Neiman Marcus Unveils 1995 Christmas Book With High-Flying His And Hers United Airlines 777 Package
DALLAS — September 11, 1995 — Neiman Marcus launched the latest edition of its famous Christmas Book today in Dallas.
Leading the list of gifts is the 1995 His and Hers — "Name the Plane" — the customer's choice of name on a United Airlines 777 painted in foot-high letters on the nose of the plane, and an unlimited first-class travel pass for two good for one year. Other extras include a VIP trip to Seattle to tour the Boeing facility in which the "Triple 7" is made and a "flight" in the 777 simulator.
"This is truly a one-of-a-kind gift unattainable anywhere except in the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book," says Burt Tansky, chairman and CEO of Neiman Marcus, who greeted customers and the news media at a lunch party at Love Field. "The pricing is unique, too," adds Tansky. "We will take bids on the His and Hers gift opening at $ 100,000. Any amount over that will be donated to our 1995 Christmas Book charity, AmeriCares."
The surprises don't stop with the His and Hers gift. For James Bond wanna-bes, Neiman Marcus offers the new limited edition BMW Z3 Roadster, a replica of the car driven by Pierce Brosnan in the upcoming James Bond movie, "GoldenEye." The two-seater convertible, in metallic "Bond blue," comes with an all-leather interior, telephone with answering machine, stereo CD player, custom wood trim, and other extras. Plus, for orders placed by Oct. 31, 1995, customers will receive two VIP tickets to a benefit screening of "GoldenEye" in Los Angeles hosted by Brosnan. Price: $ 35,000.
To cruise the "information superhighway," Neiman Marcus and boxer-short guru Joe Boxer present the Cyberscooter: a restored, polka-dotted Vespa moped complete with cellular telephone, answering machine and Motorola Envoy Wireless Communicator, allowing the rider to transmit E-mail and faxes and access the Internet. And, perhaps most importantly, it comes with a 30-day supply of boxer shorts. Price: $ 10,000.
For the ultimate chess challenge, a Vertical Chess Set crafted of rich mahogany with Lucite shelves upon which the five-to seven-inch tall wooden chess pieces are put into play. The three-dimensional chess board is 7 feet square and is sure to add a new dimension to the venerable game. Price: $ 8,300 for the vertical "board"; $ 2,840 for 32 playing pieces.
Folk art or a farewell fantasy? From one of the last remaining artisans in Ghana, West Africa, whimsical, larger-than-life, brightly painted, hand-carved Fantasy Coffins. Originally designed for the Ga people of Ghana to honor the trades and pastimes of the dearly departed, these wooden coffins are now highly valued as original West African folk art. Neiman Marcus commissioned examples for this year's Christmas Book including a red-hot chili pepper and a golden eagle. They are the ultimate conversation piece displayed in a home or, properly protected, outdoors. Price: $ 3,000 each for your custom commissioned piece.
Take a ride this holiday season on Neiman Marcus' Bicycle Built for Four, an unusual four-seat, 24-speed tandem cycle. Designed to be ridden by four adults or two adults and two children, the jade-green cycles are custom built by Santana to fit the tallest and shortest riders for great outdoor fun and recreation. Price: $ 8,795. For the cowboy- or cowgirl-at heart, Neiman Marcus offers a Mechanical Longhorn Steer, covered in cowhide and featuring 20 speeds that are computer controlled for bucking at your own pace, at your own private rodeo. Price: $ 20,000.
From the world of Precious Jewels, Neiman Marcus offers a one-of-a-kind Diamond Necklace of 18-kt. gold and yellow diamonds — 185.5 carats in all, including 90 pear-shaped stones, 21 marquise diamonds, and 55 oval diamonds. The necklace contains the finest collection of yellow diamonds available in the world. Price: at $ 900,000, the most costly gift in the catalog.
Fly-Fishing goes Fashionable for women this year, as Neiman Marcus offers an ensemble designed for form and function. Purple Neoprene waders, fishing vest and waterproof hiking boots are paired with top-of-the-line rod, reel and other equipment to add a new element of style for female patrons of this popular sport. Price: $ 1,889.
For a ride on the wild side, Neiman Marcus will host an exclusive Motorcycle Tour through Arizona and Colorado for 60 "carefree riders." Slated for May 1996, riders will convene at The Boulders in Carefree, Ariz. and travel through the cliffs and canyons of Sedona and Monument Valley and other scenic sites, enjoying five-star dining and entertainment along the way. Riders will finish the tour at The Peaks at Telluride, Colo., where they'll be met with Champagne and caviar. Price: $ 2,900 per person, double occupancy.
In the true spirit of the holidays, Neiman Marcus will donate a portion of the sales of all merchandise featuring the Christmas Book's cover art (designed by Dallas artist Kelly Stribling Sutherland), plus any funds raised over the minimum bid from the auction of the His and Hers gift to AmeriCares, a disaster relief organization which airlifts emergency medical supplies across the globe.
The Neiman Marcus Christmas Book will be distributed to more than 3 million customers worldwide. To inquire about Christmas Book merchandise or place an order, call 1-800-825-8000.
CONTACT:
Neiman Marcus
Jodie Corley, 214/573-5778
Liz Barrett, 214/573-5783
Carolyn Cobb, 214/573-5622