We were kind of expecting the sort of frenzy that we used to see at the old Donna Karan sample sales, and apparently, so were the folks at Donna Karan, but we were surprised to find that the big warehouse sale the designer is holding today and tomorrow at the Stephan Weiss Studio was not only civilized, but even sort of relaxing, not to mention surprisingly affordable. Overall, it was totally worth the trip, and we recommend a visit if only for curiosity's sake. What makes this different from your average sample sale is the personal quality. It may me the most lavish garage sale you ever visit, and as such provides an unusual window into the personal tastes of an influential American designer.
Perhaps it was crowded this morning, but by the time we rolled around in the early afternoon, there was no line, and we breezed in with ease. What's there is a large but sort of haphazard collection of stuff that may have come from Donna's own house, her showroom, or possibly her Urban Zen store down the street among other possible sources.  Most things were priced with colored stickers reflecting a set price form $10 to $250 with certain items marked at higher prices, but not many. The majority of items fell in the double digit price ranges, including, for example a huge selection of oversized glass vases going for $10 each. It would be a treasure trove for anyone with an empty loft to furnish, as most of the furniture was of the giant sized sort. There was an abundance of antique looking Asian knick-knacks and accessories as well as a couple of big platform beds and various other dramatic pieces of furniture. a back room was devoted to eveningwear , gently worn, from past collections that appeared to be from Donnas's own closets, all priced to move. on one side of the room was a series of racks featuring Donna's old sportswear, including some items with their original tags, giving one an idea of the sort of excessive acquisition that can happen when one owns a huge multimillion dollar fashion brand. Some items may have been as much as fifteen years old, making them vintage Donna. It was a mind boggling array of random items from buttery leather jackets for around $100 to old jeans. This all led to a display of Donna's big old shoes, arguably the least appealing, but most amusing display. Proceeds will benefit Karan's Urban Zen Initiative.
Donna Karan Sale, Stephan Weiss Studio, 711 Greenwich Street near 10th Street; 10 AM to 7 PM through March 15.