Ted Lasso Stars Reveal the Neiman Marcus Holiday Fantasy Gifts in a Swank Los Angeles Soirée

In a leap from home base in Dallas to the iconic Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, Neiman Marcus on Tuesday unveiled its annual Christmas Book and Fantasy Gifts with a holiday-infused cocktail party hosted by Juno Temple (Keely Jones) and Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt) of the Emmy-award winning television series Ted Lasso.

A fashion-forward clutch of models, stylists, and social swells from the LA firmament joined the outdoor soirée that featured seven “artfully curated” vignettes, each of which revealed one of the Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts. The most sublime of all is the 30.86-carat Mughal heart diamond, priced at $6.1 million. (See it on pages 88 and 89 of the 200-page Christmas Book, which should be hitting mailboxes shortly.)

An eighth vignette, a nod to the luxury retailer’s holiday campaign theme of “Celebrate Big, Love Even Bigger,” was dubbed The Gift Suite. Within the giant red box were gift suggestions for everyone with possibilities ranging from a $32 chocolate-drinking Santa to a YSL Puffer Small Shearling Shoulder Bag priced at $2,990.

Entertainment for the evening focused on a live dance performance that is featured in Neiman Marcus’ new holiday campaign video — a love story set to “It Had to Be You.” The contemporary rendition of the classic song is performed by independent pop singer and songwriter Rachel Norman with choreography by Emmy-award winning choreographer Al Blackstone.

Following the performance, guests were welcomed by Neiman Marcus chief marketing officer Darren “Daz” McColl and the Ted Lasso duo, both dressed by Neiman Marcus style advisors. Temple styled an Alexander McQueen T-shirt, Dior bomber jacket, and Versace boots and bag while Dunster was outfitted in an Amiri blazer with Alexander McQueen pants, a Kiton sweater, and Christian Louboutin shoes.

The Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts 2021

Roaring Twenties Party

Cost: $395,000 | A charitable donation of $50,000 will be made to the Apollo Theater Foundation.

Party planner extraordinaire Bronson van Wyck will put together the party of a lifetime for the buyer and 19 friends. The Apollo Theater will be retro-decorated to the era of flappers and bootleggers. “Wearing flapper-esque costume elements curated by Bronson, guests will enjoy exquisite hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and a three-course dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef,” reads the gift reveal. Expect live music on stage, a late-night DJ, and a professional photographer to record the extravaganza.

Barrett-Jackson HUMMER EV Edition 1

Cost: $285,000. | A charitable donation of $10,000 will be made to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.

It’s the world’s first fully-electric super truck and the package comes with an electric charging station installed in your home. The buyer receives two VIP passes to the owner’s personal skybox at the 2022 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 22-30, and the opportunity to “drop the gavel” on the world-famous auction block.

The Ultimate Renewable Fashion Experience

Cost: $345,000. | A charitable donation of $10,000 will be made to Ellen MacArthur Foundation.

Fashionphile founder Sarah Davis and Neiman Marcus Fashion and Lifestyle Director Lisa Aiken will visit your closet and edit out pieces to sell in the ultimate fashion recycling style. The item includes a $100,000 Neiman Marcus gift card and a private (store closed) shopping excursion with Aiken and finally, first-class round-trip flights for you and a friend to the Fashionphile headquarters in Carlsbad, California, and two nights at the luxurious Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara, North San Diego. You’ll also be able to select five vintage pieces and swap them out as often as you wish during the following 12 months.

Little People, Big Dreams London Adventure

Cost: $35,000 | A charitable donation of $10,000 will be made to Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Travel to London with your youngster to meet with Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, author and creator of the best-selling series, Little People, BIG DREAMS.  Not only does your own little get to co-write and create a personalized edition featuring a story from your family, you’ll receive 25 copies of the professionally bound book as well as the full 50-book Little People, BIG DREAMS collection.

Winter Magic with Lindsey Vonn

Cost: $35,000 | A charitable donation of $10,000 will be made to the Lindsey Vonn Foundation.

Designer ski togs from Neiman Marcus, three nights for six guests in one of the four-bedroom suites at Jackson Hole’s uber luxurious Caldera House, personalized ski gear outfitting, and aprés ski in the member’s lounge with Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn.

The Vista Alegre Personalized Dinnerware & Portugal Trip

Cost: $80,000 | That includes a$10,000 charitable donation to The Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation.

A carefully curated six-day tour for two through the romantic villages of Portugal includes yachting adventures, private tours through Lisbon, and a helicopter tour above the lush Arrábida coastal area. Highlight of the trip will be the visit to Vista Alegre, one of the most prestigious porcelain Portuguese brands, to design your own bespoke fine porcelain place settings for 12.

The Mughal Heart Diamond

Cost: $6.1 million. | A charitable donation of $300,000 will be made to Heart of Neiman Marcus Foundation

The 30.86-carat gem is D-color, internally flawless, Type lla, and mounted in a Harry Winston platinum setting. As the catalog notes, it’s “the ultimate expression of everlasting love, and an example of the unique and unparalleled gemstones Neiman Marcus offers.” In addition to owning this masterpiece, you will have the rare opportunity to rename it after whomever you choose. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will issue a monograph confirming the change.