to sneakily snap a few shots to provide you with an idea.

If you’re a lover of sky-high heels and booties then the Hermes Sample Sale has just the thing waiting for your tootsies. The same dozen or so styles of shoes were repeated throughout the individual size sections, not giving you many options, but then again quality vs. quantity is indeed important when it comes to our beloved designer shoes. The Camel Velour Bottines ($800, orig. $1,600, pictured) were incredibly smooth and well crafted, as were the Noir Caprice Richelites, a black leather, cross stitched heel with a peep toe ($1,167.50, orig. $2,325), and the Nappa Noir Bridge Bottines, ($725, orig. $1,450).

There was also a mixture of boots on the ground and sandals intermixed. If you have some extra time, try on a pair of the Bricklane Spazziki Boots in Bronze ($800, orig. $1,600) and the Noisette Caraibes Sandal ($425, orig. $850).

A few shelves of knit sweaters and cardigans paralleled the shoe section, offering sizes XS-XL in styles such as the Cashmere Point Fourrure Vest in Ecru ($675, orig. $1,350), and a borderline amazing sweater dress with a boat neck and made with alpaca wool ($525, orig. $1,050). Also, hidden within the pile of chunky sweaters was a beautiful cardigan labeled Droit Maille Jersey de Soie ($1,275, orig. $2,550). Do not turn the corner without taking a peek at the Hermes Knit Leggings with a leather belt, which are offered in black, ivory, and olive ($750, orig. $1,500).

The modest ready to wear aisle held high quality goodies (for those who can afford it), but the same quality vs. quantity theme rang true here. The same few styles were repeated in every size section, with stand-outs that included a Manteau Cashmere Thigh Length Knit ($2,397.50, orig. $4,975), a Sepia Point Cape ($3,000, orig. $6,000), Jersey Feture Flannel Dress Pants ($612.50, orig. $1,225), which also came in a pencil skirt, and a Blouson Tweed Cape Jacket ($2,550, orig. $5,100, pictured).

Those shoppers who weren’t in the market for killer heels or oversized sweaters exited the Hermes Sample Sale empty handed and wildly disappointed. Lasting through Saturday, shoes and apparel within the Hermes Sample Sale will be replenished daily, but only with additional sizes, not styles. For those who do not have a grand to spend on a single item, opt to spend your time today popping in and out of various stores during Fashion’s Night Out. Even if you leave the stores empty handed, at least you’ll get free booze and free fun out of it.

WHEN: 9/6 – 9/8; Th-F (9-7), Sat (9-6)

WHERE: Soiffer Haskin
317 West 33rd Street
(West of 8th Ave);
718-747-1656

By Caitlin Colford

Daily Sales Email, or Subscribed to our RSS Feed? Don't miss a Sale!

Posted by Caitlin Colford at 01:34 PM
Opinions , SALES , Sample Sale Reviews , The City |