A partnership as extraordinary as Neiman Marcus + Target calls for some extra creative promotion, and the good people at ABC’s Revenge delivered just that. This Sunday during the mid-season finale, in lieu of commercials viewers will see a string of scenes featuring the #Holiday24 collection. Here’s a peek. Tune in Sunday night, 9/8c on ABC, for the rest, and join the Twitter chatter at #GiftofRevenge!
Tom Ford "Marko" Sunglasses
Confession: I go to James Bond films for the sole purpose of seeing Daniel Craig in a Tom Ford wardrobe, and Skyfall, the 23rd film in the series, will be no exception. Although one does get jaded by the multiple brand-fest that the films have become, the wardrobe truly is a treat for the sartorially aware. After all, you only see this much Tom Ford tailoring on a red carpet, in Tom Ford stores, or in NM stores. Skyfall comes to U.S. theaters this weekend. See if you can spot Tom Ford’s “Marko” polarized aviator sunglasses.
Rob Kardashian. Photo by Giuliano Bekor.
Whether you watch their reality television show or not, you are likely familiar with the Kardashians. The family’s fame, built on an entertaining mix of affluence, beauty and drama, has fans of all ages fascinated. And after seven seasons the cameras are still rolling, documenting their day-to-day lives, scandals and all. If you catch even a single episode, you know that the sole brother in the Kardashian clan, Rob, is often overshadowed by his older sisters Kourtney, Kim and Khloe. But this season Rob is stepping out with an independent business venture—socks. NMdaily caught up with the Kardashian bro, to talk siblings, style and his new men’s sock line Arthur George, which you’ll find exclusively at NM this month. For each pair sold, a second pair is donated to the Family Emergency Shelter Coalition.
NMdaily: Where did the idea to do a sock collection originate? Why socks?
Rob Kardashian: Socks have always been a signature part of my own personal style. I would get so excited when I found a really cool pair of socks, and I started wearing my pants a little shorter to show them off, because I thought cool looking socks should be seen. I had a hard time finding socks with the designs and personality, so I decided to create the type of socks my friends, family and I would wear.
Arthur George socks in The Christmas Book.
NMdaily: Initially, did your family support your business idea?
Rob Kardashian: Yes! My family was extremely supportive, and was very excited that I found something I am passionate about and able to turn into a business. I graduated from USC with a business degree, so it’s exciting to marry the skills I learned in school with my creative ideas.
NMdaily: What’s special about your socks?
Rob Kardashian: The patterns and designs are very diverse, and they’re really colorful and fun to wear. There’s something that appeals to everyone regardless of age. In regards to the quality of the socks, they’re Egyptian cotton, made in Italy, so the quality is really nice and luxurious.
NMdaily: What is the significance of the label’s name?
Rob Kardashian: Arthur is my middle name and George is the middle name of my father Robert Kardashian. In my own way, I’m able to pay homage to my father with the name of my line.
Arthur George socks are made in Italy from Egyptian cotton.
NMdaily: Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Rob Kardashian: I find inspiration everywhere! Wallpaper, artwork, patterns, clothing…I am really attracted to design so if I see something that speaks to me I make mental note of it.
NMdaily: Are these socks for day or night? What do you wear them with?
Rob Kardashian: They can be both…but for the most part they are evening socks that you can wear with a suit. They’re also perfect for the daytime businessman who has to dress up for work every day. Personally, I like to wear mine with shorts to really show them off!
NMdaily: What style is your personal favorite?
Rob Kardashian: I can’t pick one, but yesterday I wore the camouflage ones, and right now I’m wearing the horseshoe pattern!
NMdaily: Any famous feet wearing your socks?
Rob Kardashian: Right now, just my family! Lamar, Bruce, Khloe, my mom and Kylie seem to be the biggest fans so far!
Arthur George
NMdaily: Have your sisters’ entrepreneurship inspired you to create your business?
Rob Kardashian: Of course. My mom and my sisters are amazing entrepreneurs and I admire the brand they have created for themselves. Each of them have their own strengths when it comes to business, but they all share the same philosophy as I do, which is only put your name on quality products that you truly believe in and love.
NMdaily: Do you think you will just stick with socks, or are you interested in expanding into accessories or perhaps apparel in the future?
Rob Kardashian: Right now I am just focusing on perfecting the sock line before I venture into anything else, but I’m looking to expanding into apparel when the time is right! Eventually I’d love to open some men’s apparel boutiques with some really unique brands and items.
Arthur George is available now in Neiman Marcus stores, and will launch on NeimanMarcus.com on November 9.
Last week we revealed the products comprising the #Holiday24 collection, a mega-collaboration between NM, Target and 24 designers of the CFDA. So now we can share more of the design process with you. Some of these designs were rendered by hand, and some by computer. But all of them capture the essence of the product in an intriguing way. We are so lucky to work with such creative people! More product details can be found on NeimanMarcus.com.
Assistant buyer Max Lysak wears the wingtip version in brown burnished leather.
Miuccia Prada has taken men’s shoes to new heights. From colorful foam platform brogues to wingtip golf shoes and rubber-dipped lace-ups, the soles on Prada’s shoes for guys stand out. For Fall, a new shoe series appropriately titled ‘Levitate‘ features transparent air-bubble soles. The sport-style support might seem more fit for a workout than the office, but it’s precisely this clever juxtaposition that keeps the luxury label’s fans on their toes.
Assistant buyers and Max and Chris road-test the Levitate shoe in downtown Dallas.
To get a better sense about what the sneaker/dress shoe hybrid is all about, we challenged men’s shoe assistant buyers Max Lysak and Chris Buffington to road-test the Levitate.
"The Levitate combines the two types of shoes Men typically rely on: 1. A dress shoe for work, and 2. A sneaker for leisure," Buffington says. "The air bubble is 360 degrees, compared to other sneakers that offer similar construction only in a few areas of the sole. This craftsmanship adds extra comfort on a daily commute."
When asked what they would wear the cross-over footwear with, both buyers agreed: anything!
Lysak, who admits he favors the brushed silver version on his colleague’s feet, says “the casualness of the sole with the leather upper gives off the young, hipster, look. Pairing them with a clean, slim outfit is fresh.”
“A pair of cuffed dress pants to work, dark denim at night, or shorts on a Saturday afternoon,” Buffington concurs, as he jumps off a park bench demonstrating the shoe’s athletic traction. “The sole purpose of the Levitate collection is versatility… no pun intended.”
The 360 degree air bubble.
You’ve waited very patiently for this, and for that alone you belong on Santa’s “nice” list. NM and Target announced an epic co-collaboration with 24 CFDA designers way back in July. We now present the collection, which will be available December 1. As promised, it’s chockablock with giftable items for women, men, children, pets and home. What’s on your list?
Today in New York the retailers unveiled the products to the press, appeared on “Good Morning America” and announced a major integration into the ABC series “Revenge.” Target and Neiman Marcus will be the sole sponsors of the show’s November 11 finale, and in lieu of commercials, the Revenge team is creating original content incorporating the #Holiday24 collection. It will be stylish, scandalous, and it will destroy you.
This animation accompanying NM’s 2012 Christmas Book makes us a little giddy for the upcoming season.
Illustrator Elvis Swift collaborated with art director Janet Longstreth, who directed model Karlie Kloss based on their vision, then Janimation, a Dallas-based company, brought it all together. Look for more Elvis Swift illustrations from NM throughout the season.
Heritage Hen Mini Farm
The arrival of the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book each Fall is widely considered to mark the official start of the holiday shopping season; and the 86th annual edition was unveiled today in Dallas. Without further ado, here are this year’s most spectacular and unique holiday gifts. Including one with a Target twist!
Heritage Hen Mini Farm, $100,000
Inspired by Versailles’ Le Petit Trianon, this is the poshest hen house ever. The buyer will receive an initial farm consultation and grounds survey and two additional onsite visits from Heritage Hen Farm expert, Svetlana Simon, who will select three to ten heritage-breed hens carefully selected to suit your region. Installation includes two custom raised vegetable or herb garden beds. For every Heritage Hen Mini Farm purchase, NM will donate $3,000 to The American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, a nonprofit organization that protects genetic diversity through the conservation and promotion of endangered breeds.
Annie: The Musical
Annie: The Musical Walk-On Role, $30,000
The recipient of this gift will take the Broadway stage in a walk-on role in the revival of Annie: The Musical. After your curtain call, you’ll sit down with one of the show’s producers for a five-star meal. Includes six show tickets. Only one package available; participant must be 18 or older. The proceeds of this gift will be split equally between Pedigree Foundation, whose mission is to help dogs in need find loving homes by providing grants to shelters and dog rescues, and Pajama Program, which provides new pajamas and books to children in need.
McLaren 12C Spider
2013 Neiman Marcus Edition McLaren 12C Spider, $354,000
Your Neiman Marcus Edition 2013 McLaren 12C Spider—one of just 12 made—is heralded as the most technologically advanced supercar ever. Carbon-fiber MonoCell one-piece molded chassis, Formula 1 brake steer, 616 horse-powered V8 twin turbo engine, zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds, maximum speed of 204 mph (196 mph in convertible mode). Includes a McLaren luggage set and a business-class trip to England for a VIP dinner with McLaren Chairman Ron Dennis and a tour of the McLaren Technology Center. For each sale, NM will donate $3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters. Reserve by calling 1-888-756-0775, precisely at noon EDT on October 24, 2012.
Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk
Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk, $90,000
The ultimate gaming toy, the custom-made Pinel & Pinel Arcade PS Trunk is all you need for an evening of high-adrenaline entertainment. Handmade in Paris and encased in calfskin, this trunk furnishes you with Formula 1 racing seats with Thrustmaster T500 RS Force Wheel, a selection of 24 PlayStation3 games, Bluetooth wireless music system, SingStar microphones, PlayStation Move controllers, PlayStation Eye Camera, fighting sticks, DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controllers and more. Not a gamer? It’s ideal for karaoke too. For every purchase, NM will donate $3,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, the nation’s leader in providing mentoring to children.
Bulleit Woody Tailgate Trailer
Bulleit Woody Tailgate Trailer, $150,000
Tailgating will never be the same after you roll up with the Bulleit Frontier Whiskey Woody-Tailgate Trailer. Created by interior designer Brad Ford with sleek leather furnishings and details from Moore & Giles, rich wood finishings (handcrafted from reclaimed Bulleit Bourbon casks), elegant glassware and barware, and a Sony entertainment system including a flat-screen TV, Blu-ray disc player, and state-of-the-art sound system, plus a one-year supply of Bulleit Bourbon and Bulleit Rye. Ten percent of the proceeds from the purchase will benefit amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.
JetLev R200
Part sci-fi, part British secret service agent, your water-propelled jetpack is about to send you soaring at speeds up to 32 mph. It runs for up to 4 hours and 80 miles on a single tank of high-octane gasoline. The package includes all the gear, plus a CFI 1 Pilot Certification Training & Safety course. For every JetLev R200 sold, NM will donate $2,500 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Broward County, an organization that helps young people reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Robert Wilson's Snowy Owl
Snowy Owl by Artist Robert Wilson, $70,000
In his Video Portraits series, artist Robert Wilson features animals and people who appear static, as if in a painting, but the viewer is caught off guard when the subject unexpectedly breathes, blinks, or shifts. This modern riff on the eighteenth-century tableaux vivant beautifully pushes the boundaries between reality and imagination. The buyer of this limited edition, hand numbered and signed artist’s proof will choose the color combinations for the polka dots. The purchase of a “Snowy Owl” benefits the Watermill Center, an interdisciplinary laboratory for performance art and a unique environment for young and emerging artists.
Left to right: Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse, Daniel Boulud and Richard Rosendale
Chef’s Dinner For Ten, $250,000
Nine of your closest friends will gather at your home, where four world-class chefs—Daniel Boulud, Thomas Keller, Jerome Bocuse, and Richard Rosendale—will prepare a feast. (Don’t worry, a professional event planner will arrange and oversee everything.) Bertha Gonzalez, the world’s first female maestra tequilera, will kick off the evening with a Casa Dragones tequila tasting and provide the party favors: personalized, engraved crystal bottles of Casa Dragones. Fine wines will accompany all courses after the cocktail hour. This epic culinary event is limited to just one NM customer. All proceeds will benefit the Bocuse d’Or USA Foundation, an organization dedicated to inspiring culinary excellence in young professionals.
Van Cleef & Arpels "Poetic Wish" Watch Set
Van Cleef & Arpels ”Poetic Wish” Watches and Trip, starting at $1,090,000.*
The “His & Hers” fantasy gift tradition continues this year with the Van Cleef & Arpels “Poetic Wish” watches and trip. The watches animate a Parisian romance between a tiny man and woman. Their cases are 18-karat white gold and set with diamonds. The new owners of the watches will also receive a trip to Paris and Geneva to tour the Van Cleef & Arpels boutique, atelier, and watchmaking workshops. Neiman Marcus will donate $10,000 for each His & Hers 2012 gift sold to The Norman Mailer Center, which supports writers.
Target Mystery Package
As you surely know by now, Neiman Marcus and Target are collaborating on a holiday collection featuring items by 24 designers from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. You can avoid the crowds and the jockeying on December 1 by ordering the Mystery Package now. It includes the entire collection, which has items for men, women, children, pets and the home. The package will arrive after December 1, with free shipping. Call 1-877-9NM-GIFT to order. Only 5 packages are available and the offer expires midnight CST on October 15, 2012. NM and Target made a $1 million donation to the CFDA, supporting the development of American fashion designers.
The third annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic returned to Will Rogers Polo Club in Pacific Palisades on Saturday. The event—co-hosted by renowned Argentinian polo player and face of Ralph Lauren‘s Polo fragrances Nacho Figueras, alongside designer/stylist Rachel Zoe and president of Veuve Clicquot U.S., Vanessa Kay—drew a crowd including celebrities and polo enthusiasts from around the world. The event was inspired by the famous 1922 match in Delhi, India where Patiala faced Jodhpur. Guests were welcomed to the match with coupes of vintage rosé, which continued to flow throughout the day. Later that afternoon, actress Ali Larter kicked the match off by throwing out the first toss. It ended with Nacho Figuera’s team Black Watch defeating team Nespresso with a score of 10 to 9.
NM shoe buyers pick color combinations for Resort at Hadleigh's atelier.
As you know, this Fall we are all about a certain chic flat – the smoking slipper. And the newcomer that has stolen the spotlight this season is Hadleigh’s Bespoke. You might have noticed the preppy slippers (you’ll never see a black pair from Hadleigh’s) in the NM shoe department. The Italian-made loafers were conceptualized by Ed and Gable Shaikh, the husband-and-wife team behind a burgeoning boutique atelier in Dallas.
Ed and Gable outside their storefront.
We followed the NM shoe buyers to Hadleigh’s sunlight soaked space tucked in Dallas’ historic Highland Park Village. The purpose of the trip was to select custom color combinations for Resort 2013, so a rainbow of shoes were lined up on the table, most with Hadleigh’s embroidered English men emblem and others with tassels and bows.
Italian fabric swatches for Hadleigh's Resort designs.
“For Resort we picked up this new linen, it’s medium weight,” Gable said. “I actually prefer this medium linen. It’s durable.”
Gable’s knowledge of retail comes from years working, like her husband, at Ralph Lauren.
The doorstep to Hadleigh's.
In 2009 the couple decided it was time to pursue something they had been dreaming about for a long time – opening a custom atelier for men and women. ”It was something we had in ourselves; we were excited about product,” Ed said. The business came into fruition after the birth of their first child, the brand’s namesake.
Resort samples.
“From the stitch of the fabric’s thread, to the button hole, to the pattern matching, to the story board it is all very intricately detailed by myself and Gable.” Ed said.
Custom tailoring is the basis of the brand that began with men’s made-to-measure suits and women’s blouses.
“The niche that we created for our slipper revolved around the textiles being used,” Ed said. “Everyone else does a velvet smoking slipper, but we use amazing fabric that is backed with leather and is double shanked at the arch. The heel has a rubber backing so it has a great support and is really durable. It is not just a slipper for the house.”
“We don’t compromise anything,” Gable adds. “It’s our daughter’s name we have to uphold.”
NM-exclusive smoking slipper for men.
A wall of smoking slippers at Hadleigh's.
Resort styles will arrive from Italy at Neiman Marcus stores in November.
NM shoe buyers flag pairs of interest with Post-it notes.
