Neiman Marcus launches new ready-to-wear collection, Salon 1884

In keeping with its 115-year tradition of bringing emerging designers to market, the tony Dallas retailer has made another emerging brand, Salon 1884 its own. The ready-to-wear collection was designed and founded by contemporary New York artist Andrea Mary Marshall, known for her striking self-portraits and penchant for reimagining VO
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Covers of GUE magazine by borrowing themes from famous artists such as Klimt, Gauguin and Matisse.

The name comes from John Singer Sargent’s “Portrait of Madame X,” an 1884 portrait of socialite Virginie Amélie Avegno Gautreau, wife of French banker Pierre Gautreau. It’s a nod to Marshall’s career as a self-portrait artist and creative in the art and fashion industries that inspired her contemporary lifestyle designs. The name of the collection is perhaps a misnomer as the clothing from the first issue #1 1984 channels more than the golden age.

For example, the first offering includes a leather blazer with padded shoulders and pleated pants effect, double-breasted suit jackets, black and white polka dot combos, and draped and gathered long skirts with high slits. There’s all the appeal of searching your favorite vintage store for the perfect retro style, rather than finding it new.

In particular, the artist-slash-designer was inspired by the 1988 film Working Girl starring Melanie Griffith. “I love the styling from the film – power suits with oversized trench coats worn over the shoulders!” Edition #2 will build on the first collection but introduce new silhouettes and colours. According to Marshall, the line uses local manufacturing in New York City’s Garment District and is made in factories that adhere to ethical labor standards. Garments are responsibly made from eco-conscious materials including recycled knits, peace silk and vegetable tanned leather.

Jodi Kahn, Senior Director, DMM for Women’s Designer RTW at Neiman Marcus agrees. “We are passionate about supporting the exclusive launch of Salon 1884’s debut collection. The designs are feminine and sophisticated while being understated. The pieces can be easily integrated into your own wardrobe. Salon 1884 has the novelty and fashion forward approach our customers are looking for without trying too hard, and we think this collection will resonate with them,” she says.

Despite her fame as an artist, Marshall has over a decade of experience as a fashion designer, having received her BFA from Parsons School of Design. “Salon 1884 is designed for the modern woman and her unique style style. Edition no. 01 is photographed as a series of ‘selfies’ that reflect the way women interact with and experience fashion today – through her own lens, as she chooses to be seen,” says Marshall, who of course also stars in the campaign .

The pandemic increased her desire to launch her line. “Many of my friends work in the creative industries as artists, gallery owners, stylists, editors, etc., and I was inspired to design for these women who want to look and feel elegant and confident,” Marshall said in an email interview . She insists her art and fashion designs are separate disciplines. “For me, these are two different practices. Salon 1884 is what I want to wear to the gallery opening,” she continued.

Marshall studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design. “After graduating, I worked in various freelance jobs in fashion design, fashion illustration, styling and art direction to support my career in the fine arts,” she added.

This debut collection is available exclusively at NeimanMarcus.com and Neiman Marcus NorthPark and Los Angeles. Retail prices range from $1,050 for a bodysuit to $3,490 for a shearling jacket. To celebrate the launch, Jodi Kahn and Paolo Riva, GM brand partnerships and designer and Neiman merchandising, were present in the Chelsea Hotel’s Bard Room for an intimate dinner attended by Coco Rocha, stylist Bailey Moon, Brie Welch and others.