{NM Daily}

Tory Burch in Taiwan

Tory Burch has just returned from Asia, where she opened stores in Beijing, Hong Kong and Taiwan.

“We have a fairly large brand awareness there, compared to what our presence is,” she said. “We’re going in in a discreet way, and learning about the culture, and seeing what we can do to be successful there. Our first Hong Kong store is doing incredibly well. One thing I was told is that our logo really resonates because it’s symmetrical and when [viewed a certain way,] apparently it means ‘good faith.’ ”

As our thoughts turn to summer getaways, NMdaily takes a closer look at “American Fashion Travel,” Assouline’s new compilation of American fashion designers’ travel insights and personal snapshots.

Pamella Roland's travel mementos

What makes it French?  We don’t know, it could be the Chambord. But there’s some Russian vodka in it, too. Aristocratic maybe?

Ingredients:

1 1/2 oz. Stolichnaya Vanilla

1/2 oz.  Chambord

1 oz. pineapple juice

Shake the first 3 ingredients in a mixing tin with ice; strain into a martini glass.

Top with Mumm Napa Brut Prestige, garnish with a twist of lemon.

Cheers!

A moment from "Yohji Yamamoto: This Is My Dream" by Harbor Film Co.

Add yet another designer documentary to your must-sees this season. Theo Stanley directed “Yohji Yamamoto: This Is My Dream,” which shows the influential Japanese designer’s month-long process leading up to a Y-3 runway show during New York Fashion Week. See the trailer.

Mysterious boxes have arrived.

Today, Toms delivered locked boxes to six Neiman Marcus stores to stoke our fervent curiosity about what will be Toms’ next category of product. As you know, for each pair of Toms shoes sold, a pair is donated to a child in need. Hence, the “One For One” slogan. Since 2006 over 1 million pairs have been donated. Inside each mystery box—actually, it’s a 7-foot tall cylinder—is the next product in Toms’ One For One model. Is it a bag? A hat? A scarf? Is it even something to wear?

Rachel Zoe touched down in Dallas to surprise the Neiman Marcus managers and get everyone fired up to launch the Rachel Zoe Collection later this summer. We already know the collection is going to fly. It has sophistication, sharp tailoring, and the best of the sleek Seventies. Rachel and NM fashion director Ken Downing, fellow virgos and thick as thieves, sat down to film a lively one-on-one at Ken’s house. (We’ll bring you the video on NMdaily next month.) The house suddenly filled with fashionable Dallasites—many of them decked in Zoe-approved grecian looks and caftans—eager to welcome the stylist/editor/designer and sneak a peek at the collection, regardless of the epic thunderstorm that engulfed the house. In a word, bananas.

Fashion Director Ken Downing, the definitive tastemaker for Neiman Marcus, has broken new ground by collaborating with Le Métier de Beauté to create two limited-edition products inspired by the bold, uplifting colors seen on runways from Celine to Lanvin. The result? Ken’s Korals. (If you know Ken, you know he often speaks in alliteration.) The runway-worthy coral reds were chosen for their universally flattering shades.

NMdaily called on Nicole Miller in her studio, and not just because we have the same initials.

Nicole Miller

Working on a dress for Susan Sarandon.

Gurhan’s jewelry has been an editorial and red carpet staple for years, with fans including Angelina Jolie, Queen Rania of Jordan, Charlize Theron and Gwen Stefani.  Applying ancient techniques to making his signature 24k gold jewelry, Gurhan creates pieces that feel superannuated and modern at the same time. In 2009 he was selected by the Metropolitan Museum of Art to create a jewelry collection using the methods of ancient goldsmiths for its exhibition on the hidden treasures of Afghanistan. Gurhan was on hand at Dallas NorthPark to hand engrave pieces for clients and talk with NMdaily about his love of precious metals and his ancient craft.

The Van Cleef & Arpels exhibit at the Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum has been extended through July 4. But if you can’t make it to New York, check out the video by TheLookNow.com featuring editor Harriet Mays Powell.

Neiman Marcus carries Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry in Houston, NorthPark, Atlanta, Fashion Island, San Francisco, Tysons, Ala Moana, Topanga and Bellevue.