SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang & Versace Lead The Sale Week

Sometimes things just fall together, but this week seems to be a big week for sample sales from female designers. Why? Who knows, but that's how things have turned out including a few rarely seen sales that should draw out pent-up fans. Onward and forward:

TUESDAY, MAY 31
It's the long awaited return of DIANE von FURSTENBERG to the sample sale schedule.
Once a reliable participant, DVF has stayed away from holding sample sales for the past few seasons. She's back, however, comfortably ensconced at 260 Fifth Avenue just where you expect her sale to be. Plan on lines.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1
On Wednesday, It's VERA WANG's turn to put her collection on sale on Greene Street in SoHo only a few blocks from her own boutique. Keep in mind that this is not her bridal sale, which usually happens elsewhere, but it is where you will find other gowns and ready-to-wear apparel items. Vera will be sharing the space with GILES & BROTHER featuring jewelry designed by Courtney Crangi Giles and Philip Crangi at deep discounts. See a gallery of Gile & Brother items expected at the sale after the jump

In keeping with the luxury theme, Soiffer Haskin will be launching a four-day sale featuring DAUM crystal and BUCCELLATI Jewelry, Watches and Silver tableware, gifts and Hollowware.

VBH LUXURY will also be holding a five-day sale on the upper east side not far from its former boutique that is now an Apple Store. This elusive handbag label (they still have no website) is known for elaborately designed bags for day in evening often in precious, exotic skins.

THURSDAY JUNE 2
It's one-day-handbag sales on Thursday with vegan accessory brand DEUX LUX in the Flatiron District and men's and women's bag company ONA in SoHo both featuring deep discounts.

SATURDAY JUNE 4
Designer EILEEN FISHER is once again offering savings on her pervasively popular sportswear separates featuring both one-of-a-kind samples and regular stock in full size ranges. Find her on East 9th Street in the East Village just for the weekend.

SUNDAY JUNE 5
Finally, Sunday brings a rare appearance on the sale schedule by VERSACE.
We don't know when the last time Donatella Versace has brought her main collections to New York for a sample sale was, if there even was one. Look for a strong initial response  to this sale and remember not to bring too much with you as Soiffer Haskin enforces a strict bag and coat check policy as well as barring children and strollers.

Next week, look for the schedule to ramp up with Tory Burch, LaPerla, Rebecca Taylor, a rare New York sale from Splendid & Ella Moss and much more. See our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for times and locations and the inevitable late-breaking sales.

Click through for a gallery of Giles & Brother items expected at their sale

MODE.COM SPONSORED POST: A Look At Modern Brazilian Style

Brazil is on everyone's radar with the Olympics coming up, Louis Vuiton's dramatic Resort show in Rio and all that impeachment mess. Here's a look at modern Brazilian style form our friends at Mode.com:

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Zac Posen, Saint Laurent, Nicole Miller, Derek Lam, Charlotte Olympia, Emilio Pucci, Ben Sherman, Clarisonic, Dio Homme & More

Here is your weekly sampling of some of the brands you can expect to find on the bigger online Flash Sale Sites this week. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events, and be sure to check for the correct start time for each sale. Shop well!

GILT GROUPE

Zac Posen, Rachel Pally, Dr. Hauschka, Michael Bastian, John Varvatos, G-Shock, Herschel Supply Co., Charlotte Olympia, Emilio Pucci, Vita Fede, Ray-Ban, Firth, Pia Pauro, Tart, Derek Lam, A.L.C., DL1961, Save Khaki, G-Star, Robert Graham, Dior Homme, Royce Leather, Tsovet Watches  —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Saint Laurent, Pandora, Misook, Aaron Basha, Bertha & Boum, Surya, JOE's Jeans, Calphalon, Kosta Boda —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Hudson Jeans, BB Dakota, Jack Under, LaBlanca Swim, Ben Sherman, TAVIK, Ken Wroy Underwear, SPANX, Clarisonic, Nicole Miller, BOGA, Psycho Bunny, Stephen Oliver —join HERE

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: H&M Captures Kenzo For Its Next Collaboration

 

It’s official! The vibrant and playful @kenzo is H&M’s next designer collaboration. #KENZOxHM launches worldwide 3 November 2016. Stay tuned!

A video posted by H&M (@hm) on May 25, 2016 at 3:01am PDT

Yes, it's the time of year when fast fashion mega-chain H&M announces its big fall collaboration, and this year's big winner is: Kenzo. The news was announced on all media fronts this morning. Current Kenzo designers Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of Opening Ceremony will launch the line on November 3rd in over 250 select H&M stores worldwide as well as online. While last year's Balmain collection arrived in a tsunami of celebrity glitz, red carpets and social media frenzy, Lim and Leon, who have been known to put on some impressive shows in their own right, can probably be counted on for a somewhat more esoteric but no less splashy way to promote the collection by the time it arrives in the fall —like the Jungle-themed CGI video on H&M's instagram that heralds the collaboration. It's intriguing and modern, yet recalls the audacious sense of color and pattern that brought designer Japanese designer Kenzo Takada his initial success. For those with less PC memories, it also obliquely refers to the designer's first Paris boutique opened in the 1970s called Jungle Jap.
The collaboration is a tribute of sorts to the success that Lim and Leon have had in re-invigorating an admired but aging fashion label since they took over creative duties in 2011. They have managed to shift the brand toward a modern, advanced contemporary point of view while still maintaining its essential, upbeat character. That should make it an especially good fit for a mass oriented retailer like H&M. "We wanted to really tell the story of the brand and of us. Together with H&M, we will invite all the costumers and fans to the real Kenzo world," Leon says in an interview published on H&M's website today.
So far, we only have the Instagram video to hint at what the collection might look like, but we can expect to see more hints about the collaboration throughout the Summer as we get closer to the launch date. As usual, sportswear and accessories for men and women are in the works, and we will be shocked if there aren't at least a few boldly printed sweatshirts in the mix.

KENZO X H&M In Designer Collaboration (HM.com)

TURF BATTLE: Is Under Armour Fighting Nike And Apple For Space In The GM Building?

Why, just last week we wrote about the potential battle between Apple and Nike for the former FAO Schwarz space on the 58th Street side of the GM Building (pictured above), and now the status quo has changed as another player, Under Armour, appears to have entered the fray. According to Crain's, the burgeoning performance athletic-wear company is in talks to take over at least part of the space that the legendary toy store has left vacant. Does that mean that Under Armour will now be nestled among Cartier, Apple and Bergdorf Goodman's Men's store which will be its neighbor across the street?
Reports say that the former toy palace with 13,ooo square feet on the ground floor and 40,000 on the second level is ultimately likely to be divided, and we don't know if Under Armour may be in talks for the whole thing or part of it, though if Nike is still looking to get into the space after its lease extension on 57th Street expires, it is unlikely that it would accept Under Armour as a direct adjacency.
Cartier's store on the 59th street side of the GM Building is technically temporary, and though there has been talk of the jewelry company holding on to it even after it's landmarked townhouse on Fifth Avenue is finally restored and renovated, it could also be in play within the next year or two.
The real question here, though, is whether or not Under Armour belongs in the GM Building amongst rarefied luxury flagships as well as the only electronics company that approaches luxury brand status? Nike, for all its prosaic qualities, has a coolness factor that allows it to be included amongst the avant-garde designers curated at Comme des Garçons' Dover Street Market. We could see it moved to the GM Building, but Under Armour? Does it really have that level of prestige?
We tend to think no, not that that has any bearing on whether or not a lease will be negotiated and signed. It does, however, remind us of the early 1990s, when there was a multi-level Warner Brothers Studio Store on the corner of 57th and Fifth, and a few blocks down Fifth Avenue, shoppers found an equally lavish Walt Disney store. Retailers in the neighborhood griped that the stores were degrading the area's prestige level (though there were fewer complaints when Nike took over the beleaguered space that was originally Bonwit Teller's replacement store). Eventually, those two cartoon palaces became Louis Vuitton and The Polo Store, and all was once again right with Fifth Avenue. Will the same sentiments follow Under Armour to the GM Building. The brand seems at home with a huge flagship on lower Broadway in SoHo, but will is be as comfortable a fit on one of New York's most luxurious corners?

Nike may get muscled out of prime GM Building retail space (Crain's)

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Roberto Cavalli, Tracy Reese + Theory & James Perse Redux

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, the sample sale schedule will ramp up, and we are full expecting more last minute events to pop-up before the end of the week. Here are some highlights for what we have on schedule so far:

MONDAY 5/23
Yesterday brought a two-day RACHEL ZOE blowout sale at Clothingline in the Garment District that you can still catch before the end of today. Otherwise, shoppers can head down to the Meatpacking District for a combined sale from LILLA P. and LEO & SAGE which are promising plenty of summer sportswear and dresses at deep discounts through Thursday.

TUESDAY 5/24
Today brings a few heavy hitters that shoppers will have been anticipating. TRACY REESE has long been a favorite for her contemporary dresses and sportswear, and her label has frequently found its way to the back of the First Lady, so this is always a popular sale featuring samples, runway pieces and back stock in all sizes starting at $40 through Thursday.
ROBERTO CAVALLI makes his debut with 260SampleSale today in their SoHo location featuring Women's and Men's Apparel, Shoe and Accessory collections. It promises to offer all the glitz and glamor associated with the designer, so look for a line, and enough merchandise to last through Sunday.
Wasn't there a JAMES PERSE sale just a few weeks ago? Yes, there was, but this one has moved back uptown to its usual haunt at 260 Fifth Avenue with vastly more room and merchandise. It's always worth a visit to stock up on Perse's singular tees and casual wear which will be there through Sunday.

WEDNESDAY 5/25
Fans of elegant women's apparel will be making their way to The Meatpacking District today only for deep discounts from one of the Duchess of Cambridge's favorite designers, JENNY PACKHAM. The one-day-only sale promises all of Packham's collections with an emphasis on Bridal wear, so be prepared to shop alongside a few Bridezillas.
Finally, yet another THEORY sale hits the Chelsea Market on Wednesday. This one is for the guys, promising up to 60% off the label's popular sportswear and tailored separates. Shop through Sunday.

While sales may taper off for the Holiday weekend, there are already some big names scheduled for the upcoming weeks including Tory Burch, La Perla, Rebecca Taylor and the return of the long lost Diane von Furstenberg sale. Keep an eye on our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for times and locations as well as late-breaking sales.

FLAGSHIP FLASH: Stella McCartney Is Headed Uptown

Image: GoogleMaps

Stella McCartney's long rumored uptown store has been officially finalized as the designer signed a deal last week to sublease a multi-level townhouse space from art dealer Mallet at 929 Madison Avenue. The store between 73rd and 74th street will include 5,400 square feet from the basement through the third floor, making it technically just a bit bigger than McCartney's current SoHo store. While it is just north of the traditional prime stretch of Madison from 57th to 72nd Street, it is south of the Met Breuer, formerly the Whitney Museum, which has added a lot of heat to those few blocks where stylish shoe label Aquazzura and exclusive leather goods maker Monyat have just debuted new boutiques. It may be too early to ask for projected opening dates just yet, but the store will finally bring the popular designer to a street that many thought she had stayed off for too long.

UES Location for Stella McCartney Is Done Deal (Commercial Observer)

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: Olivier Rousteing's Nike Collaboration Just As Shiny As You Would Expect

Image: instagram.com/olivier_rousteing

Another hot designer has joined the ranks of sneaker behemoth NikeLab's collaborators. Over the weekend, Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing announced via his Instagram that he would be joining forces to launch a NikeLab x Olivier Rousteing: Football Nouveau collection by posting a a new logo featuring the famous swoosh and his own initials in a regal shield shaped crest. The gold-and-black color scheme reflects the increasingly baroque sensibility that he expresses in his fashion collections, but, like his fellow designer Roberto Tisci of Givenchy, Rousteing's team up will be under his own name, or initials, rather than under the auspices of the Parisian label that brought him fame. Whether this is a pattern that will follow through future designer collaborations remains to be seen, but it does seem that, like Tisci, whose initial items focused on a reimagining of Nike's iconic Air Force 1 sneaker, Rousteing's collection will center around a particular theme, soccer, in this case —and lots of gold trimmings. New product images released this morning show the designer himself as model in simple black t-shirts with gold logo decals, some gilt-trimmed sweatpants and lots of golden soccer balls. He even shares one image with star footballer Cristiano Ronaldo decked out in the collection (pictured above) shot by Nick Knight. Items, also photographed on pro-footballers, include jackets, tops and pants all in black touched with gold trimming and zippers, and four Nike soccer shoes, Footscape Magista, Free Mercurial Flyknit, Roshe Tiempo VI and Free Hypervenom 2 re-imagined by Rousteing. The collection will be available as soon as next week on June 2. we are expecting the collection to appear at the NikeLab store in SoHo and at Dover Street Market as well as select other sneaker outlets that focus on the brand's more fashion-y offerings —more likely at Barneys than at Foot Locker. Get ready for another hot collaboration rush sometime this summer, and have a look at the promo video of Rousteing at work below and more of the images including some spectacular shots by Knight for Dazed and Confused magazine after the jump.

Olivier Rousteing (Instagram)
A Golden Touch: NikeLab x Olivier Rousteing (Nike News)

Football Nouveau from NIKELAB on Vimeo.

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Diane von Furstenberg, Cynthia Rowley, Tracy Reese, Sigerson-Morrison & More

Our roster of Flash Sale sites has diminished a bit with last week's closure of MyHabit, but there are still three major players worth keeping track of. Here is your weekly sampling of some of the brands you can expect to find on them. You should click over to the sites themselves for a full schedule of events, and be sure to check for the correct start time for each sale. Shop well!

GILT GROUPE

Cynthia Rowley, Natori, Loewe, NuFace, Luciano Barbera, Miramare Sandals, Nixon Watches, Antik Batik, Splendid, Sigerson Morrison, Finlay & Co. Sunglasses, L'Agence, Dezso by Sara Beltrán, Ava & Aiden, Ben Sherman, Heritor Watches, 2(X)IST, Persol, Globe, Pierre Balmain —join HERE

RUE LA LA

LeSportsac, Joyfolie, KC Designs Jewelry, Sharper Image, FENDI, Gianvito Rossi, Christian Louboutin, David Donahue, French Sole, Ben Sherman, CATHERINE Catherine Malandrino, Chan Luu, Platypus Australia Kids, Peacock Alley, Dyson, Diane von Furstenberg  —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Joe's Jeans, Ella Moss, Soludos, TOV, Cole Haan, Filebrequin, PLENTY by Tracy Reese, Basler, Versace Collection, LORAC, Current Elliott, FACELESS, Steve Madden, Allen Edmonds, ETON, Tommy Bahama  —join HERE

EARLY EXIT: The Comme des Garçons/Dover Street Market Sale Will Close Early On Sunday

See that line of people wrapped around the corner of Houston and Washington Streets? They have cleaned out the Comme des Garçons/Dover Street Market Super-Market-Market, and now there's not enough left to keep the sale open for the full four days it was originally scheduled for. If you were planning to catch the last gasp on Monday, then you will have to change your plans and brave the crowds on Sunday from noon to 7 PM. Best of luck to all, and plan for a bit of line waiting.