Nordstrom 125th Anniversary: How to Shop Exclusive Luxury Drops

THE 125-YEAR GIFT LIST: HOW TO SCORE NORDSTROM’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ANNIVERSARY DROPS

There’s a specific kind of pressure that comes with buying a milestone gift. Whether it’s a thirtieth anniversary, a hard-earned promotion, or a once-in-a-lifetime graduation, a standard gift card or a mass-market staple just doesn’t cut it. You want something that carries weight—something that feels like it was discovered rather than just purchased.

This year, Nordstrom is making that hunt a lot easier—and arguably more prestigious. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the retail giant is bypassing the usual balloon-and-streamer sales in favor of something much more substantial: high-end exclusivity. By partnering with the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Brunello Cucinelli, and Christian Louboutin, they’ve created a year-long calendar of limited-edition releases.

As a personal shopping advisor, I’ve seen my fair share of anniversary promotions, but this one is different. It’s not just about more inventory; it’s about insider access. If you’re looking to mark a significant moment in someone’s life (or your own), here is how to navigate this rare window of opportunity.

THE TWO TYPES OF SHOPPERS: ARE YOU A GIFTER OR A COLLECTOR?

Before you dive into the anniversary catalog, it helps to identify why you’re shopping. The way you approach these exclusive drops should change depending on the recipient.

The Milestone Gifter: You are looking for a piece that will be just as beautiful twenty years from now as it is today. For you, the Nordstrom anniversary is about timelessness. Think of a Brunello Cucinelli cashmere sweater in a unique colorway created specifically for this 125-year celebration. It’s an investment in quality that symbolizes a permanent bond. Your goal is to find pieces that transcend seasons—items that feel like a warm hug and a legacy all at once.

The Collector: You (or your recipient) aren't just looking for quality; you’re looking for a story. You want the piece that won’t be remade. For the collector, the draw is the unique hardware on a limited-run Chanel bag or a specific, never-before-seen embellishment on a pair of Manolo Blahnik heels. You aren't just buying fashion; you’re buying a historical marker. For this person, the thrill is in the rarity and the knowledge that once these items are gone, they are truly gone.

BEYOND THE LABELS: WHY EXCLUSIVITY MATTERS

We live in an era where almost anything can be delivered to your door in twenty-four hours. That convenience is great, but it has stripped away the "magic" of gifting. When you tell someone, "I found this Manolo Blahnik pump that was only produced for Nordstrom’s 125th year," the gift immediately gains emotional value.

The curation here is intentional. Nordstrom isn’t just asking these brands for more of their bestsellers. They are co-creating. This means you might see a Christian Louboutin heel in a signature Nordstrom color or a bespoke tailoring service from a heritage Italian house that isn't available anywhere else in the world. This level of collaboration ensures that your gift isn't just a luxury item—it’s a conversation piece.

GAMING THE SYSTEM: LEVERAGING THE NORDY CLUB

If you’re serious about snagging one of these limited releases, you cannot afford to be a casual shopper. The most coveted items in these collections rarely make it to the general public for long. This is where your loyalty status becomes your greatest asset.

The Nordy Club isn’t just about earning points toward "Nordstrom Notes"; it’s your ticket to the front of the line. If you are in the Ambassador or Icon tiers, you typically get early access to these drops before they are widely advertised. For the highly anticipated Chanel or Louboutin pieces, that head start is the difference between an "Order Confirmed" email and a "Sold Out" notification.

If you aren’t at the Icon level yet, don’t panic. Even basic Members get notifications that can give you a leg up. The key is to check your status now and ensure your contact information is up to date. These anniversary events often include private in-store styling sessions or trunk shows that are "invite-only." If you’ve been waiting for the right time to make a major purchase, doing it during this anniversary year will likely catapult you into those higher tiers, unlocking even more access for the holiday season.

THE ANNIVERSARY EDIT: WHAT’S WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

Luxury is an investment, and like any investment, you want to choose wisely. When browsing the 125th-anniversary collections, I recommend focusing on these three categories:

1. Investment Outerwear and Knitwear: Look to the Brunello Cucinelli collaborations. These are pieces that define a wardrobe. A neutral-toned, exclusive cashmere coat or blazer is a safe bet for a milestone gift because it will never go out of style.

2. Signature Footwear: Footwear from Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik often features the most distinct "anniversary" tweaks. Look for unique textures or limited-edition colors. These are perfect for the graduate or the bride-to-be who wants something blue (or red) that no one else has.

3. Small Leather Goods: If a five-figure handbag isn't in the budget, look for exclusive wallets, belts, or tech accessories from these partner brands. You still get the prestige of the collaboration and the high-quality craftsmanship at a more accessible price point.

YOUR ACTION PLAN: HOW TO STAY AHEAD OF THE DROP

The biggest mistake shoppers make with these high-profile events is waiting for a mass email to land in their inbox. By then, the "Collectors" have already cleared the shelves. Here is your pro-tip checklist to ensure you don’t miss out:

First, download the Nordstrom app. It is significantly faster and more reliable than the mobile website for real-time updates.

Second, use the "Favorite" feature. Search for your top brands—Chanel, Christian Louboutin, Brunello Cucinelli—and hit the heart icon. This tells the app’s algorithm that you want to be the first to know when new arrivals from these specific designers hit the floor.

Third, connect with a Personal Stylist. Nordstrom offers this service for free, and these professionals often have the inside track on when shipments are arriving. A quick message to a stylist saying, "I’m looking for the 125th-anniversary Manolo Blahniks in a size 38," can put you on a wishlist that gets serviced before the items even hit the display cases.

THE VERDICT: A CELEBRATION OF ENDURING STYLE

At the end of the day, a 125th anniversary is a rare feat in the world of retail. Nordstrom is using this milestone to remind us that while trends come and go, quality and relationships remain. By doubling down on these luxury partnerships, they are offering us a chance to buy something that actually lasts.

Whether you are shopping for a loved one or treating yourself to a piece of fashion history, this year is about more than just transactions. It’s about the stories we tell through the things we give. Keep your eyes on the app, stay close to your stylist, and look for those pieces that make your heart skip a beat. After all, opportunities like this only come around every century or so.