COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: GAP x GQ's Best New Menswear Designers Collections Are Now In Stores

Image: GAP.com

For the fifth year running and celebrating the program's 10th season GAP and GQ have collaborated on capsule collections from the magazine's picks for the Best New Menswear Designers in America. This time, as was announced earlier this year, it's an all-star team featuring returning MVPs Steven Alan, Saturday's NYC, John Elliott and, a three time winner, Michael Bastian (all pictured above). The collections appeared in store today and on Gap.com and, as in past seasons, offer some classic, signature looks from each designer including double layered tees, stretchy ripped jeans and a well-priced moto jacket from Elliott, tailored shirts, khakis and slim tweed coat from Alan, graphic sportswear from Saturdays and typically eclectic separates from Bastian. You'll find them in Manhattan's more prominent Gap locations including Fifth Avenue in both Midtown and the Flatiron District, The Upper West Side, Greenwich Village, Herald and Times Squares to name a few. As always, eager shoppers should act fast. Elliott's collection sold out almost to the piece within a day in 2014, and though Gap's merchandisers have ordered accordingly, popular pieces are already running low, like his double layered tees. Another caveat is that while prices have generally been somewhat higher than regular Gap fare, this season, they are a bit higher than they have been, but still substantially less expensive than any of these designers' regular lines. Online shopping is also a great option but note that the lines are not included in Gap.com's myriad price promotions, at least not initially, so sometimes it pays to wait, but if you have been waiting months for these collections to hit, you should act now.

 

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Loro Piana Luxury + Norma Kamali, Vince, Milly & More In This Week's Sales

We missed a week there, but there is still plenty happening this week to keep sample shoppers happy including a few perennial big name favorites. Here are some of this week's Sample Sale highlights:

LORO PIANA returned to Soiffer Haskin over the weekend, and is still going strong through Thursday. the Shophound stopped by yesterday and found an abundance of merchandise including scarves for men and women as well as cashmere knitwear. Further reductions in all categories have already been taken, but, as is usual for Loro Piana, the prices are staggering even at 50% to 60% off. Still, if you are looking to invest in some exquisitely made, classic Italian luxury, you can hardly do better.

Contemporary label MILLY took over Clothingline in the Garment District on Monday for a four-day stay featuring all the label's product categories for women and girls including accessories. Shop through Thursday.

Today, one of the most popular sales at 260 Fifth Avenue returns. RENT THE RUNWAY promises gently used designer dresses and accessories from popular designers which usually go for a song. Promised labels include Halston Heritage, Kate Spade, Badgley Mischka and more through Sunday the 2nd.

On Wednesday the 28th, New York Fashion legend NORMA KAMALI will turn her 56th Street boutique into a one-day-sale house featuring merchandise and one-of-a-kind samples priced from $50 to $100 curated from all of her product lines.

Also on Wednesday, contemporary powerhouse VINCE will return to Chelsea Market through the weekend featuring a selection of mostly men's sportswear. A limited offering of womenswear is also promised, but this one's mainly for the guys. 

One more Wednesday sale features TOM and LINDA PLATT's elegant day, cocktail and evening dresses at substantial discounts. Bring cash for an additional 10% off and that old-school, cash only sample sale experience.

Next week, look for sales from Woolrich, Desigual, David Yurman and more. Keep an eye on our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for all details as well as late breaking events.

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Maiyet, Bottega Veneta, Fendi, Max Mara, Moncler, Opening Ceremony, Hugo Boss, Coach & More On Sale

We took about a week off, for, well, none of your business, but we are back, so 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

Maiyet Fine Jewelry, Panier Des Sens, Luciano Barbara, Wolf Watch Accessories, DeSanto Leather Goods, Bottega Veneta, Schutz, La Perla, Escada, Opening Ceremony, Jay Godfrey, Bella Luxx/Monrow, Elie Tahari, Alternative Apparel, Robert Graham, True Religion, Marco Vittorio Footwear, Moncler, Mosmann Australia, Perepaix Jewelry —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Marc New York, Clarins, Dolce & Gabbana Eyewear, Fendi, Gucci, Frette, DeLonghi, Max Mara, UrthBox, JOE's Jeans, Free People, KEEN, Mountain Hardware, Bond No. 9, Coach, LAUREN Ralph Lauren, Nixon, L.K.Bennett, Phillip Gavriel, TATCHA Beauty, Calphalon,   —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

L.A.M.B., Insight, Lorion Beauty, 7 For All Mankind, Steve Madden, ASTR, Pam & Gela, Rogue, Unsimply Stitched, Eileen Fisher, Love. . . Ady, MUK LUKS, Psycho Bunny, C/89 Sweaters, HUGO BOSS Watches, Ben Sherman —join HERE

THIS WEEK ONLINE: Christian Dior and Members Only with Tumi, Lela Rose, Diane von Furstenberg, Vivienne Westwood & More In Between.

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

Edie Parker, Pablo Costagli Jewelry, Zanella, Saint Laurent, B&O Play by Bang & Olufsen,Christian Dior, Dolce Vita, TUMI, Andrew Marc, Versace Scarves, Electric Yoga, Fuzzi, Ingrid & Isabel, Theory, Grenson, Vivienne Westwood, Cult of Individuality, Peter Werth Accessories, CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Underwear —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Vince, Lela Rose, La Perla, Lole, Longchamp, Viking, Taylor, Christian Dior, Lagos, Movado, Melissa & Doug, Miriam Merenfeld Jewelry —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Hudson, Kier & J, Karen Walker Sunglasses, Laundry by Shelli Segal, Victorinox, Scotch & Soda, members Only, Brand Black, Burberry Watches, Lafayette 148, Johnston & Murphy, Diane von Furstenberg, Fate, Mezlan & Lucchese, Engliush Laundry, Hartmann Luggage, Izumi Virtual Reality, Frye, Rebecca Taylor, Sofia Cashmere, Kensie, Josie Maran, Perricone MD, Andrew Christian  —join HERE

SAMPLE CIRCUIT: Sandro, Kiton, Victor Alfaro, Frette & More In This Week's Sales

There's a little bit happening for everyone on this week's Sample Sale Schedule from fine men's suits to a favorite designer returning to the spotlight. Here are some highlights:

It started last week, but fans of beautifully tailored custom clothing till have until Saturday the 17th to shop the first sample sale from the cult tailor MILLER’S OATH at it's western SoHo boutique. Suits, Sportcoats, Furnishings, sportswear and accessories from past seasons will be featured as well as discounts on the current season.

For more menswear, this time of the hand tailored Neapolitan variety, KITON has taken up residence in Soiffer Haskin on West 33rd St through Thursday the 15th. Look for the complete luxury lifestyle collection for men featuring the label's legendary tailored clothing as well as a small selection of Women's apparel.

Moving downtown, Italian bed & bath maestro FRETTE is at the Metropolitan Pavilion through Thursday the 15th featuring its sumptuous sheets, towels, robes and other accessories at a discount.

Starting on Tuesday, burgeoning French contemporary sportswear chain SANDRO will take over 260 Fifth Avenue through the weekend featuring sleek sportswear, shoes & accessories for men and women.

VICTOR ALFARO is back in business after a moment out of the spotlight. Fans of his soigné sportswear can head to his Flatiron district showroom for two days starting today the 13th for discounts on his luxurious women's apparel.

Head back to Soiffer Haskin on Saturday the 17th for jewelry brand IP's four-day sale featuring discounts of 65% to 85% on 18K gold, sterling silver, precious and semi-precious gemstones.

Next week, look for sales from Maje, St.John, James Jeans and more. Keep an eye on our SALE ROLL sidebar at left for times and details as well as the inevitable late-breaking events.

COLLABORATION ANTICIPATION: Alexander Wang Confirmed His Adidas Collaboration And Then Sold It Out Of The Back Of A Truck

It was a big weekend for Alexander Wang. On Saturday night, he showed his Spring 2017 collection to rapturous reviews and also took the opportunity to confirm weeks of buzz about an upcoming collaboration with Adidas by sending it down the runway as his finale. While Wang did not join the see-now-buy-now bandwagon, he, along with his new athletic wear partner, made nine pieces and one shoe style of the upcoming Adidas Originals x Alexander Wang collection available to eager fans by setting up three one-hour pop-up events on Sunday in SoHo, Midtown and McCarren Park in Brooklyn. Thanks to the magic of modern social media Wang fans were fully alerted within moments of the end of the show, and less than 24 hours later were ready and waiting to form a line that stretched the extra-long block of Mercer Street between Canal and Grand Streets by the first noon call-time (pictured below). In keeping with the location, Wang decided to literally sell the limited production of preview items out of the back of a truck, evoking the all but lost counterfeit contraband nature of the mostly banished neighborhood knock-off merchants. Shoppers were strictly limited to one each of four items to minimize rapid reselling on eBay, and carried their purchases in black garbage-type bags tied with white Alexander Wang ribbons —in keeping with the contraband theme. The all-black limited edition items, including graphic tees, a jacquard jacket, hoodies, football shorts and a skate sneaker ranging in price from $80 to $230 sold out predictably quickly.
Along with the blink-and-you'll-miss-them pop-ups, Wang released some campaign images by photographer Juergen Teller which show, again, an almost entirely black collection that takes Adidas' signature three stripes and reverses them to emphasize their outlines along with an inverted Adidas trefoil insignia. It turns out that the dreaded portmanteau "Athleisure" is alive and well, but may have reached its peak with this collaboration. The rest f the 84-piece collection will his stores for the spring delivery season, so if you absolutely must be ahead of the general public, then you will have to make plans on September 17th when the trucks will be traveling to major international cities to repeat the pop-up events.

See the Adidas Originals x Alexander Wang campaign images after the jump

THIS WEEK ONLINE: TOMS, Levi's, Billy Reid, Tom Ford, Alexis Bittar, J.Lindeberg, Saint Laurent & 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

TOMS Shoes & Eyewear, Saint Laurent, J.Lindeberg, Longines, Rick Owens/DRKSHDW by Rick Owens, BCBGMaxAzria, Gucci Handbags & Accessorires, Mizuki Jewelry, Manoush, Billy Reid, Naked & Famous, Lubiam, TOD's, Sundek, Garner-Thiebaut Table Linens, Sonia Rykiel Bed & Bath —join HERE

RUE LA LA

Elizabeth & James, Hunter, Joyfolie Girls, Adrienne Vittadini, Orrefors/Kosta Boda, Lanvin, KitchenAid, Brookstone, Rebecca Taylor, Andrew Marc, Tom Ford, Gurhan, Hobo The Original, Jack Rogers —join HERE

HAUTE LOOK

Joe's Jeans, Mario Badescu, New Balance, Oakley, Cole Haan, Sanctuary, Peter Millar, Alexis Bittar, Autumn Cashmere, Liebeskind Berlin, Levi's, Ella Moss, 7 Diamonds, MCM, Skagen Watches —join HERE

NEW IMPORTS ARRIVING: Milan's Iconic Store 10 Corso Como Will Open At The South Street Seaport

Rendering: SouthStreetSeaport.com

If something seems dismaying to you about that headline, then you are not alone at scratching your head. It is exciting news that one of global fashion's most influential stores, 10 Corso Como will soon be arriving in New York, one does wonder just a bit what owner Carla Sozzani chose the Seaport as the location for her company's only North American store. After all, it is literally all the way across the entire borough of Manhattan from Brookfield Place and the Westfield World Trade Center Oculus, where the Financial District's retail renaissance is currently under way. That is apparently why Sozzani wanted the location. “It’s not a traditional area," she tells WWD "it is new but also one most linked to the city’s history and origins, over the docks, with the Fulton Fish Market [dating back to 1822] and a view on the river. Its history of international commerce and innovation is inspiring.”
The store is set to open next June in the Howard Hughes Corporation's revitalized Seaport development (pictured). It will be conceived as more of a destination in the manner of Dover Street Market, for example, but rather than focusing on clothes, it will emphasize design pieces and hospitality with food and beverages. It will join Sozzani's original Milan store as well as the three branches she has opened in recent years in Shanghai and Bejing, China and Seoul, South Korea. Though a removed from the neighborhood's other retail hubs, the new store is expected to be surrounded by new food and dining concepts from David Chang and Jean-Georges Vongerichten as well as a luxury iPic movie theater. 

(WWD)

IN-STORE SCORE: Macy's Will Debut A New Apple Store Next Month

With new iPhones and Apple Watches on the way comes the news that Macy's will open Apple's first full in-store shop at its Herald Square flagship next month. While 180 additional Macy's locations will be selling Apple Watches, this will be the tech behemoth's first in-store shop inside a U.S. Department store, and it will also carry iPhones, iPads MacBooks as well as other items and accessories for a more complete brand presentation. According to WWD, the shop will be set up on the main floor of the store's Broadway side which is devoted to makeup and accessories including in-store boutiques from Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. While Macy's Herald Square is known to have several leased in-store departments like Vuitton and Gucci, it is unclear at the moment whether the new shop will be operated by Apple or Macy's itself, but it could serve as a test for similar arrangements in other prominent flagship locations in the chain such as Chicago or San Francisco, or perhaps as a model to be adopted by other retailers as well. In recent months, Macy's has been struggling to right-size its sprawling fleet of stores cobbled together from several different department store chains as the result of a series of mergers over the past couple of decades. The luster from Apple's desirable product offerings may help the chain to attract new customers as it tightens up its retail footprint.

(WWD)

SO, THIS THING AGAIN: The Barneys Warehouse Sale Is A Miserable Affair

There used to be a time when we could all get excited for the Barneys Warehouse Sale.
Sure, it wasn't for amateurs. It was in a grotty basement that required patience and skill to negotiate —and then there were the crowds and the lines, but it was worth it for the thrill of the scavenger hunt as well as the satisfaction achieved when finding a great price on something one could never afford at full price, or even on a regular markdown in a regular Barneys store. Maybe it was even something one had one's eye on all season that appeared as if summoned by magic.
Well those days are long gone, and we figured that once Barneys started a year round Warehouse Sale website offering its own merchandise from previous seasons as well as overstock from its regular vendors there would be no point in continuing the in-person event sale. Why would we need to go to the Warehouse Sale when the best stuff was being funneled to the website? It seemed like a more up to date way to clear old stock anyway, but the seasonal, then annual Warehouse Sale persisted as the merchandise became less and less appealing and the event drifted into irrelevancy. A couple of years ago, it appeared to be gone for good, but then, last week, it reappeared, this time in a raw retail space on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg (pictured above). Could it be returning because the folks at Barneys have found a way to make it relevant again? Will it be cooler because its in Williamsburg? Is it worth revisiting?
The answer, sadly, is no on all counts.
The Shophound stopped by on the sale's first day, when it seems not fully set up, so we gave it the benefit of the doubt and checked back over the weekend to find that, yes, it had now been completely laid out and stocked, but still was a mess. In a space far too small for the amount of merchandise being offered, we found racks packed full of clothing crammed together to the point where it was nearly impossible to see what was being offered without tugging at garments and breaking hangers —if not damaging the clothes themselves. Barely categorized, there was little attempt to arrange things by size in the most rudimentary ways. In other areas, boxes were set out for shoppers to rummage through, many of which were filled with merchandise that may have been sold on the Warehouse Sale site, but probably never in an actual Barneys store. There was no attempt to separate designers, so the meant that a crazy Hood by Air showpiece was crammed on the rack by a Marc by Marc Jacobs bomber jacket from a past season and some of the Justin Bieber tour apparel that was touted as a prized exclusive in Chelsea only a few weeks ago. Clearly that was a merchandising mis-step.
Are there no gems to be found? Maybe there are some, but this Warehouse is more of a needle-in-a-haystack project than we have ever seen. And rather than imagining that one might find something good while rummaging around, one's mind quickly shifts to wondering if there is really anything we really need there, and then to questioning if it is really worth the time and trouble?
As far as we can tell, it is not.
Additional discounts have already started, but we will not be chronicling them as we once did. You have until the 14th to shop, but don't feel that you have missed anything if you don't bother. There are better opportunities to find better bargains these days. You don't have to subject yourself to this sloppy display to get them.

Barneys Warehouse Sale runs through September 14th at 280 Metropolitan Avenue between Driggs Avenue & Roebling Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn.