Italian journey with Ippolita offered as a ‘Fantasy’

New York--A seven-day trip through Florence and Venice with jewelry designer Ippolita Rostagno is one of the “Fantasy Gifts” included in the 2015 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book, a catalog of holiday-ready luxury items that include the extremely lavish and extravagant.

During the $150,000 tour, Rostagno will introduce the buyer and three guests to acclaimed artists and show them local workshops. The trip also will include VIP museum tours, plenty of authentic Italian cuisine and special mementos from studio visits.

Another notable “Fantasy Gift” from the book is a trunk inspired by style icon Iris Apfel’s own personal collection. Priced at $80,000, the trunk is upholstered with hand-loomed fabric from Uzbekistan in an ikat pattern and is filled with vintage finds and accessories handcrafted by women around the world. The gift also includes lunch and a styling session with the 94-year-old style icon.

A range of other, slightly less fantastical jewelry gifts are included in Neiman Marcus’s annual Christmas Book.

A line of handmade, stretchable bead bracelets from Sydney Evan, ranging in price from $440 to $1,210 are listed, as are a black spinel and sterling silver necklace ($4,800) and earrings ($750) from David Yurman and a line of gemstone and diamond pave jewelry from Ippolita ($1,595 to $6,500).

Other jewelry included is Lana Jewelry’s 14-karat gold and diamond pieces ranging from $1,190 to $4,995, and jewelry from Roberto Coin’s Barocco collection ($2,500-$19,800).

Two jewelry brands also provide options for both men and women.

John Hardy is offering a number of sterling silver men’s pieces ($495-$2,700), as well as pearl and sterling silver women’s jewelry ranging from $1,195 to $1,995, while Shinola has two women’s “Runwell” 24 mm watches priced at $800 each as well as a men’s Runwell chronograph with interchangeable straps and a card case for $1,350.

Fashion jewelry also is listed in the Christmas Book: plated brass necklaces from Kendra Scott for $100; two different ear cuff styles from Auden; gold-plated and synthetic pearl necklace and earrings from Oscar de la Renta; lucite jewelry from Alexis Bittar ($225-$595); IP-plated stainless steel watches from Michele; and synthetic pearl and rhodium-plated jewelry from Jose & Maria Barrera.

The most expensive item in the Christmas Book is a $400,000 “Dream trip to India.”

The price tag gets the buyer and a guest a 12-day trip to India, which will include transport in private planes and vintage cars,