Author Archive
Designer Sample sales selling sumptuous cashmere
Posted by: | CommentsDesigner Sales selling sumptuous cashmere at our Mayfair sale this weekend! We have lots of amazing labels on sale for Men and Women including our luxury cashmere ranges.
Check out our New Scotland range with twin sets from 50-70% off retail prices!

Schiaparelli vs Chanel
Posted by: | CommentsIts something I’ve mentioned plenty of times already, but after settling down last night with a cup of tea to watch a marathon of Boardwalk Empire, it just re-affirmed my love of the fantastic 1920s and its superb style. It then got me thinking about the great of fashion icons of the era and who else would be at the forefront of my mind other than the timeless rivals Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Both renowned for their lasting contributions to the fashion world, and designers that I adore, I thought it appropriate given my inspiration to take a look at what made the both of these women great and who do you think had the design edge?

I want to start my look back into the 1920s with Elsa Schiaparelli as I feel that she can sometimes be a lesser known fashion force of the 1920s than the infamous Coco Chanel. It has been said that Schiaparelli was rebellious in her ways, even from a young age and this slightly more flamboyant streak to her, mirrors itself in her colourful designs. Schiaparelli was born into an affluent family in Rome and when she left to go travelling during her younger years she met William de Wendt de Kerlor whom she married and had a daughter with. However, sadly, when her daughter was born William left her and Schiaparelli decided to return to Paris! However it was her misfortune within her personal life that gained her great fortune in her pursuit of a career in fashion as it fueled her drive and ambition to succeed. Schiaparelli was always original in her designs and brought about a great breath of fresh air to women’s fashion!

Another great woman of the 1920s to whom Elsa Schiaparelli was constantly being compared to was the infamous Coco Chanel. Heralded with the “invention” of the little black dress, Chanel is famous for her simple yet beautiful designs. Her entry into the fashion world began in her twenties when she met Etienne Balsan, who offered to help her set up a millenery business in Paris. From there, Chanel’s presence and influence within the fashion industry grew and grew and her simplistic, chic designs gained her great notoriety. What many loved was her ability to take elements of menswear design and give it a feminine twist.

Both these icons of fashion made a great name for themselves, however, it would seem that Coco Chanel’s name has become timeless, yet I don’t think that this is entirely fair, as I believer both these women’s names should stand the test of time as they were both remarkable and individual in their fashion careers. What do you guys think?
Words by Ellis O’Gorman
Pop chips at DSUK!
Posted by: | CommentsWe all know that its pretty difficult these days to find a quick healthy snack thats also full of flavour and taste! But DSUK is pleased to bring you one of our sponsors who does just that! As well as many other fabulous items in your Designer Sales, VIP goody bag, there will also be a bag of pop chips, to take with you and snack away healthily! Pop chips prides themselves on their absence of artificial ingredients and 0% saturated fat products! These light and healthy snacks are delicious and we know that you’ll enjoy them as a little refreshment snack form all the hard work you’ll be doing shopping at our sale at the Music Rooms, Mayfair on 27th & 28th April!

Words Ellis O’Gorman
Lavazza at DSUK
Posted by: | CommentsAll you coffee fans out there know, that there’s nothing quite like that morning cup of coffee to give you a little pick me up and really help get the day rolling! Not only is it important to have that great little kickstart to the day, but it’s always made so much better when the cup of coffee is great and tasty! That is why DSUK is pleased to bring you wonderful customers a lovely little sample of Lavazza’z delicious coffee in our goody bags at our next sale at The Music Rooms, Mayfair on the 27th & 28th April ! We absolutely love Lavazza here at DSUK and drink their coffee in the office all the time, and we think that you guys should too!

Words by Ellis O’Gorman
Spring style!
Posted by: | CommentsNow that the sun has finally come out to play and the days are slowly warming up, it’s about time that you stylish ladies out there update your Spring wardrobes with some of the hottest trends this season.. So think being whisked away to some tropical beach island surrounded by a sea bluer than the sky. Yep, ocean colours are one of the trends that are in this Spring and DSUK has some ideas for you on how to wear it!

We have this beautiful deep blue Moschino dress in stock for you fashion queens at our next sale at the Music Rooms, Mayfair on the 27th & 28th April. Its light and cool material would make it perfect for a day at the beach with your bikini underneath or would work well with a smart jacket and some heels for a cool summer’s evening out. However, either way you choose to wear the dress, this absolute gem from Moschino is a must have for your Spring/Summer wardrobes, the beautiful colour and embellished collar will be sure to make you look stunning this Spring!

DSUK will also be bringing you a lovely electric blue skirt from one of our all time favourites, Sophia Kokosalaki. Like the beautiful Moschino dress, this skirt is great for both hot days on the beach as a cover up, worn with a great pair of gladiator sandals or can be worn with a simple blouse and heels to dress the outfit up for a delightful summers evening out.
Words by Ellis O’Gorman
Sample sales in london March and April with great menswear
Posted by: | CommentsSample sales in London, yes, that’s what we do. Designer Sales UK hold over ten designer sample sales in London. We sell Womenswear, Menswear & Accessories.
Our forthcoming sample sale is at The Music Rooms, 26 South Molton Lane, Mayfair and will be featuring lots of new Womenswear labels and Menswear including Dirk Bikkemburg, Belstaff, True Religion, La coste, plus lots more. Our prices are between 60-90% off retail, so expect some really great deals.
Example is a Dirk Bikkemberg Red top on sale at £39 down from £299

Dirk Bikkemberg Mens top
Sample sales, designer sales, sample sales, stop press…….
Posted by: | CommentsSample sales, sample sales, designer sample sales, YES that’s us. Designer Sales UK hold ten sample sales a year in London and the South East bringing you the best deals London has to offer.
Whether its Vivienne Westwood, Martin Margiela, Viktor & Rolf, See by Chloe, we have it all with prices starting for Westwood at £39, Margiela at £40.
Its free to register so don’t delay, sign up at www.designersales.co.uk for invites and news updates about all the sales we hold.
Sample sales in london March
Posted by: | CommentsDesigner Sample sales in London, Yes, Designer Sales UK are back at The Music Rooms with another great sale planned Friday March 23rd.
Just one day only folks!! So get your wish list in tune as we have lots of new labels to excite the fashion forward crew. And for those of you who remember our famous Biba sales, yes its us! The first time we ventured over to Mayfair from our then home holding sample sales in Brick Lane - Queues going around the block almost twice. We certainly know how to hold a fabulous sale, twenty three years on and still lots of queues and the best bargains in London – thank you time out london!
Great bargains from Tarvydas evening wear with dresses at just £35 down from over £400!!
See you there!


Personal power list!
Posted by: | CommentsAfter the Telegraph’s recent release of the ’25 most powerful people in fashion’ which comprised of some very obvious and very big names! It goes without saying that the likes of Anna Wintour, Karl Lagerfeld, Marc Jacobs, Sarah Burton and Christopher Bailey and many more all got a much deserved mention in the telegraph’s piece! However, what I also enjoyed about the telegraph’s article was the mention of some less common household names such as photographers Marcus Piggott & Mert Atlas. Yet, what I enjoyed most about reading the telegraph’s list was that it made me have a good old think about who are the most ‘powerful’ and influential people to me in fashion; not necessarily through their dominance within the industry but their influence upon me and how I choose to style myself, I guess you could call them my “fashion muses”.
As a true lover of vintage style, in particular a big fan of the 1920s era, its going to be pretty obvious that one of my first choice of ‘fashion muses’ is the timeless Coco Chanel. Despite the fact that I myself can not afford the beautiful creations from one of the world’s most loved fashion labels, the elegant simplicity of the labels designs over the years has still influenced many of my wardrobes additions. For those days when Im feeling the chic and feminine influence of Chanel I often opt for loose fitting, soft materials with simple jewellery and the classic red lipstick.

However, to take my love of retro looks down an alternative route that of Chanel’s, another fashion icon of mine is the gorgeous Edie Sedgwick. On those days when Im feeling like pushing the boundaries a little with make-up and hair, I turn to the fabulous Edie Sedgwick for a little bit of inspiration.

Another favourite label of mine is that of designer duo Viktor & Rolf, not only is it my love for their clothing but for their perfume (which i buy the bucket load at any duty free opportunity) and their stunning catwalk shows also. Now it may seem hard to see how their perfume can inspire my fashion sense, but I often find that when I know Im wearing a beautiful scent, I will make sure that my outfits are equally as beautiful! But aside from their very lovely perfume, that I would recommend ladies as it has seen me many compliments on a night out, I really love their clothes and designs. Its their ability to achieve both softness and edginess at the same that I really enjoy about Viktor & Rolf’s work. Im a big fan of using soft materials and more muted colours in the way I dress, but its the fact that they also add a little edge to some of their pieces, that often inspires to make a little something more of my outfits when I can.

Now, however much I’d like to continue my ramblings on my muses of fashion, I fear that I could go on forever and that this post would never end, so I think I’ll just leave it here. Yet I hope that you guys have given thought to those that have influenced your best and maybe sometimes worst outfits! Let us know on twitter!
Words by Ellis O’Gorman
A wonderful weekend!
Posted by: | CommentsAfter such a fantastic weekend in Chelsea over the 2nd-4th March, at DSUK we felt inspired to mention a little about how wonderful our customers are and how much we enjoy holding our sales at the Chelsea Old Town Hall. What was delightful to both see and hear over the busy three days was some familiar faces from back in the days of Brick Lane who simply adored our new venue space at The Chelsea Old Town Hall. After initially being greeted with queries about the change of venue, it soon became clear to our long time loyal customers as they took a look around the exquisite surroundings of the Chelsea Old Town Hall as to why we had made the move. Although Brick Lane holds fond memories for us here at DSUK, we can’t help but pleased with our new venue! The high ceilings, warm colours and elegantly designed fixtures and features make The Chelsea Old Town Hall perfect for bringing gorgeous items at bargain prices to all you fashionistas out there!

The main hall
Words by Ellis O’Gorman
Image: from the chelsea old town hall website http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/venueschelsea/mainhall/main_hall_02.asp


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