Once upon a time you had to be a fashion insider to wangle a sample-sale invite. These days they’re more democratic affairs (though some, like Chanel, are still closed to anyone resembling ‘the public’), and with discounts of up to 90%, worth the queuing and bruised elbows. The hard part is knowing when and where they’re happening, but with many now taking place at the same London venues, it’s easier to keep abreast of what’s on when.
So get on the mailing list at these places and you need never miss a cheap designer deal again.
The Music Rooms
If you’ve ever wandered out of Bond Street station to see mysterious queues snaking past Grays Antiques Market, chances are you’ve spotted a Music Rooms fashion event. Over the past six years, it’s become one of London’s top sample-sale venues, playing host to Chloe, Hermes, Margaret Howell, Valentino and Rupert Sanderson (which always gets the Mayfair ladies out in force – unsurprising really, since they’ll find £435 shoes going for £40).
26 South Molton Lane, W1, www.themusicroom.co.uk
20th Century Theatre
The Music Rooms’ big rival in the sample-sale stakes, this Notting Hill venue is where Temperley, Matthew Williamson, Rigby & Peller and French boutique Aimé choose to sell off past-seasons’ stock. The location means it attracts a very West London crowd, which makes the people-watching fun, too.
291 Westbourne Grove, W11, www.20thcenturytheatre.com
Chelsea Town Hall
If you’ve always wanted to dress your child in those Little Lord Fauntleroy brands (you know the ones I mean – the ones Liz Hurley dresses her kid in) but baulk at the price tags, head to one of the fantastic children’s sales at Chelsea Town Hall, where you’ll find Caramel, Little Paul & Joe and Marie Chantal going for prices you’re more used to seeing at H&M and Baby Gap. Adults are well catered for too – Orla Kiely and Gina hold sales here, while the venue is also home to events such as the self-explanatory British Designers’ Sale.
King’s Road, SW3, www.rbkc.gov.uk
The Old Truman Brewery
One for the EastEnders, this Brick Lane venue plays host to a number of sales, including the ever-popular Designer Sales UK, which has been trading for two decades and holds five sales a year. There’s also the London Accessory Sale, where you’ll find D&G, Chloe and Jimmy Choo at up to 80% off RRP, and the Secret Sample Sale. For men, there’s everything from Hackett to Bathing Ape. Their next sample-sale is scheduled for Thursday 8th-Sunday 11th September and will feature a whole host of brands including Chloe, Joseph, Burberry, DKNY, Juicy Couture and Vivienne Westwood.
91 Brick Lane, E1, www.trumanbrewery.com
Google ‘London sample sales’ and you’ll receive literally five million results. But when it comes to getting the lowdown on upcoming sales, these sites are the best:
{Photo: Advertisement for Diane Von Furstenberg sample sale at Diane von Furstenberg Showroom, April 2011}
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