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Neiman Marcus Creates Virtual Fashion Week

Filed under: Apparel

NeimanMarcus.com has announced a virtual fashion week to highlight the spring 2011 collections. Starting January 10th and running through January 13th, videos of the Spring 2011 designer runway shows will be showcased daily from 11 AM CST to 8:00 PM CST. The show looks available for sale will be shown on the site in each designer's boutique. During the airing of the runway show, the looks available for sale will be available for viewing at the same time. Neiman Marcus Fashion Director Ken Downing will call out highlights of the day's fashion line-up while Roopal Patel, Senior Market Editor, Fashion Accessories, will draw attention shoes and handbags that were seen on the runways or were inspired by what was seen on the runway.

"Runway videos capture all the exuberance and excitement of the catwalk, " said Ken Downing. "From her own virtual front row seat, our customer will be able to shop the hottest trends of the season, in the season."

Each of the runway videos will be archived on the neimanmarcus.com website through January 21st. The full schedule is after the jump.

What's Happening In The Luxury Market? The Latest Research Provides Contradictory Clues

Filed under: Wealth, Luxury Shopping

I have written before on luxury trends derived from American Affluence Center's substantive research. Twice a year, this group publishes a detailed summary of the state of the luxury bandwidth. I discussed the Spring 2010's results, and below are those of Fall 2010. Not dismal, but still, fiscal security and happiness seem like distant visions. Here are a few highlights of the Fall 2010 Affluent Market Tracking Study, #18, as well as some controversial results from Unity Marketing, and Bain & Co. These results and trends are diverse, arguable, and contradictory, pretty much mirroring the state of our economy right now.

The American Affluence Center's report is based on the responses from 439 men and women who promptly responded to their survey and meet the minimum net worth requirement of $800,000. Their households have an average annual income of $290,000, an average net worth of $3.1 million, average investable assets of $1.7 million, and an average primary residence value of $1.1 million. The underlining below is mine, which may define an important future trend.

• The index for future business conditions is 22 points below the prior Spring survey index and 30 points below the Fall 2009 survey. Given the low rating of current business conditions, this future index is relatively negative, as it reflects an expectation of limited improvement from a poor starting point.

• The index for change in the stock market is 14 points below the prior Spring survey index and 33 points below the Fall 2009 survey. The current index reflects a 3 point decline in the "higher" rating and a 12 point increase in the "lower" rating. The "same" rating was 8 points lower. These ratings seem to suggest an expectation that the market will be largely unchanged 12 months out.

Neiman Marcus Creates Holiday Social Shopping Contest

Filed under: Luxury Shopping


Neiman Marcus is hoping you'll use social shopping this season to make your wish lists known. The luxury department store has created the Presents Perfect Challenge that has participants create wish lists for a chance to win a $2,500 Neiman Marcus gift card. The contest was developed in partnership with social media marketing firm Brickfish. Lists can also be shared via Facebook and Twitter.

The "Presents Perfect Challenge - Round 1" asks consumers to create online gift guides from a selected collection of Neiman Marcus fashions and accessories. Entrants must select at least ten items from the following: handbags, woman's shoes, jewelry, beauty, home, woman's apparel, men's apparel, gadgets, gifts, men's shoes, men's furnishings, intimate, children's and accessories. From all of the entries submitted and the items selected, each week the program will populate the most popular gift items and display the Top Ten. A total of 40 finalists will be selected from Round 1 to move onto Round 2 for the chance to win a $2,500 gift card. Round 2 will begin on or around December 6th, 2010 and ends on or around December 27th, 2010. Five finalists will be selected from each of the eight gift recipient categories. The second round will shorten the list to three prize winners. One winner receives a $2,500 Neiman Marcus gift card, a first runner-up earns a $1,000 dollar card and the second runner-up gets a $500 card.

[via Luxury Daily]

Neiman Marcus Sells All 100 Camaro Convertibles in 3 Minutes

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Luxury Shopping



Every year the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book comes out, chock full of enticing buys. And the selection invariably includes a special edition, created specifically for the catalog, of the latest wheeled toys. Last year it was a Jaguar XJ. Before that came the BMW 7 Series, preceded by a Hennessey Viper, a Lexus IS-F and a BMW M6 convertible.

This year the purveyors of the bespoke gifts went with something decidedly more mainstream: the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible, and infused it with special touches and exclusivity to make for their $75,000 special edition. Only 100 examples were on offer, and after just three minutes on the market, they've all been spoken for already.

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Fantasy Gifts 2010

Filed under: Luxury Shopping


It's here! Neiman Marcus has unveiled the fantasy offerings in its always eagerly anticipated Christmas Book. This year's offerings include a Tequila Avion private party by Colin Cowie, a Dale Chihuly pool installation, a gourd ukulele handmade by Danny Ferrington, and a limited edition Leica M9 camera. This year's featured car is the 2011 Neiman Marcus Edition Camaro Convertible. The Christmas book began in 1926 as a 16-page booklet initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers.

The 2010 Christmas Book marks the 50th anniversary of the legendary His and Hers fantasy gifts. To celebrate Neiman Marcus is selling a one-of-a-kind precious jewelry charm bracelet as one of this year's fantasy gifts. Each charm represents a memorable His and Hers gift from years past, including an airplane, a Chinese Junk, a hot air balloon, a camel, a sarcophagus, a Buffalo calf, a windmill, an ostrich, a Shar-Pei puppy, a robot, and a vintage motorcycle. Stanley Marcus debuted the His and Hers gift in 1960 with matching Beechcraft airplanes that cost $176,000. This years His and Hers gift is the MetroShip Houseboat costing $250,000.

This year is the first time customers may access the Christmas Book on Apple's iPad via the "NM Editions" app. When in Wi-Fi hot spots, customers can place orders directly from the iPad viewer. More details in the gallery below and in the video after the jump.



Check out previous years here:
2009--highlights included an ICON A5 sport aircraft with custom trailer and sport pilot license training for two for $150,000, an Algonquin Round Table Experience with Christopher Buckley, Roz Chast, Nora Ephron, Malcolm Gladwell, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Adam Gopnik, John Lithgow, Anna Deavere Smith and George Stephanopoulos for $200,000 and the HALL Artisan Wine and Art Experience for $20,000.
2008--highlights included the entire end zone for you and your friends at a Dallas Cowboy's game, including tailgate party with the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders for $500,000, his-and-hers life-sized Lego sculptures by artist Nathan Sawaya for $60,000 each, your own stable of a dozen or so thoroughbreds, trained and managed by Three Chimneys Farm for $10 million and a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course in your backyard for $1 million.
2007--highlights included a dragon topiary for $35,000, his and hers portraits done in chocolate syrup by artist Vik Muniz for $110,000, a classical music concert by the Kirov Orchestra for you and 499 friends and a two-person Neiman Marcus edition Gem Triton submarine.
2006--highlights included tickets on a Virgin Galactic charter to space, a seven-foot tall pencil skyscraper for $40,000, your own $100,000 backyard waterpark and the house of Jacques Fath Couture Archives for $3.5 million.
2005--highlights included a Moller Skycar for $3.5 million, your own classic photobooth for $20,000, a steam-style 2-6-2 locomotive, a $1.2 million jewel collection and a performance by Elton John for $1.5 million.

Beauty By Clinica Ivo Pitanguy Expands Line, Gets New Look

Filed under: Cosmetics and Fragrance



For over forty years, Brazil's Dr. Ivo Pitanguy has been responsible for movie stars, royalty and politicians' new looks. Now his expanded skin care line get a face-lift of its own, just in time for New York's Fashion's Night Out.

Developed by Pitanguy at his Rio clinic and produced in Switzerland, Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy comprises a line of serums, creams and treatments meant to replicate the procedures performed at his South American headquarters. Products like the moisture imparting PreVious Rebalancing Formula and cleansing Dermomask employ natural extracts, were tested under rigid dermatologic and ophthalmologic controls, and contain no coloring or artificial scents. Starting this Friday, during the second Fashion's Night Out event, Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy will launch a new "Specifics" line, beginning with their Ultimate Eye Cream. Available exclusively at Bergdorf Goodman (and later at select Neiman Marcus stores), the cream boasts an innovative ceramide-peptide combination and white lupine extract to ameliorate the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. As for the packaging, the Specifics line will be differentiated by its luxury inspired gold wrapping.

If you can't make it to Rio, or Pitanguy's private island, the new line will provide all of the good doctor's fabled benefits along with his most cherished product: discretion.

Dallas Chef To Sell Lobster Shooters In Neiman Marcus Christmas Book

Filed under: Dining

kent rathbunA Dallas restaurateur and chef is the latest celebrity chef with a retail line and he's getting a nice boost from Neiman Marcus. The Dallas Morning News reports that chef Kent Rathbun's lobster shooter kit will be sold in the 2010 Neiman Marcus Christmas catalog. Rathbun's empire spans Texas with the popular Abacus restaurant, Rathbun's Blue Plate Kitchen, and four Jasper's locations in Austin, The Woodland, Plano and San Antonio.

The kit is a version of Rathbun's restaurant Abacus' signature dish and comes with 16 shooters, four sake cups and a pitcher and a bottle of Ken Rathbun Elements (KRE) Red Curry Coconut sauce. Rathbun is getting two full pages in the Christmas book to sell wares from his Elements line and other foodie treats. The KRE sauces and salts are currently sold on Rathbun's website. Other sauces include a roast shallot and black pepper vinaigrette and a Texas peach barbecue sauce. Rathbun is also selling Falksalt, a Swedish-made shaved salt that comes in flavors like citron, rosemary and red chili.

The Fashion Statement: Designers E-tail It

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



Luxury fashion designers, who've long shunned e-commerce, are caving in.

Last week, The New York Times reported that Marc Jacobs (fall show pictured above), Jimmy Choo, Hugo Boss, St. John, Theory, Kiehls, Lilly Pulitzer, Donna Karan and La Perla are finally going to do on the Web what they do in the real world: sell stuff!

To a person in any other industry, I can imagine how crazy this must sound. Companies in the business of selling stuff have not caught on to selling stuff on the Web, a medium that has been around for several decades!

"'The classic luxury brand Web site is basically a Flash site with lots of beautiful imagery, but no one ever goes to it,'" Aaron Shapiro, a partner at the Web design firm Huge, told the NYT.

There are department stores like Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Bergdorf Goodman to consider. What happens to their online sites, not to mention brick and mortar stores, if you can go straight to Balenciaga.com and order those Formica and plywood platform loafers thereby cutting out the middleman?

Creed Debuts New Fragrance With Its Own Polo Team

Filed under: Sports, Men's Style


Creed of Paris, supplier of bespoke fragrances to royalty and aristocracy since 1760, has named a polo team after its newest scent for men. Called Aventus and inspired by Napoleon, the luxurious cologne was created by hand from ingredients sourced from important locations in the great emperor's life. The classic Creed "flask" design of the black leather-wrapped bottle also dates to the Napoleonic era. The newest addition to Creed's prestigious Permanent Collection, Aventus will debut this fall at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and the Creed boutique in New York City.

The newly-minted Creed Aventus polo team meanwhile will play at high-profile matches this summer in England and France. Aventus contains blackcurrant from Corsica, where Napoleon was born; bergamot from Italy, site of victories that made him famous; Calville Blanc apples from France, where he rose to be emperor; Napoleon Roses, named in his honor; Louisana birch, the wood of his throne; Jasmine from Egypt, where his empire reached; and oak moss from Spain, which he conquered, among other ingredients. Part of the proceeds from U.S. sales benefits American Rivers, protecting U.S. waterways from harm.

[via JustLuxe]

TOMS Shoes Upgraded for Neiman Marcus

Filed under: Shoes, Men's Style

TOMS gets swankier for a good cause
You may have heard of TOMS Shoes' good work: they've been supplying one pair of shoes to children in need for every pair that's purchased. Now, they've upgraded their style (and the price) for the posher socially-minded shoe shopper at Neiman Marcus.

The capsule collection comes in a number of styles for men and women, including the four attractive and comfortable incarnations above, for $78 - $85. We especially like the creative linings and the warm, calming beige shade. If you were thinking of getting your father slippers for Father's Day, definitely go with these (and help a kid!).

These shoes can easily be worn as house/garage slippers, or you can pair them with jeans for casual affairs. Either way, that classy TOMS label tells the world you care.

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Accessories

Filed under: Handbags, Jewelry, Timepieces / Watches

Best Jewelry Line
Each of the Readers' Choice nominees for Best Jewelry Line is a leader in the industry. One is not only known for its signature jewelry, but also for the blue box that it comes in. Another is known for its handcrafted pieces, but it is also known for its many innovations. Another nominee is a newer designer on the scene who is inspired by Florentine jewelry-making, but also astronomy, celestial, mythological and astrological influences. Another nominee is synonymous with glamour and fame and has ties to some of the world's most famous jewels. Finally, there's a nominee known for the panache of its founder, as well as its vast collection of the world's finest diamonds.
Graff Diamonds
Harry Winston
Temple St. Clair
Tiffany & Co.
Van Cleef & Arpels

Best Watch Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Watch Line nominees include a perennially favored brand among the watch-loving elite that is known for making the most complex wrist watch in the world. Another nominee is known for its functionally-themed luxury sport watches. The third nominee, while an historic brand with almost 200 years of heritage, is known for being a forward focused luxury watch maker of the future. A fourth nominee is perhaps the best-known luxury watch brand in the world, with a stellar reputation to match. Lastly, there's a watchmaker that epitomizes Swiss haute horology with its modern classics and technical innovation.
Audemars Piguet
IWC
Jaeger-LeCoultre
Patek Philippe
Rolex

Best Leathergoods Line
The Readers' Choice for the Best Leathergoods Line for a Luxist Award include award-winning brands from France, Italy and London. One started out making equestrian equipment in 1837, and still makes its goods by hand; some of its handbags are so coveted, there's a two-year long wait list to buy one. Another was started in London by a former fashion editor who partnered with a couture shoe maker to create a company now synonymous with the "red carpet". The third nominee is known for its clean lines and simple classic color palettes while the fourth is a global force of tradition and innovation. And finally, the last nominee epitomizes luxury with its delectable designer bags and vaunted luggage--some of which command five figure prices.
Bottega Veneta
Gucci
Hermes
Jimmy Choo
Louis Vuitton

Best Department Store/Boutique
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best Department Store/Boutique include one based in London that has no fewer than 330 different departments, a staff of 5,000 from 50 different countries and is visited by as many as 300,000 people on a single day. Another, with roots in Texas, is known for its superior customer service, in addition to its luxury merchandise, including some of the world's most extravagant items. One New York-based store has a shoe department that is so large, it was given its own zip code. Another Manhattan-based store specializes in hard-to-find international designers, many of which it will help launch into fame. Lastly, there's an upstart from London that is so cutting-edge and up-to-date, it launches 300 new styles on a weekly basis.
Barneys New York
Harrods
Neiman Marcus
Saks Fifth Avenue
Top Shop

Best Clothing Designer
Readers' Choice nominees for Best Clothing Designer are award-winning fashion designers from Italy, England, France and the United States. One was started by a wunderkind who was named chief designer of one of the most respected fashion houses when he was still in his 20's. Another has been one of the leading names in fashion for nearly 100 years. A third nominee, known for its timeless style, has outfitted First Ladies on both sides of the aisle for decades while the fourth is famed for its understated elegance. The final nominee is synonymous with high fashion though its roots are in luggage and leather goods.
Alexander McQueen
Chanel
Gucci
Oscar de la Renta
Prada

Neiman Marcus: Premier Luxury and Superior Customer Service

Filed under: Apparel, Handbags, Jewelry, Shoes


Neiman Marcus
is a nominee for the Readers' Choice Award for Best Department Store. The Dallas, Texas-based luxury retailer was founded in 1907 by Herbert Marcus, Sr., his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman and her husband A.L. Neiman. Since then, the company has become known for its merchandise leadership and superior customer service. Its upscale assortment of apparel, accessories, jewelry, beauty and decorative home products cater to the affluent customer.

The company is credited with many firsts. In 1926, the company premiered the first weekly retail fashion show in the U.S. It began offering menswear in 1928, featuring items like French-made ties and English shirtings--items rarely found west of New York City. In 1934 the company started running national advertisements in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar magazines--the first retail establishment outside New York City to do so. In 1984, the company established InCircle, the industry's first customer-loyalty program.

In 1939, the company launched its annual Christmas Book tradition with a wonderland of fur coats, fashion accessories, perfumes, toys and more. The book has since become famous for extravagent, over-the-top luxury items, such as a $25,000 customized and motorized cupcake car and a Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus edition sedan for $105,000, both offered in the 2009 book. The Christmas Book's "His and Hers" gift, which is an annual tradition, currently features a pair of ICON A5 Sports Aircrafts and pilot training for two for the princely sum of $250,000.

Now more than a century old, the company has 41 stores and a total of more than six million gross square feet around the country, from California to Massachusetts. In 1999, Neiman Marcus launched its website, neimanmarcus.com, making it possible for customers around the world to easily access its large selection of designer and luxury brands via the Internet. The Neiman Marcus Group is the parent company of two other esteemed companies: Bergdorf Goodman, the luxury department store based in New York and The Horchow Collection, a luxury mail-order catalog.

Cast your vote for the Readers' Choice Awards at http://www.luxist.com/awards-vote/accessories-awards.

The Fashion Statement: What Do You Do, Roopal Patel?

Filed under: The Fashion Statement



As Fashion Editor at Neiman Marcus, Roopal Patel has one of the coolest jobs on the planet. I asked the fashion insider about the biggest fashion mistake people make and what she thinks are the hottest upcoming trends.

Q. What does a fashion editor for a major departments store do?

A. I scout up and coming talent and designers for the store, provide trend direction for the season and help translate that vision into our merchandise assortments with our buyers. It is important for the store to have one consistent message.

Q. What are the most popular trends for resort and spring 2010?

A. Not to give away the highly-coveted list that Senior VP/Fashion Director Ken Downing issues at the beginning of every season but ...blue is the color for both resort and spring. Neiman Marcus is embracing all shades of blue for every category. Tribal fusion was on every runway this season. Look to Givenchy for some of the must-have tribal print wedges and platforms of the season. The nude shoe is the new neutral of the season. The Fendi platform sandal [pictured above] is a must on our list.

Q. What is the most unusual fashion item you've seen in your career?

A. I am always amazed at how high the heel heights are at runway shows and how they get higher with every season. The models make it look so easy. The shoes at Alexander McQueen spring 2010 were over the top!

Q. Has Neiman Marcus changed in response to the economic climate? If so, how?

A. For the holidays, we have our "Little Gems" shop that features presents and gifts for under $100. There are also great [inexpensive] items in many of our designer collections. I found a silver stud pyramid ring from Stephen Webster for $275 and a great David Yurman silver infinity ring at $275.

Q. What is your favorite item in The Christmas Book?

A. I cannot help but to smile when I see the customized cupcake car. It's so original and unique. I also cannot wait to get my hands on the sequined leggings from La Rok and the John Hardy cuff bracelet for evening holiday sparkle.

Q. What is the one thing that makes a look?

A. The right accessory. The perfect handbag or shoes can change your look in seconds.

Q. What is the one common fashion mistake people make?

A. The only mistake one can make is not having fun with your wardrobe. Enjoy and translate the trends that work best for you.

Outrageous Neiman Marcus Black Friday Sale, 9-Noon

Filed under: Holiday Guides

Lamina Small Footed BowlIf there's a Neiman Marcus in your town, get up bright and early on Friday, November 27 -- all Neiman Marcus stores nationwide are participating in an amazing deal: If you spend $100 or more, you'll get a $50 gift certificate. That's essentially a 50% off deal, if you happen to be spending right around $100.

This is only taking place for three hours: 9:00 am to noon on Friday, November 27. The news was just released today, so there's a good chance that not many people have heard about it.

A couple $100 items: Electronic Wine Chiller, Food Steamer , and the "Clef du Vin" Wine Aging Tester (I didn't even know that existed). The Lamina Small Footed Bowl above is $125. The deal is only in stores and only while supplies last (so if they're out of the item you want, unfortunately, you won't get the deal).

Also, the gift certificate must be used by December 6 -- but for the savvy holiday shopper, that should be no problem. Some exclusions may apply, so see a sales associate for details.

Neiman Marcus Sells 50 Jaguars in Four Hours

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos



If you were anxious to get your hands on the new 2010 Jaguar XJ, you're going to have to wait until next year. But a lucky 50 customers with cash in hand managed to get a hold of the new luxury sedan earlier than the rest of us, thanks to Neiman Marcus.

For the third time in the history of the two companies, a Jaguar was selected as the luxury automobile of choice for this year's Christmas Book, following the XKE coupe that appeared in 1968 and the XK8 convertible in 1997. And like the BMW 7 Series which the premium department store offered last year, the XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus edition hit the market several months before the car's official availability.

With a special Celestial Black paint job, unique fitted luggage set, individually-numbered plaque and a $105,000 sticker price, the NM edition XJ sold out in four hours and four minutes of its availability, sight unseen.

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