10/04/2026
With the closing of the Neiman Marcus flagship location last week, many of us are reflecting on our experiences there. My first gig with Neiman’s was as a fashion shooter. Art director Michael Matthews hired me to shoot for their in-house magazine. It was an amazing opportunity because the entire crew (models, hair stylists, makeup artists, etc.) came from New York. The store representative who attended all the studio sessions was a commanding woman named Daria Retian. As Vice President of Creative Services, she acted as the “arbiter of style” for Neiman’s couture identity. Most people (as I learned through the grapevine) were terrified of her, and I think it was because she always said exactly what was on her mind. As fate would have it... we got along great, though. I loved her honesty and bowed in deep admiration to her impeccable taste.
Regarding the photo you see here, the crew had arrived at 8:00 am and the first model stepped out onto the set about 9:30. Daria (a chain smoker) looked her over for about 5 seconds and then waved her hand and said (in her Egyptian accent): ”No…that is not Montana. Do it over.” The model disappeared back into the dressing room and didn't reappear until 10:30. Daria looked her over one more time and, exhaling a stream of smoke, said, “Yes…this is correct.” She then looked over to me and said: "You may shoot it.”
And off we went.
