Versace safety-pin dress on consignment at LAB
Remember that iconic Versace oversized safety-pin dress that Elizabeth Hurley wore to the London premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994? Hurley was supposed to be the film’s star Hugh Grant’s arm candy but she totally eclipsed him and put her own career on the map.
That dress is making a guest appearance at LAB Studio designer clothing consignment shop. I’d visited LAB’s previous incarnation as a vintage emporium at Ossington and Queen (LAB refers to the initials of owner Lauren Baker), but was unfamiliar with her next outpost on Avenue Rd. and Wilson. After having a baby 14 months ago, she decided to downsize and open a midtown studio.
She’s done with vintage polyester. LAB is the go-to for label lovers: everything from Alaia to YSL but in a stress-free environment. I pore through assorted racks and unearth a Missoni here; a Dolce & Gabbana there.
I spy a Celine perforated leather dress; a sleeveless floral Jil Sander frock; an edgy Ann Demeulemeester number with tags still on; and a beautiful Marc Jacobs cardie with seashells around the neck that cost $995 at Bergdorf’s but $299 at LAB. Everybody has a Burberry trench. Who else has a Burberry kilt?
A client brought in 56 pieces ranging from 1994 to 2007, the source of the Versace dress.
“Another woman texted me that she was consigning a piece she bought two days ago,” Baker says. “She bought it online and it didn’t fit. It was final sale — bad for her but good for me.”
There are purses galore: Fendi, Chloe, Prada, Chanel. Lauren even has a designated Louis Vuitton corner which includes a blue train case, wallets and the coveted bags — much of them brand new. A classic “lumineuse emprente” bag is priced at $2,429, down from $3,100 retail. A mini “looping bag” is on sale for $299 from $760.
A glass case contains sunglasses, undies and Spanx. The fireplace mantelpiece serves as jewelry counter for goodies like a Gaultier charm bracelet and Marni necklace.
And shoes, glorious shoes! From Sam Edelman to Balmain. Lauren has the de rigueur vertiginous stilettos including a pair of crazy platform Louboutins that only Daphne Guinness and Lady Gaga could pull off. More manoeuvrable footwear includes Max Mara riding boots, Brian Atwood rock chick boots with gold studs at the back and Dior lace-ups.
Clothing sizing ranges from zero to 14. Larger sizes don’t generally consign, she says. It’s probably because high-end designers don’t cut more generous sizing. But that is changing with designers like Michelle Obama fave Isabel Toledo now targeting the plus-sized market.
There are dizzying pass-the-smellingsalt prices like $3,600 for a new burn-out velvet Tom Ford dress (originally $12,000) but I manage to cash out with two pieces totalling $300. And I still lust after the insane Versace silk shirt ($300) with theatrical lettering on the back touting “Opera, Baletto, Teatro and Cinema.” Clearly fashion is having a Versace moment.
For appointment, call 647-345-4030 or go online at styleme@labconsignment.com Or shop online at www.labconsignment.com. ritazekas@rogers.com