Tue. October 3, 2000
Dallas, TX -
After 93 years of gathering the most enviable products the world has to offer, combined with a history of unparalleled customer service, Neiman Marcus' uncompromising commitment to dazzle and deliver the unexpected continues with the unveiling of the 2000 Christmas Book. The holiday season officially begins today as the specialty retailer reveals the newest incarnation of the Christmas Book and its cool gifts at the Neiman Marcus Ranch in Dallas, Texas (aka Eddie Deen's Ranch).
Moving past the dawn of the millennium and into the future, Neiman Marcus is taking a fresh approach to the world's most anticipated catalog. The traditional, oversized Christmas Book is reconfigured into three smaller 100-page books. The separate catalogs feature Red, White and Silver covers and group merchandise together by category. Dramatic layouts showcasing one item per page are part of the new look. The "Red" book contains many of the fantasy gifts along with other more traditional gift-giving items. The "White" book includes the largest assortment of women's apparel while the "Silver" book features most of the children's merchandise, epicure items and gifts for guys. Combined, the trilogy focuses on this year's theme, "Oh Cool 2000."
Neiman Marcus continues its long-standing tradition of philanthropy by featuring actress Rene Russo's sterling silver charm bracelet for $600, of which all proceeds will go to Cure Autism Now (CAN). Neiman Marcus will also donate to CAN proceeds from cover art gift items ranging from $15-$40. Additionally, the luxury retailer teams up with World Vision to help restock depleted resources in Africa by selling Cows, Goats, Mules and Oxen to be donated directly to the drought stricken countries. The livestock will be used to provide milk, transport water and plow farmlands. ($35-$125)
At Neiman Marcus, tradition is upheld when it comes to exceeding customers' expectations. So, as tradition dictates, the Christmas Book includes astonishing "Fantasy Gifts" - for the rich in imagination and resources. This year's offerings include:
ROBOT FAMILY: One man's trash is artist Clayton Bailey's treasure. For Neiman Marcus, this creative genius constructed a modern Robot Family out of discarded home appliances and scrap metal. The life-size family consists of Father ("CD"), Mother ("Bubbles Monrobot"), Child ("Dancee") and Dog ("Barko"). CD plays compact discs and the radio while Bubbles winks and blinks to his beat. Dancee has moveable arms and legs and blinks to his "Father's" rhythm. Their pet dog wags its tail, wiggles its ears, blinks when approached and can be "trained" to snap at intruders. ($6,000-$14,000) Red Book
ICE HOUSE: This year, throw away the tent and send chills down partiers' spines with Joe O'Donoghue's astonishing ice house. Perhaps Neiman Marcus' hottest gift this year, the 25' x 30' ice creation lasts over 24 hours in any climate. Serve chilled drinks from the ice bar; surprise guests with an ice fountain that melts and freezes its flow; and immortalize the objects of your desire with three ice sculptures. Neiman Marcus customers wanting to experience Joe's Ice Fantasies on New Year's Eve can attend a special caviar and champagne reception prior to dinner at New York's famous Tavern on the Green restaurant. (Ice House begins at $225,000; $750 pp for reception and dinner at Tavern on the Green) White Book
NEIMAN MARCUS THUNDERBIRD LIMITED EDITION: Unveiled in August at the prestigious Concours d'Elegance in Pebble Beach, the 2002 Ford Thunderbird Neiman Marcus Edition was christened a collector's prize by would-be buyers across the country. Only 200 NM editions are being made and a special toll-free number (1-800-555-4845) was established to take orders beginning at 10:00 a.m. EDT on September 25, 2000. Exclusive features on the two-seat, convertible roadster include the polished black body finish with a silver metallic removable top, black leather seats with a perforated silver insert and understated Neiman Marcus and Thunderbird badges. ($41,995) Red Book
LUXURY SUBMARINE: The most expensive item in the book this year will create tidal waves on shores all across the planet. The 188-foot long, 21-foot beam subterranean ship boasts private staterooms with in-suite baths, crew quarters and a galley as well as spacious living and dining rooms. This mega-yacht of the deep is able to dive on battery power and remain submerged for days at a time and is available in several different floor plans. ($20,000,000)Silver Book
DIAMOND AND RUBY NECKLACE: It took over two years to amass the collection of Burmese rubies needed to create this one-of-a-kind ruby and diamond necklace. The extra-large ruby in the detachable pendant surpasses 20 carats, a size not commonly found in rubies, and 15 rare matched rubies add 83.57 carats. The mega-watt necklace also features 285 round and fancy shaped diamonds totaling 113 carats. ($1,400,000) White Book
MEDIA MIXER: Imagine, if you can, a world built to enjoy seclusion but that doesn't forego entertainment. Picture a capsule for viewing, for limitless exploration, for peace and quiet - a kind of enriched solitude. With a DVD, Playstation®, two CD Players, TV and 12 monitors, this 3,000 lb., 12 foot tall, actual back end of a cement mixer has been transformed into the ultimate "media cocoon" by Joystick Nation and LOT/EK. ($70,000) Silver Book
2001 MV AGUSTA F4 STRADA NEIMAN MARCUS EDITION: This technological tour de force is a must have for every motorcycle enthusiast. The bike, which has been in development for more than 10 years, has already garnered awards from Motorcycle magazine. With speeds topping off at 175 mph, this sleek red and silver motorcycle has a 750 cc engine with 126 crank horsepower. There are only 10 available through the Christmas Book and with each purchase, Neiman Marcus includes VIP tickets to the International Superbike Classic at Laguna Seca Raceway followed by one day of California Superbike School conducted by the legendary Keith Code. ($22,000) Silver Book
FISHING BOX/SILVER FRYING PAN: The first clear description of fly fishing dates back to the Romans, but the essence of adventure can be the same today. For the serious student of angling or admirer of beautifully crafted objects, Neiman Marcus is offering a one-of-a-kind handcrafted Fishing Box from G. Lorenzi in Milan. The cedar box includes 25 handmade specialty flies plus all the tools necessary to create additional flies. Tucked away in a drawer is a 1925 edition of The Complete Angler, originally published in 1653 and credited with breathing the life and soul into the fine art of fly fishing. ($4,500) What better way to prepare the day's catch than with a sterling silver frying pan designed by San Lorenzo in Milan? For centuries chefs have known that silver is the best conductor of heat and doesn't transfer flavors. Silver cooking vessels, the original non-stick pans, were unearthed in Pompeii. ($1,500) Silver Book
"HIS AND HERS" KITES: Since 1960, Neiman Marcus' "His and Hers" gift has been a favorite in the Christmas Book. Always first to catch a trend, this year, Neiman Marcus commissioned award-winning kitemaker Kevin Shannon to develop special His and Hers kites made from more than 100 individual pieces of fabric, appliqued together into a stunning traditional Japanese design. These kites will make a splash at one of the major kite festivals in the United States. In addition to the kites, Neiman Marcus includes a one-hour flying lesson from five-time US rokkaku flying champion David Gomberg. ($2,000/pair) Red Book
HOLIDAY FOUR-COURSE DINNER: Inspired by the culinary genius of beloved former Zodiac chef Helen Corbitt, Neiman Marcus' chefs have created an unforgettable holiday dinner for six to eight people. The four-course meal begins with Warm Crab Dip in Artichoke Bottoms and is followed by Sweet Texas Corn Chowder. For the main course, customers can choose from Smoked Center-Cut Pork Loin with a Cranberry-Pumpkin Chutney or Smoked
Whole Turkey with Roasted Shallot Pan Gravy. Each is served with Sweet Potatoes, Jalapeño Cornbread Stuffing, Three-Cheese Braised Spinach, Chilled Cranberry Soufflé and Monkey Bread with Strawberry Butter. The crowning touch is a Silver Yule Log with White and Dark Chocolate. ($450 for Turkey Dinner; $490 for Pork Loin Dinner) Silver Book
In addition to the over-the-top gifts for which Neiman Marcus' Christmas Book is famous, the specialty retailer serves up imaginative gifts for absolutely everyone on any holiday list. Neiman Marcus' "Panic Gifts" include a Versace bottle stopper, Kate Spade photo book, pewter cell phone flask, His and Hers grooming kits and more, all priced under $100.
"We've created Neiman Marcus' Christmas Book as both a serious resource to find the world's most exotic gifts and as a wonderful source of entertainment and interest," said Karen Katz, President and CEO of Neiman Marcus Direct. "We are especially excited about our new three book format which highlights the outstanding merchandise and puts a new twist on Neiman Marcus' most celebrated tradition."
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