Theyskens' Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale: Beat the Heat with Unbeatable Fashions

Link Theory acquired Helmut Lang in 2006, dispatching Mr. Lang from the brand and embarking on a fashionable venture together. Since then, both lines have grown into SoHo staples, draping on models and fashionistas alike within the downtown streets of Manhattan.

Today the Theyskens’ Theory & Helmut Lang Sample Sale kicked off within their 93 Mercer store, drawing in hip, model-esque shoppers and fashion forward females. After browsing the racks of high-quality merchandise, which were all mainly over-stock and this past seasons’ fashions, I realized that no tag was marked with its appropriate discounted price. While this is typically the case at many sales, today all that was provided to shoppers was a list of price ranges, rather than a set cost. I scoured the store in order to question prices and finally found and employee, who, rolled his eyes and indifferently pointed to the register claiming that you will be alerted to the price of your item upon checkout. What? He can’t be serious.

I took it upon myself to then ask other employees, “How much is this dress?” but they all said the same thing with a sigh, not bothering to utilize any ounce of customer service. In all my sample sale days I’ve never heard of this “surprise check out” formula, it seems quite deceiving, inconvenient, and lazy, mostly because no shopper in their right mind would pop into the 20 person deep check out line to simply inquire about a price. I’m going to go ahead and let this all slide for now, strictly because the apparel resting among the too-cool-for-school employees was amazing.

From here on out if a price is italicized, this means it is my estimation based on the original prices and the provided range.

The sale is broken up into two sections. Upon entry you are greeted with the Theyskens’ Theory area, which was significantly smaller than Helmut Lang’s space. Some amazing dresses by Theory were on hand, all in a plethora of sizes. Among this small set was the Dashaz Long Dress ($199, orig. $695, pictured) and the Dilo Cloud Dress ($99, orig. $335, pictured). There were plenty of gorgeous, well made blazers and jackets too, namely the Winiki Acid Jill Jacket ($189, pictured) and the White Jovar Jacket ($189, orig. $335, pictured), that was made of such interesting fabric.

Before heading to the Helmut Lang section take a peek at Theory’s incredibly cozy classic cotton tee shirts and tanks ($49) that are aligned on two racks in various sizes and colors, as well as bagged within a few boxes resting on a nearby table.

Now onto Helmut Lang! This section was buzzing with shoppers excited by the selection and discount (although still pricey). Many females were changing and trying on within the squishy aisles holding the Helmut Lang clothing, due to the extra long line for the changing room.

While you’re waiting for your fellow shoppers to finish changing, you must check out the table of handbags. The Primal Leather Anjou bag is stunning ($269, pictured), as is the Primal Leather Neith Bag in Black ($269, pictured) and the Ammut Terrain Leather Cross Body Back ($129, pictured).

The denim section is a must-see. You can’t go wrong with a pair of the 5-Pocket Skinny Spider Wash Jeans ($99, pictured), or their skinny jean counterparts in colors such as yellow, white, mustard, rust, grey, and shimmer.

Another score in the Helmut Lang section is their leather jackets. I simply loved the sleek look and feel of the Destroyed Black Leather Jacket ($329, pictured), same goes for the Simple Waxed Leather Jacket ($329, pictured) and the Weathered Shearling Cropped Vest ($249, pictured).

Their draping tops were flying off the racks. Apart from the leather jackets, these oversized blouses certainly seemed to be the hit of the sale. Among this set was the Shale Jersey Top in Pond ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Gathered Diamond Print Jersey Tee ($79, orig. $279, pictured), the Terra Jersey Loose T in Sediment ($129, pictured), and lastly the White Lawn Cotton Square Top ($129, pictured).

If you are on the hunt for some top quality, downtown fresh clothing, then this, by far, is the sale you need to visit. Expect to save, but don’t expect to spot any killer deals – this essentially is a step above a retail sale and still quite pricey. I wouldn’t worry too much about items running out within the coming days, there was quite a solid availability of styles and sizes, unless of course you’re a size 0-2, because the models are stocking up on these goods like they’re gold.

WHEN: 7/18 – 7/22; W (10-8), Th (8-8), F-Sat (10-7), Sun (11-6)

WHERE: 93 Mercer Street
Between Spring & Broome Streets
[email protected]
212.242.3240

By Caitlin Colford

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Posted by Caitlin Colford at 12:28 AM
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