The Prada sample sale kicked off today to VIPs. This is the first Prada sale in over a decade, which caused lots of excitement among shoppers. Unfortunately, the discounts weren’t as high as many attendees were anticipating and a majority of shoppers left the sale left empty-handed.

As we predicted, the markdowns aren’t any higher than what you would normally fund during the first markdown at Prada retailers. Handbags and accessories are 40% off and shoes and bags are discounted 50%. On the bright side, there is a selection of merchandise from the most recent Prada collections.

Early VIP shoppers arrived at the sale at about 7:30am. When doors opened at 10am, there was a line around the block. By mid-afternoon, there was no line to get into the sale and very few shoppers inside.

For Women, you will find an assortment of knapsacks, pouches, and totes and small leather goods with this season’s lightening and rose motifs. There is also a selection from last winter’s accessories, which was a combination of nylon and leather bags with studs. Pieces from the Ouverture and tye-dye collections and studded bags can be found in various sizes. This padded Prada clutch with a small chain is probably one of the best items at the sale and comes to about $600 from $925.

The clothing options, which are 50% off, consist of a lot of items from the Summer tie-dye collection. There are a variety of skirts and dresses. The Miu Miu standouts are snakeskin coats and rhinestone items.

The men’s selection contains the same themes as the woman’s. In addition, there are some travel items like suitcases on wheels and briefcases. There are also some more sneaker options and nylon coats and jackets.

Photos are not allowed. As a matter of fact, the lenses on everyone’s phone were taped. Yes, even the front lenses. The photos above will give you a good idea of what you will find at the sale. Not everything is exact but it’s a good start.

Nothing Prada is ever bad but it’s hard to endorse running to this sale and waiting on a long line. There are so many avenues for discounted Prada that this should be on the itinerary of only the brand’s biggest fans.

We are told that the sale will be restocked throughout the sale dates but we don’t expect many new additions. Any price cuts won’t be drastic. Feel free to share your questions and observations below. Even if the discounts aren’t extraordinary, it’s always fun to go to a Prada sale.

Prada Sample Sale
Wednesday, November 20 through Saturday, November 23
10am-8pm daily
150 Greene Street

Prada just announced that it will be holding a sample sale later this week, hosted by 260 Sample Sale.  The invitation says the sale is private but it was sent to anyone on the 260 Sample Sale email distribution list. This is the first time the Italian brand has hosted a sample sale in nearly 10 years.

You can read our post about the last Prada sample sale in 2009 over here and here is a deeper look into the 2008 sale with pictures.  These prior sales occurred in a pre-Instagram era, and the comment sections are as insightful as the posts themselves. You’ll notice that markdowns started at only 50% off but then tilted towards 90% during the last moments of the sale.

You will also notice that shoppers waited two to three hours to get into the sales, which seems in-line with the wait at big sales today. The most noticeable difference is that the first shoppers reported getting to the sale at 6:30am. You can bet that this year, shoppers will arrive at least five hours prior to opening.

This year’s Prada sale will begin on Tuesday for VIPs and then will open to the public on Wednesday. Cameras will be prohibited and phone lenses will be taped closed. There will also be a four bag limit for each shopper.

We are told that this year’s sale will be comprised of an assortment of bags, shoes, and clothing. We think there will be a huge amount of shoes and bags but we don’t believe that discounts will be drastic. Prices are likely to be in-line with the boutique’s normal markdown of 50% off and then shift into higher reductions later in the week. We don’t anticipate that discounts will hit 90% as they did a decade ago.

Prada has had a difficult time in the new era of retail. Despite adding e-commerce to its site, resurrecting the Linea Rossa collection and creating a streetwear aesthetic, Prada still hasn’t been able to grab a foothold with Millennial shoppers. A Prada insider disclosed that annual sales at the Soho Flagship store was $24 million in 2014 but was only $12 million last year. (These numbers have not been confirmed.)

In anticipation of the big sample sale, local retailers are slashing Prada and Miu Miu prices ahead of the official designer sales. Friday night, Saks Fifth Avenue sent a VIP link New Yorkers offering 40% off Prada and Miu Miu shoes and bags and 50% off clothing. You can use this link and the code ALMDZMS to engage the Saks discounts.

Saturday morning, Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman made a similar move and sent VIP links to New Yorkers. The discounts are the same: 40% off shoes and bags and 50% off clothing.

Some of the online highlights include these chunky lace-up Miu Miu boots that are now $570 from $950, a rose-print turtleneck is $780 from $1560, a Miu Miu leather miniskirt is $750 from $1500, and the 3-D floral dress that was practically a sell-out at stores is now $2340 from $4680. This nylon belt bag is $495 from $825, a card case is $186 from $310,  and this quilted crossbody is $930 from $1550. Anything with bananas or tie-dye is from older collections and have been previously discounted much deeper.

We will be sure to keep you posted about the sample sale and add information as it’s received. Please feel free to do the same in the comment section below.

Prada Sample Sale (by 260 Sample Sale)
Wednesday, November 20 through Saturday, November 23
10am-8pm daily
150 Greene Street