Hi Everyone,
It’s not every day that you get the chance to capture a piece of history, especially when that history is so deeply personal. As many of you may know, Neiman Marcus has been an iconic flagship location in Downtown Dallas for nearly 120 years. This store has not only been a beacon of style and sophistication, but it’s also been incredibly special to me as a Dallas native. Its rich history and lasting impact on the city felt like a truly significant moment—one that I felt compelled to honor through my lens.
Growing up in Dallas, Neiman Marcus was more than just a high-end department store; it was a cultural touchstone for the entire city. I remember the excitement of receiving The Christmas Book each year and flipping through its pages, filled with the most luxurious holiday gifts. It was a Dallas tradition, and it always embodied the essence of timeless style.
When I was in high school, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at Neiman Marcus corporate, and that experience helped deepen my connection to the brand. Over the years, a strong relationship developed between my company and the store, allowing me to see my Gray Malin art, iPhone cases, cocktail kits, trays, and more displayed in their beautiful spaces. It’s truly been a part of my story since the beginning.
Years later in 2017, I experienced a surreal, full-circle moment when I was included in their Fantasy Gift List, a famed tradition Neiman Marcus has upheld for over 60 years. Featured in their annual Christmas Book, these gifts are one-of-a-kind luxury items and exclusive experiences. Being a part of this was a huge milestone for me. My gift was an aerial photo adventure, where I got to host a private one-hour helicopter ride over Malibu with one other person, capturing photos of the scene below. It was a very special experience that I still cherish today.
When I first heard about the opportunity to honor the flagship store, I quickly got to work on how I could bring my vision of cherishing this place to life. The idea behind this collection is to pay tribute to a location that’s been so intertwined with the Dallas community. This shoot, with its nod to Texas heritage (a majestic longhorn window shopping!), is my way of honoring Neiman Marcus as both a cultural institution and a deeply personal symbol.
Thank you for joining me in honoring Neiman Marcus, its legacy, and its lasting place in the heart of Dallas. I hope you all enjoy these images as much as I will, for years to come.
Xx,
Gray Malin