By ManhattanMataHari
Memorial Day may not offer the best discounts but some consider it the warm weather equivalent of Black Friday. Pre-sale has started at many Madison Avenue boutiques and most stores will officially begin their markdown next week.
For the uninitiated, pre-sale is when stores allow their top customers to pre-shop the sale collection. Pre-shopping a sale, or “pre-saleing”, usually requires a credit card to hold the merchandise, which is sent or available for pick-up once the sale officially begins. Throughout the coming weeks we will continuously bring you the most up-to-date sale coverage from stores all over Manhattan.
Of course, we must start on Madison Avenue:
Chloé
Chloe’s presale is already underway, however, some stores may require an invite. Stephanie, the store manager at Madison Avenue Chloe, will likely extend the invitation if requested. The sale officially opens to the public on May 28th. A 30% discount will be applied to most spring/summer shoes, handbags and ready-to-wear. The popular scalloped edge ballerina flats are excluded along with select handbag styles. On the plus side, the sale may provide an opportunity to score Chloe’s $2695 Madeleine tote in fun colors for under $2000. Second cut usually starts at the end of June and the discount is often 50%.
Stephanie: 212-717-8220
Dolce & Gabbana
Dolce&Gabbana is kicking off their private sale today. The public sale is not scheduled to begin until June 1. Most of the Italian designer’s spring merchandise is 40% off. A nice selection of the popular corset-style dresses are included in the markdown down, although they aren’t likely to last once the sale goes public.
EJ: 212-249-4100
Giuseppe Zanotti
While the Giuseppe Zanotti sale will begin their sale Friday, May 25. Expect to find plenty of spring and summer styles for 30% off. None of Giuseppe’s popular Swarovski crystals platforms are included but some of their crystallized flats should be part of the discounted merchandise. If you are a popular size 37, be sure to call ahead or go early since there is limited stock in the popular sizes.
George: 212-650-0455
Hérve Léger
Max Azria’s iconic bandage dresses are now 40% off. Normally, the basic styles start at about $780 and go up to about $1200. None of the intricate bathing suits are included in the markdown, but our tan-line free abs will probably thank us for that in the long run. More sales merchandise is expected to come the Madison Avenue boutique in the coming week.
Alex: 212-794-7124
Jil Sander
Expect to score minimalist chic ready-to-wear and accessories at a 40% discount starting the first week of June. Pre-saleing could be a bit difficult but we suggest making the attempt if you are worried about a possible sell-out. This collection is the last season of designs by Raf Simons. Jil Sander’s personal designs will again stock retail spaces beginning with the Fall 2012 collection. Raf (yes, we are on a first name basis) has found a new home at Dior.
Kendra 212-925-2345
Lanvin
Head to the Lanvin store to shop presale from the spring and summer collection. The markdown on clothing, shoes, bags and kidswear is 30% off. Some classic bag and shoe styles are not included in the seasonal discount. Lanvin usually takes their markdown to 50% off in late-June. You can never go wrong grabbing a piece of playful statement jewelry.
Christopher: 646-439-0380
Milly
Pre-spring clothing is currently 30% off, with an additional 10% off until Thursday. While this sale started last week, you can expect to find a good amount of heavier fabric dresses, fitted blazers,and cropped lightweight peacoats.
Kat: 212-395-9100
Missoni
Missoni usually doesn’t play pre-sale games and starts their sale a bit earlier than most stores. Today marked the beginning of their first markdown. Nearly everything seasonal is 40% off, including patterned bathing suits. Certain accessories like, head bands, scarves and the Missoni x Converse collection are excluded.
Brian: 212-517-9339
Prada
Prada has eliminated their presale practices, however, some habits cannot be completely stopped. While sales people are unable to complete a transaction until next week, a good sales person can keep a watchful eye. Most clothing, shoes and seasonal bags will be discounted 30% to 40% off. Prada used to take another price cut at the end of June and host a friends & family blow out at the end of the season. This tradition too has gone the way of the phone booth.
Joanna: 212-327-4200
Valentino
Valentino’s presale is already underway. The spring and summer collection is discounted 40% off. The sale officially begins next week. Seasonal Rock Stud colors are included in the markdown but you can forget about snagging basic black. Fancy jelly’s are also being excluded from the markdown, however, department stores are more likely to discount the seasonal sensation.
Sonia: 212-772-6969
