Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
When we arrived as the doors opened for the Vivienne Westwood sale in Midtown, it was evident from the line outside that we were entering a fashion gladiator arena. The early birds did not disappoint, hustling in from the elevators on the 6th floor and immediately hoarding bags, wallets, coats and dresses in corners. Shoppers were weaving in and around the accessories table; we recommend holding that bag you’re debating in case it gets scooped up. We scouted the heavy discounts (slideshow above) and here’s the breakdown of what you’ll find (if someone hasn’t grabbed it already).
For women’s clothing, head to the left when you enter. Racks are divided with 90% discounted samples against the windows, and 60% discounted items closest to the register. Make sure to examine the tags carefully, they’re mostly UK sizes, so a 10 or 12 is actually a 4 or 6 in US metrics (there are size charts posted). Most dresses were between a 2 and an 8, and tops were mostly XS-M.
Some items we spotted for 60% off: a black leather jacket ($430, was $1,075), a Red Label top for $400 (was $1,000), and a scribble leopard shirt for $322 (was $805). For 90% off, there was a Riccardi jacket for $72 (was $725), a white leather jacket for $184 (was $1,845), not to mention skirts for $32-$76. Trousers ran from size 2 up to an 8 generally, and jeans (90% off) were 25-32.
Shoes are all $50, boots and flats alike, and you’ll benefit from being a size 6 or 7 in women’s. Scarves, gloves, hats and socks are all 50% off. Sunglasses, wallets, caps, ties and belts are all as marked. There’s a shelf full of 80% off bags, and the rest are 50% off. We saw sunglasses for $120, a Bordeaux weekender bag for $450 (was $900), a Cote D'azur bag for $425 (was $850) and an Iconomania large tote for $255 (was $510).
Men’s clothes are also divided into 60% off and 90% off sections, with shirt and jacket sizes ranging from 34-46 (again, check for UK sizes). We saw a knitted bomber for $686 (was $1,715), a short sleeve shirt for $50 (was $505), and a navy jacket for $211 (was $2,110). Jeans are also 60% off.
Discounts are taken at the register, so keep track of what section you’re in so you know how much the item will be marked down from the labeled price.
Thursday, April 23rd through Sunday, April 26th. Daily 10am—6pm. 20 W 36th St between Fifth and Sixth Aves, 6th fl (646-257-2666).