Paloma Elsesser’s Closet Sale Was an Exercise in Luxury for All

Here’s the thing about New York City closet sales: I usually don’t even bother.

It’s not that I don’t love a deal or the thrill of finding the perfect pre-loved designer piece to add to my closet, but rather that the environment—the vibes, if you will—surrounding closet sales can often verge on insufferable. Waiting in a line that extends for blocks and elbowing strangers for access to cardboard boxes of samples—usually properly stocked only for smaller sizes—isn’t how I normally want to spend my weekend.

However, when supermodel Paloma Elsesser announced a few weeks ago that she’d be hosting a closet sale—aptly titled “For the Girls”—along with fellow fashion-industry friends including Harper’s Bazaar executive digital director Lynette Nylander, stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Ssense’s Steff Yotka, and HommeGirls’ Ariella Starkman, the public was quick to note that this announcement felt different. Editors and fashion fans alike took to the comments to express their excitement over the upcoming sale, curated specifically with mid- to plus-size bodies in mind:

“Oh I just screamed.”

“Pitching a tent the night before.”

“Lemme book a flight.”

“Oh, this is important.”

And to be clear, a shopping event of this nature is important. While mid- to plus-size shoppers represent a majority of women across the country (the average American woman is a size 16–18, even though the rise of Ozempic in coastal cities seems to have warped that reality), brands and department stores love to turn a blind eye to that fact. Too often, larger sizes on e-commerce sites are the least well-stocked, and shopping IRL at any luxury store generally isn’t any better. Being a curvy girl who loves fashion means getting used to slim pickings. What made For the Girls such a special experience was that it was the polar opposite of the average shopping experience for a curve consumer. All the people standing in the line outside indie boutique Plus Plus in SoHo (which wrapped around the corner) knew they could find something meant for their bodies. For once, curvy and plus-size women would be met where they were, not just halfway.

The For the Girls crew knew that anyone in line outside needed to find an experience worth waiting for inside. As soon as shoppers stepped into the space, Elsesser greeted them with a smile, a hug, and a “Thank you for being here!” while nostalgic bops like George Michael’s “Freedom! ’90” blared over the speakers. While you can’t have an NYC closet sale without a bit of chaos—Gabriella Karefa-Johnson could be found at any given moment strutting through the space ecstatically shouting, “This is such a vibe!”—every element of the event was carefully curated. Racks were organized by style and specific designers and shoes; and accessories like Chanel flats, Telfar mini totes, Balenciaga clutches, and so many sunglasses were thoughtfully arranged around complimentary offerings of Toms Juice and Liquid Death water.

I ended up leaving with a patterned bubble skirt and matching sleeveless top from 2022’s Uniqlo × Marni collection, along with a vintage bubblegum-pink bootleg Yankees cap. (To whoever walked away with any of the dresses from Elsesser’s vintage Jean Paul Gaultier rack: Know you’re living the dream that my rent-paying reality just didn’t allow.) Friends and peers I ran into while shopping scooped up early goodies like Chopova Lowena miniskirts, Simone Rocha trenches, and limited-edition Theophilio collabs, all of us sharing peeks at the pieces we guarded in our arms in between rummaging through racks and trying outfits on. Shoppers who patiently waited out in the heat throughout the day were treated to Williamsburg Pizza and popsicles, too—a sincere demonstration of customer service for everyone who baked in the sun to experience the sale. (Each seller also donated proceeds from their sold pieces to an individual charity or organization of their choice.)

Above all else, the For the Girls sale showcased that plus-size shoppers show up and show out—and are ready to spend if you let us. We’ll open our wallets for fabulous frocks just like anyone else—but you have to acknowledge we exist in the first place. Even if it was only for one Sunday, for once participating in the pomp and circumstance of fashion felt less stuffy and more supportive. Exclusivity was out the door. This was luxury for all—and proof that the industry can truly be inclusive if it wants to be.

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