NeimanMarcus

Fall Beauty Buy: Marchesa for Le Metier de Beaute

Filed under: Celebrity Shopping, Cosmetics and Fragrance, Celebrity Design

There's little we don't love about cult-fave makeup line Le Métier de Beauté, but their latest collaboration, inspired by Marchesa's Fall 2010 RTW line, takes the cake. Packaged in a sleek credit card-esque case, the gem of the collection is a compact perfect for a night on the town - pressed powder, concealer, lip gloss in a cherry shine (La Cerise Noir), a cream blush in a peachy pink (La Peche) and a blue-black shadow (Le Minuit). The design of the compact - a sleek mercurial silver hue - was even inspired by Sandra Bullock's Marchesa dress for the 82nd Academy Awards. The collection also features highlighting and concealing pens, double-ended lip gloss and another mini compact.

"Each season," explained Georgina Chapman, co-founder and designer of Marchesa, "Keren and I introduce a new collection, but with the classic and consistent signature that is Marchesa – we transport our customers back to a time when luxury fashion meant the best in tailoring, design, fabric, etc. When it came to launching a cosmetics collection, we wanted to do the same and we found immediately that Le Métier de Beauté shared these same core values."

"The Collection takes the unparalleled textures and formulas Le Métier de Beauté is known for and transfixes them with the essence of Marchesa," says Joanna Vorachek Austin, President of Le Métier de Beauté. "From the sleek packaging and the innovative formulas to the flawless application, the Marchesa for Le Métier de Beauté collaboration brings the best of both brands to the forefront of luxury."

The line will be available exclusively at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores beginning on Fashion's Night Out, September 10th.

Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, fashions night out, le metier de beaute, marchesa, marchesa fall 2010, NeimanMarcus

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Accessories

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

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

Tags: accessories-award, alexander mcqueen, AlexanderMcqueen, audemars piguet, AudemarsPiguet, awards-main, barneys, barneys new york, BarneysNewYork, bottega veneta, BottegaVeneta, chanel, graff diamonds, GraffDiamonds, gucci, harrods, harry winston, HarryWinston, hermes, iwc, jaeger lecoultre, jaegerlecoultre, jimmy choo, JimmyChoo, louis vuitton, LouisVuitton, luxist-awards, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, oscar de la renta, OscarDeLaRenta, patek philippe, PatekPhilippe, prada, rolex, saks fifth avenue, SaksFifthAvenue, temple st. clair, TempleSt.Clair, tiffany Co., TiffanyCo., top shop, TopShop, van cleef and arpels, van cleef arpels, VanCleefAndArpels, VanCleefArpels, winners-accessories

Neiman Marcus: Premier Luxury and Superior Customer Service

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

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.

Gallery: More from Neiman Marcus

Tags: accessories-award, awards-main, bergdorf goodman, BergdorfGoodman, horchow, luxist-awards, neiman marcus, neiman marcus christmas book, NeimanMarcus, NeimanMarcusChristmasBook

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

by Kristin Young (RSS feed) —

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.

Tags: Alexander McQueen, AlexanderMcqueen, David Yurman, DavidYurman, Fendi, Givenchy, Neiman Marcus, NeimanMarcus, Stephen Webster, StephenWebster, The Christmas Book, TheChristmasBook

Outrageous Neiman Marcus Black Friday Sale, 9-Noon

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Holiday Guides

If 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.

Tags: black friday, black friday deals, BlackFriday, BlackFridayDeals, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, sale

Neiman Marcus Sells 50 Jaguars in Four Hours

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

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.

Tags: jaguar, jaguar xj, Jaguar XJL Supercharged, Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, JaguarXj, JaguarXjlSupercharged, JaguarXjlSuperchargedNeimanMarcusEdition, marcus, neiman, neiman marcus, neiman marcus christmas book, NeimanMarcus, NeimanMarcusChristmasBook

Neiman Marcus Unveils 2009 Christmas Book

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Spirits, Luxury Cars & Autos, Wine, Wings

Neiman Marcus just unveiled the 2009 edition of the renowned Christmas Book, offering customers the ultimate in cutting-edge, dream-fulfilling gifts. First published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to the store's best customers and evolved into a legendary source for alluring and mystical gifts. Among the highlights of this year's catalog:

His & Hers Gift Package, $250,000: An ICON A5 sport aircraft with custom trailer and sport pilot license training for two. The ICON A5 is from a world-class team of engineers and designers who helped create the groundbreaking Virgin Global Flyer, and features an amphibious hull and landing gear to take off and land just as easily on water as on land.

Algonquin Round Table Experience, $200,000: Exclusive dinner party at NYC's legendary Algonquin Hotel (above) with guests including Christopher Buckley, Roz Chast, Nora Ephron, Malcolm Gladwell, Henry Louis Gates Jr., Adam Gopnik, John Lithgow, Anna Deavere Smith and George Stephanopoulos. Proceeds to benefit First Book, the 2009 Christmas Book Charity.

2010 Jaguar XJL Supercharged Neiman Marcus Edition, $105,000: Limited to only 50 examples, the bespoke version of Jag's new flagship features a supercharged 5-liter V8 that delivering 470 hp, a custom interior of butter-soft navy and ivory leather and Zebrano matte wood accents, and includes a five-piece set of matching Jaguar luggage in navy blue leather.

HALL Artisan Wine and Art Experience, $20,000: Learn organic, artisan winemaking firsthand, tour the estates in Napa and the art collection, and have the opportunity to create your own personal vintage in a private blending session with HALL's Winemaker with a custom vintage bottled for you. Includes accommodations at Auberge and a private dinner party with Ambassador Kathryn Hall.

Maker's Mark Master Distiller Experience, $7,500: All-access, VIP experience with Maker's Mark Master Distiller, Kevin Smith. Spend a day making whiskey, step by step and take home two bottles of the rarest Maker's Mark – golden bottles etched with your likeness and dipped in gold wax with 24-kt gold flecks. Includes luxury accommodations in Louisville and a gourmet dinner hosted by Bill Samuels, the 7th generation of Maker's Mark.

Get In The Christmas Spirit With AOL Radio's 10 Best Christmas Songs.

Tags: Algonquin Hotel, AlgonquinHotel, catalog, Christmas, gifts, ICON A5, IconA5, Jaguar, Makers Mark, MakersMark, Neiman Marcus, Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, NeimanMarcus, NeimanMarcusChristmasBook

New Luxury Shopping Center Opens In Washington

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

This may not be the ideal time to open a luxury mall but that isn't stopping Puget Sound's first new shopping center to open in several years. The Shops at The Bravern in Bellevue, Washington opens today, September 12. The 305,000-square-foot retail center is home to a Neiman Marcus, Hermes, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton and an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa which is offering an opening special the Red Door Warm Welcome Package, a Signature Massage or Signature Facial, Warm Cream Manicure or Shampoo, Blowdry & Finish and Makeup Refresher for $120 ($141 - $161 value). Restaurants include John Howie Steak, Artisanal Brasserie & Winebar and Trophy Cupcakes. The center also offers concierge service.

Source

Tags: bellevue, bravern, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, washington

Nancy Gonzalez Python & Croc Pleated Clutch, Handbag of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

You have to love a handbag that doesn't make you choose between python and croc. Nancy Gonzalez has created the Python & Croc Pleated Clutch featuring a natural pleated python body accented with a luscious brown cutout of Caiman fuscus crocodile which acts as an overlay along the flap. Inside your necessities will be kept safe and scuff-free with a suede lining. Gorgeous neutral tones make this clutch an easy accessory for any occasion and an all-seasons favorite. Available at Neiman Marcus for $2,500. (11 1/2" H x 16 1/2" W)

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Tags: clutch, handbag, nancy gonzalez, nancy gonzalez clutch, nancy gonzalez handbag, NancyGonzalez, NancyGonzalezClutch, NancyGonzalezHandbag, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, python croc pleated clutch, PythonCrocPleatedClutch

Jan Leslie Sterling & Enamel Bee Cufflinks

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Men's Style

Here's a whimsical wardrobe addition from men's jewelry and accessories designer Jan Leslie: hand-painted enamel and sterling silver bee cufflinks. Recently introduced at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, the luxe links have become an instant bestseller at $595 a pair. In Leslie's sterling silver hand-painted enamel collection, which also features designs such as racecars, jockeys and spiders, artisanal methods produce unique works of quality and understated elegance. Leslie's creative process begins with the study of the actual subject - insect, animal or otherwise; next a wax prototype is sculpted then cast in sterling silver and polished smooth. The creation is then individualized through a technique of meticulously hand painting layers of enamel, creating the desired blend of color and luminescence. The overall process "transforms a simple statement into a commissioned piece of art."

Tags: Bergdorf Goodman, BergdorfGoodman, cufflinks, Jan Leslie, JanLeslie, Neiman Marcus, NeimanMarcus, silver, sterling silver, SterlingSilver

Mojave Nomad Slouchy Shoulder Bag, Handbag of the Day

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags

Cross a camisole with a baby sling and you might end up with this bag, the Mojave Nomad Slouchy Shoulder Bag by up-and-coming designer Lisa Izad of Tylie Malibu. Tylie Malibu is a 10 year old company that gets its inspiration from the California beach town, echoing the casual yet polished look that defines Malibu style. The styles are relaxed, crushable and roomy. All pieces are handcrafted in Tylie Malibu's Santa Monica design studio.

This leather bag combines delicate straps with an ample slouchy bag (17"H x 21"W x 3"D) which is lined in black fabric. The bag comes in black or olive leather with silvertone hardware. It sells for $315. Tylie Malibu's latest bags recently went on sale at Neiman Marcus.

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Tags: handbag, handbag of the day, HandbagOfTheDay, leather bag, LeatherBag, lisa izad, LisaIzad, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, tylie malibu, TylieMalibu

Christian Lacroix Files for Bankruptcy

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Last month my colleague Deidre Woollard reported that French fashion house Christian Lacroix was looking for investors to shore up its business. Now the brand has filed for bankruptcy in the wake of an increasingly bleak financial picture. Lacroix, which is owned by duty free retailer the Falic Group and employs 125 people, has been hit hard by the faltering market for ultra-luxury goods like haute couture gowns. Lacroix chief executive Nicolas Topiol said the economic crisis had "considerably hurt our revenues," the London Times reports. Major retailers recently stopped buying new Lacroix merchandise and last month both Neiman Marcus and Saks reduced their orders for Lacroix apparel considerably. Sales of the Lacroix women's summer collection are down 35% this year; last year the company reported a $15 million loss.

Tags: Christian Lacroix, ChristianLacroix, French fashion, FrenchFashion, haute couture, HauteCouture, Neiman Marcus, NeimanMarcus

Neiman Marcus Reports Holiday Quarter Loss

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

More bad news for luxury brands. HIgh-end department store Neiman Marcus reported that it lost $509.3 million for the quarter ending January 31. It was the first loss during a holiday quarter in recent memory for the company which had a profit of $44.3 million in the same quarter last year.. The quarter was burdened with writedowns totaling over half a billion dollars in addition to offering deep discounts for goods in order to jumpstart lackluster shopping.

The company's chairman told investors that Neiman Marcus will be working with the brands it sells to lower prices and that it will also be paring back its inventory to keep pace with less spending by its customers. The AP's story quotes Neiman Marcus's Burton M. Tansky, during a conference call with investors as saying: "Our customer wants luxury. She has not shown any indication to move away from it. What she is doing is she is just not shopping."

Source

Tags: department store, DepartmentStore, luxury, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus

Saks and Neiman Marcus Announce Major Job Cuts

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

I mentioned back in November that Saks Fifth Avenue would be cutting capital spending in 2009. We are a few weeks in to the year and Saks Inc. has decided to cut about 1,100 corporate and store positions, which represents nine percent of its total workforce. The company has also taken away merit-based wage increases this year for all employees and suspended 401(k) matching. Saks will also be reducing inventory and trimming other expenses wherever they can.

The reason for all these cuts is the lack on consumer spending. Bloomberg quotes Pete Hastings, a fixed-income analyst with Morgan Keegan & Co. who says that this may only be the beginning of department store cutbacks. After the worst holiday season in around 40 years consumers haven't rushed into the stores in January. Saks posted a 20 percent sales decline in December even after major markdowns on their goods.

Neiman Marcus will also be making some similar changes. The company announced it plans to cut 375 jobs, or 2.3 percent of its workforce a response to their own December slump which saw a 28 percent drop in sales at stores open at least a year.

Source

Tags: department store, DepartmentStore, layoffs, neiman marcus, NeimanMarcus, saks fifth avenue, SaksFifthAvenue

'White Christmas' Inspired Bags, Handbag of the Day

by Laura Malesich (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Handbags, Holiday Guides

'Tis the season for blankets of snow and frosted branches, ski trips and furry boots, and new handbags to match the winter white theme. Whether you are shopping at Saks, Bergdorfs, Nordstroms, Neimans or Barneys there are clean, colorless clutches, totes and hobos to suit the season. Here are a few of my favorites inspired by the holiday tune, 'White Christmas' that are chic, sophisticated and frosty including the Nablak Vernice Tote from Prada pictured above.