*SAMPLE SALE* Saddling Up

To paraphrase Voguepedia, legendary fashion photographer Helmut Newton considered Hermès to be the world's greatest sex shop--with its whips, saddles, and spurs. Interesting perspective, isn't it? Though you can't usually find whips or saddles at an Hermès sample sale, the brand's luxurious silks and leathers at deeply discounted prices definitely gets shoppers turned on. That is, of course, when Hermès used to host mind-blowing sales back in the day. I just came back from the VIP portion of this year's Hermès sample sale and, unfortunately, there's nothing but sad news to report. For those planning on braving the line for tomorrow's opening, I'll only say this: DON'T BOTHER.

Today's Hermès sample sale attracted a handful of high spending New Yorkers when it opened a day early to VIP patrons. As you may remember, last year's Hermès sample sale was an absolute letdown. With scarves, ties, and enamels nowhere to be seen, most of those who attended the sale (including yours truly) were completely disappointed. Unfortunately, today's VIP opening was even worse than last year's--if you can imagine. No handbags, no scarves, no jewelry, no small leather goods, no nothing. Nada. The only things that were available were womenswear, menswear, shoes, and a few accessories. Prices weren't that impressive either. With everything discounted only 50% off, many VIP customers left empty-handed today. It truly was the worst high-end brand sale I've ever been to. But in case you're still interested, here are my findings.

The sales floor of Soiffer Haskin was divided into two wide sections. Womenswear & women's shoes occupied the left side of the room while menswear & men's shoes were on the right side. The women's shoe section was comprised of leather boots, booties, ballet flats, strappy sandals, leather sneakers, printed pumps, and flat sandals. To give you some specifics, a pair of patent leather ballerina flats were $305, black buckled booties were $950, leather sneakers were $430, Corfou sandals were $370, suede lace-up booties were $700, Night 70 sandals were $370, and patent peep-toe sandals were $435. If you're looking for knee-high boots, prices ranged from $875~$2,335. All shoes were available from size 35.5~41.

Women's RTW was abundant but pricey. I spotted a cashmere cape coat in charcoal for $3,675, a wool hoodie priced $1,200, a navy peacoat for $2,750, a leather blazer for $3,375, a silk pleated sleeveless dress for $2,237, a tweed jacket for $2,037, and a pair of tailored trousers for $675. As you can see, items in women's RTW were extremely overpriced and not worth even a glance.

Finally, the accessory section was located on the left side near the entrance and was comprised of only gloves, hats, and swimwear. Gloves were mostly leather and prices ranged from $400~$675. Swimsuits were roughly $265~$375 while hats (cashmere driving caps, bucket styles, and leather baseball caps) were $157~$390.

Now, I am a glass half full kind of person--or at least I try to be. But after attending many disappointing Hermès sales, I'm really starting to loose my patience. The Hermès sample sale used be one of the most anticipated sales in NYC but the brand definitely lost its mojo, groove, edge, juice, or whatever you want to call it. Do yourselves a favor and skip tomorrow's opening and save your time, effort, and money.