The legendary Manolo Blahnik sample sale kicked off today at the Warwick Hotel. The sale is only one day and this review might not be much help now but we thought it would be the perfect reference guide for next year’s shoppers. You can also share your personal critique and experiences in the comment section below.

The first reports this morning were from sample sale shoppers to arrived before 7am. They say there were lots of people already waiting. Doors officially opened to VIPs at 8am. VIPs with invitations were organized by lettered tickets and other shoppers were grouped by 20 and given numbered tickets.

At 10am the crowds of VIPs had thinned and the shopping environment was very civilized. Sizes 37.5 to size 39 were already running thin. The best selection was for sizes 40.5 and up or 36 and below.  When the doors opened to the public at 11am sharp, the room filled with many more shoppers. We also spotted several resellers and hoarders loading shoes in huge blue plastic bags. That’s never a happy sight.

Prices were the same as they have been for the past few seasons. Basic pumps are $125 (or $136 with tax.) Shoes with any embellishment were $150, shoe boots were $100 and ankle boots were $250.  You can click here to see the complete price list.

Many of the styles looked like they were several years old. We spotted a few pairs of these shearling boots, lace-up ankle boots and glittery BBs. We didn’t see any Hangisi styles or Mary Janes but there were a lot of low-heel basics. There were several styles from the Picasso inspired fall 2016 collection.

The assortment at this sale seems to be much thinner than it has been during previous sales. That generally means that business is very good for the Manolo Blahnik brand. It’s always a double-edge sward.

We love Spring in New York– the cherry blossoms, the Park Avenue tulips, and yes, the Manolo Blahnik sample sale. Our sources tell us that this year’s Spring sample sale will open to the public on Thursday, April 27th. As is tradition, the second floor salon of the Warwick Hotel will be the site of the event.

This sample sale is a bi-annual highlight for shoe lovers. As you can imagine, the wait time can be worse than a passport agency. We usually prefer the boutique sales even if prices are a bit more expensive. (Those who can’t make it to the sale can shop an assortment of brand new Manolos starting at just $75 from the scroll above.)

Those who are up for the Manolo sample sale challenge, should expect to take a number and wait, and wait, and wait. The really nice thing about this sale is that you can leave and come back once you get your lucky numbered ticket. Take note, that the sale opens at 11am and will close when inventory begins to run low. In past years, that was at about 3pm to 4pm.

We expect that prices will run along the same lines as last season. Plain shoes, including leather, suede satin, and printed fabric start at $125 and go up to $150. Shoes with embellishments like glitter and studs were priced $175. Boots started at $200 for basic versions and went up to $400 for over-the-knee styles.

Over the past few seasons the assortment has been dwindling. Manolo Blahnik & Co. recently added a fundraising component to their overstock strategy. A sale to benefit Arethusa Farm Scholarship Fund for University of Connecticut Agricultural Studies. A good amount of stock that would show up at the bi-annual sample sale has gone to the, so called, farm.

Remember, the sale is open to the public for only one day. That’s a good indication that there will not be much merchandise. If you attend the sale, please keep us all posted in the comment section below.

Manolo Sale Sample Sale
Thursday, April 27th
Sale opens: 11am and closes when the inventory dwindles (usually 3pm – 4pm)
The Warwick Hotel, 54th Street and 6th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Cash only!