SAMPLE SALES! DVF, Theyskens Theory, Proenza Schouler, Carlos Falchi & More...

In NYC:
Diane Von Furstenburg 
She's an icon in her own right.  Current fall stock and samples in all the bold prints you love (along with some furry pieces) are up for grabs.  According to Racked.com and Madison Avenue Spy, the selection is big, though you'll be competing with other fashionistas for it.  Prices are $125 for jackets and dresses, $20 for phone cases, samples are $50, in general, up to 75% off retail.

WHEN: Tuesday, December 13 through Saturday, December 16

Tues 9am to 6:30pm, Wed 10am to 8pm, Thurs 10am to 7pm, Fri 9am to 5pm, Sat 10am to 3pm

WHERE: 260 5th Ave. (bet. 28th & 29th St.)

photo via racked.com

Nanette Lepore

A crusader for keeping fashion made in NYC, shopping Nanette Lepore's contemporary sportswear would just be patriotic... Holiday 2011 available just in time for the best parties:

When:Tuesday, December 13 through Wednesday, December 14. Daily 9am—7pm. 

Where: 225 West 35th St between Seventh and Eighth Aves, fourth floor (no phone)

Helmut Lang & Theyskens Theory

Sleek, avant-garde, cosmopolitan.  The uniform of fashion's  uber-cool, Helmut Lang and Olivier Theysken's capsule collection for Theory will be up to 65% off this week.

When:Thursday, December 15 through Sunday, December 18. Thurs noon—8pm, Fri 8am—8pm, Sat—Sun 10am—6pm. 

Where: 139 Fifth Ave between 20th and 21sts Sts, second floor (212-398-2777)

Proenza Schouler
One of the fastest rising designer duos this century, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez were an instant hit with models and hipsters everywhere.  Look for goodies up to 75% off:
When: Saturday, December 17, 9am—9pm. 
Where: 495 Broadway between Spring and Broome Sts, 3rd Floor


Carlos Falchi
Covetable handbags in exotic skins and leathers.  They're usually too prohibitive for me, but now that there is a sample sale of 40% - 70% off, watch out... Bring this flyer for entry.
When: Thursday, December 15 through Friday, December 16. Daily 9am—4pm. 
Where: 1450 Broadway between 40th and 41st Sts, suite 802


Zang Toi:
Have a truly glam soiree to attend this season?  You can't get more elegant than Zang Toi.  Ballgowns, the richest fabrics, these are the pieces you dream of...
When: December 13th - December 14th
Where: 30 West 57th Street, 7th Floor


 

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Olivier Theyskens at FIT

One of the most influential designers of our current times gave an informal talk at the Museum at F.I.T. recently.  Olivier Theyskens, at a young age was appointed creative director at the House of Rochas, followed by artistic director at legendary couture house, Nina Ricci.  He currently designs a caspule collection for Theory.

Refreshingly, Mr. Theyskens was charming and matter-of-fact.  He chose to show slides of the various things, abstract and practical that inspired him.  He described his humble beginnings, creating Gothic jackets (pictured left) out of his grandparent's sheets.  On his own response to media questions about his "muse", he thinks to himself, "whoops..." at not having one prepared.  

For someone with such a lofty resume and impressive creative work, I expected a more pretentious, jaded man at the podium.  I expected a lengthy speech about his direction, work, and a lot of other self-absorbed stuff one expects of designers of his caliber.  

Instead, he described his favorite images, like the blue and mystery of one, how he was moved by the contrast of rough boots and ethereal dress of another with childlike awe and enthusiasm.   He frequently referred to his design team sitting in front of him and noted it was a collaborative effort.

I loved his response to a tough question from the audience.  Someone asked for his response to the theory that women are more qualified to design for women because they know what they need and like to wear.  He was not offended, and did not disagree.  Rather, he explained that yes, women absolutely know themselves more, but he designs from the view of what looks beautiful on them as an outside admirer. 

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