Sep 17, 2013

*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.

40 comments:

  1. You know what--thank you so much for taking the time to do all of this. For the photos, the commentary and the honesty. You've saved me time (deadlines), and aggravation.

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    1. No problem! That's what I'm here for. Thank you for always leaving such lovely, kind comments!!

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    2. I like your blog a lot--it's a reflection of an interesting mind. ;-) You obviously love fashion, but you love history too. And yet you aren't "above" anything popular. Most people fall into one strict category. You obviously do not. It's a pleasure to come here every day and see what has caught your interest.

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  2. Thank you for letting me know that it would be a waste od time to go. Saved me a trip to manhatten!

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  3. Thank you Miz! Taking your advice tomorrow.

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  4. Avid follower. I love you for all you are doing. Thanks so much!

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    1. Thank you for being such an avid reader! It means a lot to me.

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  5. Thank you so much for posting detailed information! I was waiting for your review all day. It's disappointing, but you saved me a whole day! Thank you for all of your wonderful posts.

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    1. Waiting all day? Gosh, that makes me blush. Thank you for reading.

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  6. Thank you Mizhattan! Although I work near the sale, you have saved me from the heart break of attending an Hermes sale that neglects to sell what we all want- enamels and scraves. Thank you, thank you!

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    1. Hi Suite Details,

      My pleasure! Yes, definitely skip this one and save your money for one of the many other fall sample sales coming up.

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  7. Whaaaat? No perfumes either?
    Thank you so much, I will follow your advice and save my time!

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  8. Thank you so much for posting it. Would skip tmw:)

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  9. Heard that Hermes is reducing production of many of their bags...this might be a reason for the dearth of bags at the sales now.

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    1. Could be. But to not have any jewelry or scarves, that's just not right.

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  10. I hear the Beverly Hills sale was a bonanza of goodness. Do you suppose they unloaded all the sale goodies on the West Coast?

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    1. I heard the same thing. That could be a possibility.

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  11. thank you for such a detailed review and photos!
    i'm assuming no scarves at all -?

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    1. No scarves at all. What's up with Hermes and Soiffer?

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  12. Soifer sales suck ! outdated, old merch at high prices - always a waste of time.
    The only sale worth your time there is the Chilewich sale because you can't find their stuff readily.

    Thanks Miz for your review - I echo the other posters here - your blog is truly the best of it's kind and I check it every single day !!!

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  13. Thanks so much for the info! This helped me decide not to go. Has Soiffer Haskin had any good sales recently?

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    1. Although it wasn't mind-blowing, last week's Mulberry sale was somewhat great. I know many people were happy with the sale.

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    2. It looked like the VIP day had a way better selection than what was actually there on opening day. I think I'm done with Soiffer for a while until they figure out what Sample Sale prices are.

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  14. I can't think of one actual "Sample" sale with real sample sale prices at Sofier.

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  15. Another grateful follower of your blog. You saved me sleep and time. No bangles, no fragrance, no scarves, no ties, no me.

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  16. Thank you Miz! Your blog is the best out there. What would we all do without you?

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    1. I'm just so grateful to have such kind readers like you. Thank you so much! :)

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  17. Thank you for posting!!! No dishes or home?! Such a bummer...

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  18. Ugh, I asked a friend to fly in so that we could go to this. (She's a flight attendant so it's not as big of a deal as it sounds.) But still she used her day off so we could go together this afternoon. Sounds like we will be incredibly disappointed... I just wanted to pick up some damn ties!

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  19. I went even though I read your report. I should have taken your advice Miz. Complete waste of time.

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  20. Another year goes by without me getting anything from Hermes. :(

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  21. I was never going to go to this sale anyway (too crazy for me) but I always read your reports. I'm sorry you had a frustrating experience, Mizhattan.

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    1. Hi cat,

      Not frustrated but more sad that such an iconic sale has fallen so much. Thank you for always reading my reports!

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