Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, in efforts to build up their respective customer bases in an increasingly competitive marketplace, last week hosted previews of preferred autumn-winter selections.
Both stores presented the expected array of pricey ready-to-wear and accessories that reflect corporate directives for what women should add to their wardrobes to appear stylishly up to date.
Specific "in" colors, constructions, fabrics and overall themes are covered during the sessions. Although Neiman Marcus has conducted the displays in seasons past, it was a first-time effort at Saks.
Neiman's general manager Beth Pine discussed the trends of the season with an audience of about 40 women, all of whom frequent the store often, over lunch and a fashion show on the store's second floor.
Saks' presentation, a catered luncheon and show for about 25 young island women, was overseen by store manager Lori Berg and served to introduce the Worth Avenue branch's newly installed special events and marketing manager, Elisabeth Munder, to the community.
"We wanted to reach out to local women who we see as the 'it' girls of Palm Beach," Berg said.
Munder's arrival and some changes and additions to the store's merchandise mix this fall should "kick up its fashion quotient a notch," she said.
Noteworthy was that both stores, perhaps in recognition of the current economic downturn and the realization that even the affluent might want to watch their wallets, included on-trend merchandise that they consider more affordable, yet just as stylish as a top-price designer-label offerings.
"We showed designer looks but also some of our favorite (less expensive) contemporary and denim pieces," Munder said. "And all the 'big and bold' necklaces (one of Saks' fall 'must-haves') were costume. We tried to present a range of price levels."
At Neiman Marcus, featured high-ticket pieces included a 7-carat diamond cocktail ring, Yves Saint Laurent's Uptown handbag, Manolo Blahnik's $945 limited-edition Sex and the City shoes and La Prairie's $1,000 tub of platinum-infused moisturizer.
Lower-priced alternatives included $325 clutches and designer and fashion jewelry pieces that were equally in tune with the times.
"I wanted to let people know that there are things we have at price points you might not expect at Neiman Marcus," Pine said.
"I was interested in seeing what fall fashion is all about," islander Julie Rudolph said at the Neiman's luncheon.
She planned to shop for some new shoes and perhaps something "elegant and feminine" for her wardrobe for the season.
"I'll be out there shopping to help the economy," said island resident Lynda Foster, also a guest at Pine's luncheon. "At least that's what I tell my husband."
Foster liked the mix of high- and lower-priced pieces shown by the store.
"My eyes have been opened to color," islander Tricia Burt said at the close of the Neiman's presentation. "I always seem to buy black clothes, but I've already bought a lot of color this season, thanks to Beth's suggestions.
Burt called Pine her style inspiration and, while doing a bit of browsing through the racks, was considering the purchase of a romantic ruffled-front Vince-label blouse.
"It's only $165," she said, acknowledging the store's stock of affordable, yet stylish merchandise.
