Fashion Focus

9 spring trends as dictated by Neiman Marcus expert Ken Downing (plus his Fashion Week must-have)

When we want to know the hottest fashion trends of the season, we turn to Ken Downing, the man behind all things fashion at Neiman Marcus. We asked him for the lowdown on what to buy for spring and what the next month entails for this front-row fixture at fashion weeks around the world. Right now the style guru is in New York, where designers are debuting fall 2015 collections. Then he’s off to London, Milan and Paris. Such is the life.

CultureMap: Tell us what we need for spring.

Ken Downing: This spring, all roads lead to the 1970s. Romanticism, exoticism and escapism defined the runways of the world, ushering in an era of the new bohemian:

Jet-set meets gyp-set, with maxi and midi skirts and dresses defined by ruffles, flounces and handkerchief hems.
Boho blouses and tunics, embellished with elaborate embroidery and punctuated with patterns, prints and artisanal patchwork, allow you to embrace your inner Stevie Nicks.
A ’70s staple, denim appears flared or tattered, torn and distressed. It looks great when worn with more denim or with the prettiness of a peasant top.
The flat sandal and flatform are the foundation for spring’s longer lengths.
Fringe swings and sways, from ready-to-wear handbags and shoes, giving your wardrobe immediate new bohemian credit.
Rugged meets refined, with long and layered necklaces in strands of colorful beads, turquoise and coral, that add to the wanderlust of the hippie spirit that defines the look.
Color takes inspiration from sun-baked shades of Moroccan spice markets: Cayenne, paprika, saffron and sage add spice to a spring/summer wardrobe for her and for him.
Spring’s patterns and prints insist you mix, don’t match, for a look inspired by the runways of men’s and women’s collections that easily translates into the reality of your wardrobe.
A sporty attitude gives the beat of the street to many of my favorite looks. Sneakers, skaters and high-tops lend an urban edge to the season.

CM: What shows are you planning to attend at New York Fashion Week?

KD: I attend many shows during New York Fashion Week — collections of designers who I know, love and consider friends, as well as new and emerging talents that I am interested in introducing to the Neiman Marcus customers around the country and around the world in my stores and online.

CM: How many shows a day do you go to?

KD: I attend more than 115 shows during New York Fashion Week alone, and that’s just the beginning. From New York I continue on to London, Milan and Paris, returning to the U.S. to begin my national and international travels curating fashion shows, celebrating the current season and meeting my enthusiastic customers who can’t get enough of a fashion moment!

CM: Take us through a typical day during Fashion Week.

KD: A typical day is rarely typical during New York Fashion Week, with so many shows on my itinerary. I start my morning front row and end my evenings front row.

In between fashion shows and presentations, I attend showroom appointments with my team, take press and media interviews on the collections of the day, and write trend reports from the back seat of the car. Food is a rarity; lattés are a must! But it’s all invigorating, energizing and exciting. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

CM: What new designers or collections are you looking forward to in New York, London, Milan or Paris?

KD: There are always interesting new and emerging talent that appears on the fashion calendar. In New York, I am looking forward to Gabriela Hearst and Jonathan Simkhai, who will be mounting his first runway show this season.

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Keep up with Downing and his Fashion Week journey on Instagram.

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing attends 115 shows during New York Fashion Week.

Photo by Trevor Paulhus Courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing attends 115 shows during New York Fashion Week.

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Strawberry butter forever

Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon and Zodiac Room live on at NorthPark Dallas

Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

Rendering of the new Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon at NorthPark.

The Neiman Marcus flagship store in downtown Dallas closed its doors for good on September 30, and some longtime customers were so bereft, they dressed in black and laid flowers at the food of the entrance. Many took to social media to share memories of shopping for bridal gowns, dining at The Zodiac Room, and visiting with Santa at Christmas time.

Now there's a ray of light for those mourning the loss: Some of the most most beloved "downtown Neiman's" traditions are getting a second life at NorthPark.

The day after the downtown closure, Neiman Marcus revealed that The Zodiac Room, Bridal Salon, and Santa would move to the NorthPark store.

According to a statement from parent company Exemplar Luxury Group, the additions are part of planned enhancements to the NorthPark store designed to build on Neiman Marcus' history while creating new experiences for customers.

“As we close an important chapter in our history, we do so with immense gratitude for the generations of associates and customers who made our Downtown store so special," the company says. "We are excited to enhance our NorthPark store by infusing new elements that celebrate our storied history, continuing to evolve the experience where our customers prefer to shop.”

Rendering of The Zodiac Room entrance at NorthPark.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

The Zodiac Room popovers live on
One eagerly anticipated arrival is The Zodiac Room, which will open November 20 in the former NM Café space at NorthPark.

"The existing space will be transformed with key design elements from the Downtown Zodiac Room including the turquoise walls, plush banquets, and one-of-a-kind art," the company says.

The menu will be filled with the Zodiac's longtime favorites, including its signature chicken broth, popovers with strawberry butter, Stanley Marcus pot roast, and mandarin orange soufflé - alongside some newly created dishes.

The restaurant will serve a special holiday 2026 feast from November 20-January 2, giving Dallas diners a chance to continue a seasonal tradition that dates back decades. Reservations are now available through OpenTable. (Per a store representative, the restaurant is still listed as NM Cafe NorthPark in OpenTable and will change soon.)

Rendering of The Zodiac Room at NorthPark.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

The Zodiac's move had been teased at the September 17 Crystal Charity Ball Ten Best Dressed Women of Dallas Fashion Show and Luncheon, the final event held at the downtown store. Mary McGreevy, chief stores officer for Exemplar Luxury Group, told the audience, "As we look forward to our future and continuing our legacy of Neiman Marcus at NorthPark, we will celebrate more events, we will celebrate with elevated shopping experiences, and our newly reimagined Zodiac Room, which will be opening right before the holidays."

Now they confirm it will open the week before Thanksgiving.

Here comes the Bridal Salon
In white-hot bridal news, the Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon will also make the move to NorthPark, relocating to the lower level of the store and "offering an intimate space for one of life’s most meaningful experiences," Exemplar says in the statement.

"It was important for the company to continue this tradition as many customers have generations of family members that are Neiman’s brides," they say. "The company will continue to service existing brides with their alterations and fittings at the NorthPark store while the new space is under construction."

Neiman Marcus NorthPark Bridal Salon rendering.Rendering courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Arcadis Inc.

It also fulfills a longtime need for a bridal salon at NorthPark Center in general.

The Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon is scheduled to open in early December. Customers can make new bridal salon appointments via their sales associate or by calling the store.

Santa Claus is coming to NorthPark
One downtown fixture will make the move in person (plug your ears, kids): Felix Estridge, the store's longtime Santa, will bring his Christmas cheer to NorthPark after Thanksgiving. According to the company, he'll continue traditions including photos with Santa and Breakfast with Santa, along with Storytime with Santa and Dine with Santa.

Tickets for the holiday events are now available online.

Neiman Marcus Santa Santa's ready to visit with kiddies at Neiman Marcus NorthPark.Photo courtesy of Neiman Marcus

Downtown art will live on
The downtown store's art collection won't be kept entirely in Dallas.

According to Exemplar, historic art pieces from the flagship will find new homes throughout the Neiman Marcus portfolio, allowing customers around the country to experience pieces of the company's history.

The original Neiman Marcus opened in Dallas in 1914. After years of uncertainty surrounding the downtown location, the company announced in June 2026 that it would close the flagship and concentrate its Dallas presence at NorthPark.

The downtown store's September 30 closing ended a long saga over its future. Neiman Marcus had originally planned to close the location in 2025, then kept it open through the holiday season while exploring options for the store. Six months later, the closure was announced.

"For more than a century, this store has held a cherished place in our history and in the lives of our customers, helping shape Neiman Marcus into the iconic luxury retailer it is today," Exemplar says. "The spirit of innovation, exceptional service and deep customer relationships that defined our Downtown store will continue to guide us as we honor our rich heritage and embrace our bright future. Dallas remains an incredibly important market for the Neiman Marcus brand."

downtown dallas zodiac room bridal boutique northpark center shopping neiman marcus