Neiman Marcus Partners with Okeeba Jubalo Gallery to Showcase Black Artistic Excellence

Image via NobleSol Art Group

“Art and fashion go hand in hand; you can’t have one without the other. When the two come together, greatness follows,” said Danielle Harris, Assistant Manager for Contemporary and Fine Apparel at Neiman Marcus.

Neiman Marcus hosted the Excellence 365 Exhibition, curated by business mogul and fine art gallerist Okeeba Jubalo, inside their store at Lenox Mall on February 23. The Excellence 365 Exhibition was a one-day-only pop-up exhibit featuring artists of African descent.

Neiman Marcus partnered with the Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery to expose its luxury customers to the beauty of fine art. The event was held in the last week of Black History Month with the aim of showcasing inclusivity with its luxury consumers.

Statistics show consumers care about who they shop with and how that retailer promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. Neiman Marcus took a big leap in their inclusivity efforts by partnering with Okeeba Jubalo, founder and owner of Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery, located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Additionally, Okeeba Jubalo is well-known throughout the Southeast region for his artistry and strong-willed advocacy for Black artists.

“I do not take any of the opportunities for granted. As an advocate for artists, it is important to create great relationships in other nontraditional sectors to showcase our work,” said Okeeba Jubalo regarding his long-standing leadership role in the fine art industry. “My business model is one of mobility; we have to leave the traditional gallery spaces and go into spaces that complement our brand.”

“As the South’s premier gallery for African American art, it made all the sense in the world to partner with Neiman Marcus. An exhibition within their network helps to further our mission organically,” said Okeeba Jubalo. “I thank John Hughes and the Neiman Marcus leadership team for taking this beautiful step in the right direction.”

Now more than ever, people are conscious about where they spend their dollars. Since social values tend to shape purchase decisions, retailers can appeal to new consumers and draw in the consumer's loyalty and spending. As a result, luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus are taking the initiative to partner with reputable Black-owned businesses such as the Okeeba Jubalo Fine Art Gallery to assist them in representing and meeting the needs of communities of color.

Read the full editorial featured on the NobleSol Art Group website.