Retail Report
Fashion shoot: daring designs in focus at Neiman’s
By L.J. BUTTERFIELD

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Those who were waiting to see how recent housing and stock market shakedowns might reveal themselves in drab khaki and sack cloth on the fashion runways were left seriously wanting recently at Neiman Marcus in White Plains. Those who drape America’s wealthiest shoulders with haute couture evinced gung-ho enthusiasm for continued good times shaded in chartreuse and amethyst. If our collective bottom line is in doubt, designers like Stella McCartney and Marni offered no reasons to shun the high-priced clothes that are their stock and trade.

Aspiring fashionistas gathered Aug. 22, where the store’s senior fashion editor, Marc Lundeen, gave shoppers a first look at fall trends.

Some arrived early at The Mod Pod Event, designed to launch the new modernist collections from Marni, Stella McCartney, Miu Miu and Chloe, and browsed through nearby departments offering luxury designs by Roberto Cavalli, Chanel and Missoni.

As they waited, guests were served tea sandwiches and scones ­ from staff donning head-to-toe black against an all green theme ­ accompanied by glasses of Voss water and napkins embossed with the Neiman Marcus logo.

It was clear audience members were familiar with the merchandise.

“I love the Marni jackets and coats,” one woman said. Another mentioned that a Prada pony-and-leopard-print coat with three-quarter-length sleeves was the best thing she had ever bought.

The audience appeared eager to view the collections and ready to purchase pieces from their favorite designers.

Consumer confidence The fall shopping season typically is pegged as a bellwether for the health of consumer confidence and the retail industry. So, will the luxury-goods sector prove largely immune to economic blips or has the recent turmoil in the stock market, spurred on by the sub-prime mortgage mess, affect even this high-end clientele? “Quite the contrary,” said Stacey Karesh, public relations manager for Neiman Marcus. “Business is fantastic. Our customers really look to us to show them what's important for every season. They buy ahead.” Neiman Marcus customers, she said, are plugged into the industry.

“I think there are just so many wonderful designers out there and (they) make it so tempting. The fabrics and textures, it’s interesting, it’s like art. People want to add to their collections,” Karesh said.

And with a host of exclusive products, Neiman Marcus seems like the place to do just that. Green tags denote items that are exclusive to the store. Some Prada handbags have the Neiman Marcus logo sewn into the lining. All Marni shoes are also exclusive.

So after opening remarks by Beth Sharkey, general manager and vice president of the store, an attentive audience was ready for Lundeen, who took the stage with the latest tips and trends for updating fall wardrobes.

What’s hot?

Silhouettes: The modernist look includes big, flowing tops belted at the waist. Chunky tops, sweaters and cardigans dominated the runways ­ as did dresses. A structured dress with the added detail of an exposed zipper or two shows a little bit of edge.

After a season of the oh-so-limiting tight-ankled trouser, designers also made a grateful return to the wide-legged pant.

Details: The most obvious trend is lots and lots of sleeve detail like jackets or coats with lantern, dolman or puff sleeves that give the garment an unexpected flare. And don’t be surprised to see a resurgence in head-to-toe knit.

Color: Hosiery is back in a big way with not one bare leg having been spotted on the runway. Don’t be afraid to show a colored leg with booties or mid-shin to knee boots this season. Gray is the new black, the perfect backdrop for great colors. Deep purples and greens pop against the neutral.

This season is all about polish and being ladylike, somewhat of a throwback to 1930s and 1940s Hollywood glamour ­ very Katherine Hepburn. Dresses, gloves, polished hair and finished makeup abound. So, for the high-end shoppers, sub-prime mortgages, taxes and all those annoyances don’t seem to dampen their spirit or buying capability.

Said Karesh: “You can never have enough fashion.”

 

 

 

 

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