The Pierre Balmain Sample Sale: Leathers, Puffers, and More - Racked NY

This afternoon, we stopped by Pierre Balmain's sample sale ^[1] that's being held alongside a designer clearance sale of brands like Just Cavalli, Galliano, GF Ferre, C'N'C Costume National and Versace Jeans Couture. There wasn't a long line to get in around lunchtime (they were letting one customer in as another left) but it did take about 20 minutes to check out.

There's a vast array of womenswear and menswear that includes jackets, shorts, denim, leather, dresses, blazers, shoes, and even a couple of lingerie pieces hanging around. Handbags and wallets are also at the sale. The stock was moving quickly, and right now it's unclear if they're restocking.

In the Pierre Balmain department, there are some great RTW pieces at 70% off, but even then the prices are difficult to swallow. Sizing ranges from a European 36 to a 48 (so basically, 0 through 12) but sizes 40,42,44 and 46 seem to dominate the women's section.

A few highlights: a sequined jacket for $441, marked down from $1,470, and a sheer embellished sequin dress for $469, originally $1,530. There were also perforated leather skirts for $486 that came in many sizes, and a studded collar moto leather jacket for $919 (was $3,066). See the photo gallery for more pieces with pricing.

In the designer clearance section, the pricing was pretty straightforward. It's $39 for sweaters, $59 for pants, $69 for jeans, $49 for skirts ($129 for leather skirts), $99 for dresses, $149 for puffy jackets, with the most expensive category being leather jackets for $299.

There was a mass selection of Just Cavalli leather jackets which we've spotted before at the last sale. (They didn't seem too popular.) Handbags and wallets are $39 and $20, respectively. The styles aren't too interesting, and many shoppers used the handbag section as a place to plop their finds and making final decisions. Everything in the box of accessories with mostly miscellaneous items, including belts and leather tech cases, is $20 and already picked over. (There was, though, a Karl Lagerfeld bejeweled collar. Some crystals were missing, but there's a small bag full of spares.)

In the shoe department, the clearance prices for a small selection of shoes starts at $39 for sneakers, $69 for shoes, and $89 for boots. A small table with a limited selection of Pierre Balmain and Karl Largerfeld footwear is 70% off retail. Prices varied but ranged from $250 for stilettos and up to $500 for booties. Sizing is limited.

The men's department is more tame and more organized. Puffer jackets and outerwear dominate five racks. As you enter, you'll find a table lightly stacked with men's sweaters for $39. The RTW collection is 70% off, and the designer clearance prices started at $35 for short sleeve tees and polos, $39 for sweaters, $45 for long sleeves, $50 for pants, $69 for jeans, $149 for puffy jackets, $65 for dress shirts, $170 for suits (limited selection), $99 for blazers, and $299 for leather jackets.

The Pierre Balmain collection handbags are 70% off, but there were hardly any bags left this afternoon. All of the round studded wallets, clutches, hobo bags and totes were gone, and we counted only about a dozen pieces left on the shelves.

However, in the handbag clearance section in the middle of the room, there were some pink and pastel purple Pierre Balmain purses, duffels, and tote bags going for $69. No one really paid attention to them. Other handbags were $69, and included brands Cavalli and Ro.

Overall, there are some worthy pieces at the sale, and it'd be better to go sooner rather than later to get the best selection. The sales runs through Sunday; see dealfeed below for more details.—Hsini

· Dealfeed: Pierre Balmain ^[2] [Racked NY]

· What to Do, Where to Shop, and What to Buy This Week ^[3] [Racked NY]

· October Sample Sales: Elizabeth and James, YSL, and More!^[4] [Racked NY]