From Princess Grace Kelly to Glamorous Galas, Moments at Neiman Marcus’ Iconic Dallas Flagship Store [PHOTOS]

Neiman Marcus Dallas flagship store opened its doors to the public in 1907. Its founders ,Herbert Marcus and sister Carrie Marcus Neiman (married to Al Neiman), saw the burgeoning landscape of Dallas as an opportunity for a unique department store model.  Stanley Marcus, son of Herbert Marcus, joined the family clothing store mid-century. Under Stanley, who created the famous Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalogue, Neiman Marcus became the destination for luxury shopping in America’s southern hemisphere. The store almost met its demise in 1964 when a fire destroyed a portion of the interior, but it reopened just 27 days later.

Stanley’s vision for the Dallas flagship included contemporary advertising campaigns to rival his competition and the must-attend Neiman’s Fortnight Gala, which ran from 1957 to 1986. The event, themed to country-specific destinations, welcomed dignitaries and royals to Dallas, including HRH Princess Margaret and Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco, as well as United States Presidents. He also honored and continued the Neiman Marcus Award, a yearly award for excellence in fashion fields, created by Carrie Marcus Neiman beginning in 1938.

The Neiman Marcus flagship store would eventually come to define the Dallas downtown district for locals and visitors. Over the years, it became known for glamorous events, in-store promotions, fashion and trunk shows that featured American and international designers. The store also hosted notable celebrity-attended soirées, many captured in WWD’s “Eye” pages.

Here is a look back at notable coverage from Neiman Marcus Dallas flagship store events from the Fairchild Archive.