057: Armageddon (1998)

The SSENSE sale is ending, so here's what 12 fashion-calibrated people did about it.

Sep 06, 2022

I wondered whether comparing fashion week looming to COVID and sale season ending to monkeypox in a parable about how this week is turning the industry into end-times preppers was in poor taste, and then I remembered Barragán is throwing a, uhhhh, 9/11-themed show on 9/11 this season.

There’s urgency in the air. And even if it isn’t your fashion-art-hell swell-spell, shifting meteorological conditions are mounting atmospheric pressure. Maybe it’s fall, maybe it’s the Armageddon of our carefree summer selves, but something big is coming, and we’re all desperately getting ready.

We’re not storming Walmart, obviously (Costco, maybe), but SSENSE for sure. And I’ve turned to a dozen amateur doomsday survivors, who it should be said are highly unlikely to consider…shopping…in such terms, to tell me what they got.

Sale officially ends September 8, 11:59 PM EDT. God speed.

Tyler Bainbridge, @tubbytyinthetub

“I, like the great artists of our time, often have a very specific vision in my mind but have trouble actualizing it. These jeans from Our Legacy were the ones trapped in my head. There are some lovely white highlights mixed in with the brown that give them a unique look. They’re also the perfect straight fit. I want all my pants to fit like this.

These Clog Loafers from Rombaut are admittedly out of character for me. I’ve kinda been on a ‘regular shoe’ wave and avoiding anything that doesn’t feel relatively timeless. That means I’ve mostly been rocking Converse 70s, Sambas, Mono Oxford Doc Martens, etc., but something about these intrigued me. I like how they almost look like combat boots when styled with a baggier fit pant.”

Andie Tham, @andie_tham

“I usually try and buy fabrics that are super durable like linen and cotton that I can really thrash and amend if I get liquids, paint, or other materials on. Also in sales for non-returnable, I try and only buy labels that I already own and know my size and fit. Here are the things I got this past month from SSENSE sale:

Simone Rocha White Cropped Puff T-Shirt: This also comes in black.
Jacquemus Off-White 'La Robe Limao' Mini Dress: I bought the pink version not on sale at the start of the season but love it so got the white in the sale.
Marni Black Raffia Sandals: I had to replace my other Marni sandals that I have been wearing in the studio and on set. I like Marni shoes because they are so well-made and can be worn for day errands and then to a dinner.”

Miranda Levitt, @mirandalevitt

“I bought this skirt after finding this brand and wanting to sign them to our showroom. It’s always easier to sell a brand when I actually want to own their pieces. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, it is very scandalous to wear in public. Maybe it’ll be better for the fall with a long sweater…

I got these Julia Heuer pieces thinking it would be a fun set to wear on vacations—the bike shorts are great and so fun, but the shirt looks like a clown shirt and I immediately returned it. Womp womp.

It was a hot skirt summer for me. Pleats Please is so easy to wear and it never gets old. I had a boyfriend recently who said it was played out, and I had to break up with him—sorry, but we do not speak ill of the late, great Issey in this household. This hot pink midi skirt traveled twice with me to Europe this summer. I was shocked it went on sale, and of course now it’s sold out.”

Justin Moran, @justinmoran

“I’m generally a minimalist, sometimes to an extreme, with my personal style. Especially pre-NYFW and with the greater Fashion Month marathon, I’ve learned that it’s important and most realistic to cultivate simple pieces to be mixed together, repeated in many different ways, and worn in almost any context, because you really don’t know where you’ll end up on any given day. Also: Black is always easiest, very Kelly Cutrone If You Have to Cry, Go Outside, and nobody can tell how expensive or Uniqlo goth your outfit is.

I have a few vintage ringers, so figured this was a solid addition to my growing collection. Love an SSENSE exclusive, too.

I’m very into the ‘70s nostalgic, hyper-queer attitude of Alled-Martinez. This is my first from the brand, but I anticipate purchasing a lot more.

I think the Asics resurgence has become a meme at this point, but I’m still a fan. I’ll wear these with either a pleated trouser or short athletic shorts, depending on the occasion (and how many steps it will take to get there).”

Lane Florsheim, @laneflorsheim

“I was craving a non-boring top that pairs easily with jeans and ended up with this mesh long sleeve from Dries.

Also on the lookout for bras—I bought a Skims bralette last fall that doesn't show under anything and then wore it to death (this one)—I got three from Kye Intimates (this in both black and off-white and this), as well as a pair of underwear.

Lastly, I ordered a colorful mesh dress from Ottolinger that I can no longer track down on the Ssense website and that I returned, realizing I wanted a long dress that felt more ‘everyday.’ Pardon the messy room.

P.S. I didn't realize how strong the mesh theme was here before typing this out... 6/6.”

Claire Kimock, @clairekimock

“I bought this Isa Boulder dress after a breakup when I went through a phase where I really, really wanted to learn archery. The attached armguards remind me of those an archer might wear.

And this Rosetta Getty dress. I bought it because I thought it might make my boobs look good.”

Vivian Li, @vivian.yrl

“I didn’t realize until after I purchased everything that I’ve been craving the colors yellow and brown. First, I got a skirt from Oriens, which is a brand I’ve been following since their Depop days. I’ve always wanted something by her since we share such a similar history of being Chinese-Canadians in New York.

I also got a yellow Isa Boulder top, which will come as no surprise to friends since I’ve been collecting pieces from them for years. Lastly, I chose a KNWLS camisole for cool layering (and almost got the matching bike shorts, but ditched them last minute since summer is winding down).”

Mindy Miao, @heyitsmindyy

“I bought this Gimaguas top and this MM6 hoodie. I like this one a lot cause the shape is great. And also pairs of Gimaguas shorts and long pants, and a Danielle Guizio crop. I also got this TheOpen Product t-shirt.”

Katie Rudik, @rudikk

“I have over 100 pairs of jeans, so it’s actually sick that I bought two more but…but but…nice! clean! cool! sale!

There’s a street style photo of Lucy Chadwick that lives rent free in my head. I’ve successfully reinterpreted near all of it, and these MM6 sandals were the final touch.

I recently resold a lockdown purchase of a striped Ganni set and this thicker railroad and parachute shape was much more my vibe. Shout out Scandinavia.

I honestly think I got a targeted ad for this brand….it worked! Really wanted their sunglasses too but practiced restraint.”

Spencer Malinski, @spencermalinski

“Okay so this is what I snagged this time around. It's my favorite time to stock up on bras/underwear/lingerie so I ordered this little number from Fleur du Mal (it was giving me Monica Bellucci energy) and a couple sets from Kye Intimates (super comfy).

I went back for a little comb through last night and ordered this blouse from Saks Potts, which I have had my eye on (love the print), and this little printed mini for layering from KNWLS. Guess I was in a printy mood last night.

On my wishlist is this Kwaidan Editions dress, Margiela trousers, and this Meryll Rogge bra. If I'm feeling naughty maybe I'll circle back ;)”

Alexandra Paul Zotov, @zotov

“This haul is a lil’ different because i’m just about to have a baby! I snagged some options for her going home outfit: I’m torn between this Mini Rodini sun & moon dress that I weirdly purchased the matching pants for on a different occasion, or this onesie from Petite Bateau that’s giving Matisse.

For post-partum stuff that still feels like me, I picked up these Salomon x Comme sneakers, splurged on a few bras from Araks in multiple sizes to accommodate my ever-expanding bosom, and a new active set from Eterne to inspire me to continue to going to the gym. To end my rampage, I got the Visio checkered mohair blanket to drape all over.

Louisiana Mei Gelpi, @anameizing

“I got these Lemaire flats at the beginning of the SSENSE sale back in May as a birthday present (thanks Mom!). I was in between these and another pair of Lemaire flats but I just wanted something that felt classic yet cool. Ballet flats are a little *too* flat for me so these are a nice option. I’ve been browsing the sale here and there the past few months it gas been on and almost got the Croissant Bag in the sale but stopped myself and instead got a Viso Project mohair blanket last week :-)”