by Lance | Oct 12, 2022 | Blog
First Look Art Preview Kicks Off Two X Two for AIDS and Art
By Rob Giardinelli Photography by Bruno and Snap The Picture
Cindy and Howard Rachofsky
THE SETTING: The residence of Cindy and Howard Rachofsky in Dallas was the setting for a kick-off of one of the Lone Star State’s most well-known and most successful philanthropic fundraisers, Two X Two for AIDS and Art. Over 450 top philanthropists, art patrons and sociables were on hand for First Look. The event, presented by Neiman Marcus, allowed art-lovers the opportunity to preview the works of art available for auction in advance of Two X Two gala on Saturday October 22nd.
Christian and Jordan Jones Munoz
THE STYLE: The elevated cocktail attire crowd got into the giving…and holiday spirit. As guests approached the red bow-wrapped Rachofsky home for the evening’s festivities, they were greeted by artificial snow falling and holiday-clad ice skaters in a specially constructed rink that created a festive mood. One inside the winter wonderland-themed night continued where partygoers encountered beautifully lit trees, candy cane striped accents and the opportunity to pose for photos with Santa.
Jessica Nowitzki and Robyn Sills
Revelers mingled about the Rachofsky residence where the fun flowed as freely as the cocktails. The evening offered two signature cocktails, a Belvedere Claus-mopolitan and Cindy’s Margarita and Anejo Tequila featuring Tequila Casa Dragones, which was named in honor of the event hostess. As guests sipped on their favorite spirits, they had the opportunity to preview a selection of the 131 expertly curated art pieces and luxury packages to be featured at Two X Two, most of which are curated by event host Howard Rachofsky himself.
Fenil Ghodadra and Kira Nasrat
After finishing the preview of the spectacular packages, the fun continued with a host of magical experiences that left the audience wanting more. Thrill seekers were able to play various games for prizes around the Rachofsky grounds including tossing ping pong balls into wreaths in the pool, guessing the number of peppermints in a jar and knocking down a tower of Neiman Marcus gift-wrapped boxes with a baseball. To top it all off, partygoers were able to dance the night away around a snowglobe to the tunes DJ RomiQ that kept the party going well into the night.
Lisa and John Runyon
Todd Fiscus and Ceron
THE PURPOSE: First Look and the upcoming, sold-out Two X Two black-tie gala, hosted by Cindy and Howard Rachofsky and John and Lisa Runyon, raises funds for amfAR and the Dallas Museum of Art. During the much heralded 22-year history of the event, it has raised over $100 million dollars for the two organizations.
Abigail and Fred Perpall
by Lance | Oct 29, 2021 | Blog
By Lance Avery Morgan Photography courtesy of Neiman Marcus
If you grew up in Texas, or even if you just arrived, you very likely know about Neiman Marcus’ The Christmas Book. Growing up, I loved pouring over the catalog to finally arrive at the season’s extravagant His & Hers gifts that would jump off the page. From owning exotic camels, to sailing the world in a hot air balloon, anything seemed possible from those pages. Now, re-live the excitement of the fabled Texas brand’s luxe look at gifting (and receiving) with the newest 2021 holiday guide offers a world of possibilities. Here are a few of our favorite things we are considering this year…
Vista Alegre Personalized Dinnerware and Portugal Trip
We all look forward to the holiday season as a time to connect with their families and loved ones, embracing traditions old and new, wouldn’t you agree? First, the Vista Alegre personalized dinnerware & Portugal trip invites you to explore the rich history, stunning architecture, and the natural beauty of Portugal all while helping to design your own bespoke fine porcelain place setting for 12 to elevate even the most experienced entertainer’s tablescapes ($80,000; pages 82–83).
Little People, BIG DREAMS London Adventure Fantasy Gift
For avid readers and dreamers alike, the Little People, Big Dreams London Adventure will have you and your little ones traveling to London and working closely with author Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara and the illustrators to cowrite your own inspirational story and turn it into your very own special edition of the Little People, Big Dreams library ($35,000; pages 90–91).
The Mughal Heart Diamond Fantasy Gift
Then, there’s the breathtaking Mughal Heart Diamond, a spectacular 30.86-carat diamond that includes the extraordinary bonus of naming the stone through the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), linking to your family forever ($6,100,000; pages 88–89).
Throughout the over 60-year history of the Fantasy Gifts, we love that they have evolved to reflect the interests and priorities of the customers and world around them. For this reason, Neiman Marcus is proud to introduce two of this year’s gifts that celebrate the steps we can take, both large and small, toward being more sustainable.
Barrett-Jackson Hummer Ev Edition 1
For the forward-thinking explorers, the Barrett-Jackson Hummer Ev Edition 1 makes every drive a journey to remember with this exclusive edition of the world’s first fully electric super truck curated by automotive expert and Barrett-Jackson Chairman and CEO Craig Jackson. This Fantasy Gift experience includes VIP access for two to the owner’s skybox and the opportunity to “drop the gavel” on the world-famous auction block at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction ($285,000, pages 78–79).
he Ultimate Renewable Luxury Experience with Neiman Marcus & Fashionphile Fantasy Gift
For those looking to refresh their closet, The Ultimate Renewable Luxury Experience With Neiman Marcus & Fashionphile, is the perfect gift to combine your love of fashion and your love of the planet. As part of the three-part ultimate circular-economy shopping experience, customers will have Neiman Marcus and Fashionphile experts assist them in identifying items in their closet to sell to Fashionphile before embarking on a whopping $100,000 shopping spree at their preferred store with Neiman Marcus Fashion & Lifestyle Director Lisa Aiken to fill their newly cleaned out closet with the best in fashion. From there, the customer will go to the Fashionphile headquarters to meet Founder and President Sarah Davis. Upon arrival, the customer will be presented with an all- access pass from Sarah Davis, who will help in selecting five vintage pieces to borrow and swap out anytime. ($345,000; pages 80–81).
The Roaring Twenties Party By Bronson van Wyck Fantasy Gift
Surely it wouldn’t be a Fantasy Gifts list without presenting once-in-a-lifetime, unforgettable experiences that you can only access through the magic of Neiman Marcus. With 19 of your closest friends, indulge in excess and exuberance with The Roaring Twenties Party By Bronson Van Wyck, one of our favorite hosts-with-the-most. This Fantasy Gift offers an exclusive throwback soirée at the Apollo Theater, the legendary Harlem landmark, designed by party planner extraordinaire Bronson van Wyck. Start the night by seeing your name in lights on the marquee, and then enjoy amazing music, cocktails, and dining experiences, all on the Apollo stage to celebrate the joy and magic of being together. ($395,000; pages 86–87).
Winter Magic with Lindsey Vonn at Caldera House Fantasy Gift
And finally, Winter Magic With Lindsey Vonn At Caldera Houseembodies the chicness of après ski at Jackson Hole’s premier luxury hotel and the excitement of hitting the slopes with international champion skier Lindsey Vonn with five of your closest friends, all in one unparalleled mountaintop experience ($235,000; pages 84–85). Swoosh!
So, what are you waiting for? These glam luxury gifts are designed to ignite the magic and whimsy the holidays have brought to customers since childhood, while also creating meaningful experiences, heirlooms, and memories to last a lifetime. Always a vital part of communities, each of this year’s Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts includes a charitable donation to organizations including The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation, The Lindsey Vonn Foundation, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, The Apollo Theater Foundation, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For more information, visit any Neiman Marcus store or Neiman Marcus.
