Stanley Marcus Papers

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About the Collection

The Stanley Marcus Papers contain manuscripts, documents, publications and photographs related to the long, productive life of Stanley Marcus (1905-2002) and the history of the Neiman Marcus store.

From its inception in Dallas in September 1907, Neiman Marcus provided exclusive merchandise, previously only available in Paris and New York, to the discerning buyer. The concept of a high fashion store on a European scale selling ready-to-wear clothing was formed by the three founders: Herbert Marcus, his sister Carrie Marcus Neiman, and her husband, Al Neiman. All in their twenties and without much experience, they seemed an unlikely trio to found the store that came to symbolize the finest in luxury merchandise and customer service.

Born in Dallas, Stanley was the eldest of Herbert Marcus’s sons. He graduated from Harvard University in 1925. After attending Harvard Business School, Stanley joined the firm in 1926. He was a creative man with new ideas for the retail market. He conceived the idea of weekly fashion shows, the first in the country, and introduced bridal shows. Eventually, all four Marcus brothers worked in the store and made their own unique contributions. To avoid confusion between the Marcus men, staff members started using their first names, calling them Mr. Herbert, Mr. Stanley, Mr. Edward, Mr. Herbert, Jr. and Mr. Lawrence.

In 1938, Stanley inaugurated the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion, bringing European and American fashion designers and women of style to Dallas. Called the “Oscars of the Fashion Industry,” recipients included Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, Pierre Balmain, Grace Kelly, Cecil Beaton, Estee Lauder, Valentino, Bill Blass, and Oscar de la Renta.

For the 50th anniversary of the store in 1957, Mr. Stanley had the brilliant idea to bring international culture to North Texas in the form of the first Fortnight event celebrating France. Almost overnight, the downtown store was transformed complete with a French theme and products throughout, and Fortnight was an instant success. Fortnights, each focused on a different country, continued to be a much-loved annual event in Dallas into the 1980s.