Big Discounts on Big Prices on Malo (With a side of Westwood)

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For those who lean towards luxe: The Malo/Vivienne Westwood sample sale opened its doors yesterday. Take note, though: While Vivienne Westwood's might be the marquee name, this sale is all about the Malo. But don't fret, Westwood fans—there is a fair amount of the often hard to find anglo-punk collection and its signature tartans, asymmetry and wacky prints—especially if you're shopping womenswear, handbags and shoes. And, it's 60 percent off retail.

A very high end Italian label noted for its feathery cashmere, Malo now produces a little bit of everything. And it's all at this sale. Prices are still pretty high—considering a Malo men's woven shirt can retail for $1000 and those signature cashmere cardigans for the ladies, in a rainbow of spring-weight colors, start around $700. But, prices are 60 to 80 percent off—and as the sale is super-stocked and runs through Friday, we're willing to bet on further reductions as the week progresses.

For women, prices are 70 to 80 percent off marked retail prices. Those previously noted lightweight cashmere pullovers and cardigans—they start around $700 and run to about $1000. Heavier woolens open up at around $800 while career day blazers are priced around $1200. A pair of buttery-soft suede skinny cargos are $1375; sweater-knit stretch slacks in the same shade of camel are $1200; and other trousers start at around $1060. A five-pocket khaki in an especially lovely felted cotton seemed to be a real bargain at $240. As for silks: Printed skirts started at $550, blouses at $775, and a pink geometric shirt dress was $525. For evening: A black, belted angora cardigan retailed for $950, while beaded skirts were $2070 and cocktail dresses opened up just under $1000 and climbed to just over $2000.

So, still a bit pricey. But, fear not, five racks of as-is Malo await—each piece priced at a mere $49.99. We spotted everything from linen dresses and slacks, to knit tanks and sweater dresses. Another steal—shoes without their boxes were $70, while shoes in their boxes were 70 percent off retail—and generally retailed for $615.

Meanwhile, men should shop at their own risk. Malo's menswear is not exactly easy to wear—loud checks, candy-colored slacks, body skimming knits in odd pastels. Each piece made for that characteristically fashionable Italian dude of a certain age: effortlessly chic and upstandingly louche, daring without every being clownish, and probably rich (or rich looking). Meanwhile, a sparsely-lined rack of Westwood was comprised entirely of horrible acid-colored denim facing a rack of very heavily collared dress shirts by some such Versace license.

In case you're up for the challenge, that menswear is also 70 to 80 percent off. Pants range from $600 to $900; tees were $170; polos were $600; and wovens ranged from $600 to $1000. A blazer was $3700, and the prices on signature knits were comparable to the womenswear ($800 to $1400).

Finally, the accessories: There was a glut of Westwood handbags. They're not for everybody. Lots of color and logo and monogram and shiny. They started mostly around $600 with the quieter, leather iterations priced around $1100. Those are 60 percent off retail, as are the shoes—of which there are multiple styles (ranging from wearable to "what?") and a variety of sizes. Many retail for around $800.

The sale runs through Friday and it's on the sixth floor. There are large fitting rooms for both men and women, a wide range of sizes and a bag check. Credit cards only.
· Dealfeed: Vivienne Westwood, Malo [Racked NY]