Brunello Cucinelli celebrated by Neiman Marcus in Dallas

DALLAS — Neiman Marcus celebrated Brunello Cucinelli and some of his biggest fans on Tuesday night at a Candlelit dinner for 200 in the Hall of State culminating in fireworks cascading over the famous Art Deco building in Fair Park.

"It's overwhelming," Cucinelli said in an interview. "We are truly honored to be here."

Big spenders came from Dallas-Fort Worth, New Orleans and both coasts to the celebration, which marked the same-day launch of the Icon collection for men and women that Cucinelli created exclusively for the retailer. The event also highlighted the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion he received last month in Paris.

The prize is the driving force behind a year of promotion from Cucinelli which will include an exclusive fall collection inspired by Hollywood glamor and an LA party, noted Merchandising Director Lana Todorovich, wearing a Cucinelli belted pantsuit, heeled sandals and an interlocking Spinelli Kilcollin ring.

"It's the whole idea of ​​continuing to build a relationship with our customers", a- she explained. "It's a big investment and a powerful creative effort by him and his team."

Sold in 10 Neiman stores and online, the Icon collection is off to a fast start, with "many" customers buying all 50 pieces," she said. Looks include elaborate Opera knitwear, which some people collect, in numbered editions of 24 and styles with Cucinelli's signature monilli chain offered for the first time in your gold.

"It's really loved by our customers," Todorovich said. “During the pandemic, Brunello held virtual Zoom meetings with hundreds of our clients. His message of optimism, hope and a reminder that humanity has already gone through trials and tribulations was truly something they looked forward to. »

Cucinelli met customers over champagne on the terrace at the entrance to the building during the sweet evening. During dinner, he strolled along the two long tables, stopping to toast individual groups and check that the men in the sound booth had something to eat, which is his custom, according to a Cucinelli spokesperson.

The Hall of State facade features dramatic 76-foot limestone pillars in front of a blue tile wall curves and a gold leaf statue of an archer. Inside, the main hall features a 46-foot painted ceiling towering above a green marble floor flanked by fluted square limestone columns and murals of events in Texas history.

Neiman's decorated the columns with black and white enlargements of Stanley Marcus presenting the Neiman Marcus Award at the legendary designers, including Yves Saint Laurent.

"When I saw the grand entrance to this building, I was really impressed", Cucinelli said in an interview. “As soon as you walk in, you are welcomed into this beautiful room. It is an architecture that lasts 1000 years."

Standing beneath the huge golden medallion at the end of the hallway, Neiman Marcus Group CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck introduced Cucinelli as "a designer, an entrepreneur and, above all, a humanist".

Cucinelli and five of his executives all wore cream Stetsons as they took to the white podium.

"I'm very moved and honored to be here," the designer told...