The Jil Sander sample sale started at 10 this morning. By the time the doors opened, the queue had stretched to the end of the block and wrapped around Howard St. Just like the previous sale, lots of GQ-worthy guys were mixed in line with their female counterparts. At 10am sharp, the security personnel came out and asked shoppers to show invitations. After a quick glance at my invite, I was able to enter their showroom on the 4th floor.
An abundant amount of Jil Sander's RTW, handbags, shoes, accessories, and menswear filled the modest space. Every item was individually priced, but basically, women's & men's RTW and shoes were 85% off while handbags were 80% off. Speaking of bags, there were more merchandise than ever this year. Higher priced totes, hobos, shoulder bags, and small leather goods were located in the back shelves with 2 employees standing by. Less expensive & more casual bags such as nylon carryalls and luggage pieces were available on the middle tables. Although Jil Sander is more known for their RTW than handbags or shoes, I found some really nice options to use as an office carryall. The asking price for a leather hobo was $138 (originally $690), this classic tote currently selling at Barneys was only $299, and a exotic python skin tote was priced $689 (originally $3,445). But mind you, these items were being nabbed quickly.
As I mentioned in my lead-in, I had hoped to find some of Raf Simons' bold striped pieces that were all over fashion editorials last spring, but I guess my expectations were too high. The RTW section for women was mostly comprised of understated suits, blazers, shirts, knitwear, and dresses. I saw a fantastic lightweight trench coat for $210 (originally $1,400 & 11th photo below), a very sophisticated blazer for $296 (originally $1,975), a feather weight V–neck knit top for $119 (originally $795), and a pale lilac knit top for $127 (originally $845).
As for accessories & shoes, I spotted a great selection of flats & pumps. Patent flats in bright fuchsia & apple green really caught my eye (13th photo below). Pointy slingback flats were $67.50 (originally $450), leather Oxfords were $79 (originally $525), and basic sandals & pumps in nude tone were about $72 (originally $475). Men's neckties were a steal. Can you believe they were just under $25?! A variety of women's scarves were very elegant. I saw one particular that was priced only $60.
Here's a few final notes. According to two employees, it is unlikely that prices will drop as the sale progresses. Although they were checking invites today morning, I have a hunch the invite-checking could get more lax towards the latter portion of the week. When I came out, I noticed the snail's paced line stretched even further. Why the sale associates weren't letting people in more quickly even though the space wasn't crowded at all, is beyond me. Overall, the Jil Sander sample sale has never disappointed and today was definitely worth any fashionista's time.
