At Neiman Marcus's Inaugural Bejeweled Gala, Fine Jewels Shone Brighter than Usual
Dallas is peculiar when it comes to aesthetics; a case study that is equally as camp as it is sophisticated (Why is there a massive eyeball sitting at a park right across from the lux Joule Hotel?). But, surely what cannot be debated is the city's affinity for sartorial glamour: the bouffant hair and long evening gowns amplified by big bright jewels are what come to mind when one thinks of Dallas women. Grand appearances of this sort are always a wonderful spectacle to bear witness to and were thoroughly practiced last Thursday at Neiman Marcus's first Bejeweled Gala.
It was a crisp southern evening when a line of black SUVs, with the occasion of a Bentley or G-Wagon, lined outside of the wildly inconvenient driveway of the Swexan Hotel waiting to drop off their passengers. Once out, they scurried inside and ascended to the hotel's ballroom where a literal jewel box awaited them.
Brooches in the shapes of starfish made of sapphire and diamonds shone next to emerald and gold bangles at the Margot McKinney stand. Iridescent pearl necklaces sat at Assael, where guests, many of which private clients, couldn't help but try on their craning necks. A pearl pin made for a good ascot holder and brooch for the men who fancied (such as this editor). At the Paul Fisher Vintage and Rare, a plethora of breathtaking jewels like an unnamed emerald bracelet outlined by diamonds in the shape of leaves. Standing alone, a sapphire necklace by Bayco, reminiscent of the Heart of the Ocean Rose wore in the Titanic movie, stood on a solo stand like a glamorous movie star. The whimsy was at the Chopard stand, where a ring depicted a hummingbird feeding from a massive yellow precious stone. Whose finger could withstand the weight? Who cares? There were other jewels forged in bird motifs, such as a Boucheron earring which a client gleefully tried on while a violinist powered a regal evening.
"We wanted to bring to light the breadth of the assortment we have," Tatiana Birkelund, VP/GM Beauty & Jewelry at Neiman Marcus tells T&C. "Jewelry marks moments. You know, you can ask someone about a piece and they know exactly when they got it and why they got it. We are proud of what we offer in jewelry, from colored gemstones to colored pearls... here, we have a group that exemplifies that." Think of the evening as not just a buying event, but a fashion editorial in physical form.
"The Bejeweled book started in 2012, which showcases coveted pieces by our brands," Ryan Ross, President of Neiman Marcus and Head of NMG Customer Insights, tells T&C. "What better way for Neiman Marcus to throw a ball to bring it to life? November 1st is the official start of the holiday, I think. Our clients are thinking about their holiday outfits and jewels, but also the gifts that are being given."
Nabil Allifi, chief brand officer at Neiman Marcus, brought the book to life as he chatted with clients and designers about jewelry throughout time who listened with immense fascination. He, himself, wore a statement necklace with his black tie attire, perhaps signaling men's jewelry in a modern world.
Dinner? Oh yes, that was a three-course meal with entertainment by the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and Van Cliburn pianist, Fei-Fei Dong. People spoke of the jewels they loved most, jewels they were to send, and jewels they were wearing. Since 1907, Neiman Marcus has been an emblem of luxury shopping; a revolutionary vehicle of shopping for the aesthetically driven Texans. Could this be the next step?
Ava Gizdavich, Julie Wooley, and Stephanie Park.
Nabil Aliffi, Tatiana Birkelund, and Ryan Ross.
The even took place at the Swexan Hotel.
At the event, clients were able to try on pieces from various jewelry brands.
Client wearing Boucheron.
Van Cliburn Finalist Fei-Fei Dong.
Bayco.
Boucheron.
Chopard.
Margot McKinney.
Paul Fisher Vintage & Rare.
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