Coco Chanel received the Neiman Marcus Fashion Award in 1957.
The honor was formally called the Neiman Marcus Award for Distinguished Service in the Field of Fashion. Created in 1938 by Carrie Marcus Neiman and Stanley Marcus, it recognized influential designers and fashion figures, including people working outside the United States. Unlike some competing awards, it was not restricted to American designers.
Chanel’s 1957 recognition came during her major postwar revival. She had returned to fashion in 1954 after closing her couture house during World War II, and her renewed collections restored signature elements such as relaxed tweed suits, braid trim, practical pockets, and the use of chains for structure and movement. American fashion audiences and retailers played an important role in restoring her reputation.
The award’s recipient lists can cause confusion because it was often presented to several people in the same year. In 1957, however, Coco Chanel was the sole recipient—a distinction also associated with Adrian’s 1943 award. The Neiman Marcus awards became increasingly intermittent after 1969, and the final ceremony was held in 1995.