Neiman Marcus celebrates its prestigious awards ceremony in Paris
Texans sure do love things big and grand. Their taste for fashion is no exception, largely due to the tony shopping mecca Neiman Marcus
On Sunday night during Paris Fashion WeekBrunello CucinelliNoah
Geoffroy van RaemdonckNeiman Marcus. Guests such as designers Rosita MissoniAngela MissoniRick OwensMichèle Lamy, Bruno FrisoniFrancis Kurkdjian
The Neiman Marcus Award Innovation in the Field of Fashion went to shoe designer Amina Muaddi who noted in her acceptance speech that “it’s not often that an accessories designer gets the same recognition as ready-to-wear” and that she was honored to be given an award that was also given to Coco ChanelLoewe
Using a translator, Brunello Cucinelli gave a heartfelt speech in Italian, saying that the goal of his business was to elevate the lives of the workers of Umbria so that, unlike his father, they would not feel shame for their station in the economic ecosystem. A special mention was given to Rosita Missoni, and her family, which the CEO pointed out have partnered with Neiman Marcus for fifty years.
Speaking to FashionNetwork.com
“Luxury is a global business, so we thought it was the perfect place to honor these designers in the city of fashion because none of them are from here,” he explained, adding, “At the end of the day, we are a luxury multi-brand retailer, but it’s about fashion. This celebration feels very fashion week
A lot has changed in fashion since the awards were established in 1938. The CEO explained that the awards have also evolved.
“If you look back in history, when it was launched as the fashion industry began, there was one award. Christian DiorNew Lookthere are other designers creating work today that are the version of Christian’s award that honored his innovations,” he continued.
Van Raemdonck quickly pointed out that the awards are not limited to designers and that Grace Kelly was a recipient. “We look to honor people who are more than their job. If you look at Brunello, who is also interested in sustaining human capital, or Amina, who created an amazing business in just five years, using vegan leather in her collection.”
The festivities and guests started to peter out around 11, but the awards will continue to impact throughout the year, according to the retailer. “Originally, the awards were about bringing the designers not known in the US, today they have established businesses, and Neiman Marcus has the best clientele in the States. The award is also about giving access to our marketing and merchandising capabilities to the honorees,” van Raemdonck said, pointing out that thus far, Brunello has made a second exclusive co-branded collection designed especially with the Neiman Marcus customers in mind. “This is his gift to that customer that knows his product well,” he said.
Cucinelli will host in-store events in April, the others are still thinking about how the award will manifest to the clients. “There will be digital activations and events, I’m open to anything,” van Raemdonck offered, adding, “For partners like Amina, which is a fast and growing business, our commitment is multi-year because we recognize her talent and want to grow her business. Brunello will tell you his brand was identified early by Neiman Marcus, and we asked him to go beyond the categories he was making that helped him scale his business. One day Amina could be the recipient of the Distinguished Service award.”
“We are retailers and always looking at the customers to give them something special. Neiman Marcus is about the relationship with your sales associate that introduces you to a brand you didn’t consider before and gives you the inspiration and confidence to try it. That is what we do, we are a relationship business.”
