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SubterfugeSeattle was on hand today for a guided press tour of Bellevue's new Neiman Marcus, set to open its doors to the public on September 11. This is not only Neiman Marcus' glorious 41^st store but also the first here in the Pacific Northwest. This luxury department store heads up the newest in European, arcade-style street shopping offered up at The Bravern which, many online bloggers are mistakenly assuming is a "shopping mall." However, The Bravern is anything but a mere shopping mall. Architects, landscapers and specialists alike travelled to over 25 cities worldwide- not to mention conducted extensive consumer research- to create this perfectly extravagant shopping experience handcrafted especially for Seattle’s exponentially expanding, fashion-conscious population. Before this, the only available fine shopping outside of Bellevue Square was procured by taking a trip to downtown Seattle. If one needed further satisfaction then, well, you were taking a trip to Vancouver's infamous Granville Street. Yet with the opening of a few other impressive high-end retail spaces this month at The Bravern, Seattle's sartorially resplendent set may be moving on up to the eastside and saving money from those expensive excursions to Canada's one-stop couture-shop Holt Renfrew.

The new Neiman Marcus boasts an impressive art collection throughout the store comprised of 166 carefully selected pieces, most obtained from local artists and all made from recycled mixed media; a personal favorite is the selection of circular sealed images of butterfly wings which are set up in such a manner as to flutter when the slightest breeze grazes them. Throughout the store, butterfly motifs- the signature image of Neiman Marcus- can be seen, complete with about a hundred strands of hanging, mirrored butterflies that dangle the length of the three floors between the elevators. The first floor is devoted to the more contemporary everyday pieces and the divine grandeur of the women’s couture section, which exhibits soft-shop (counters) as well as hard-shop (boutique style) sections covering a large range of designers. The superlative hard-shops feature fashion staples such as Prada, Chanel, Armani (Black Label and Collezioni, Black label being a Northwest Neiman Marcus exclusive), Akris, Jil Sander, Escada and eskandar- which is also exclusive to Neiman Marcus. There are also separate accessory hard-shops by some of the same designers and a few others, among them fancy purse and leisure bag rooms devoted to Bottega Veneta and even Balenciaga. The mod, soft-shop racks filling the central area of the space feature the latest designs from other fashion greats like Zac Posen, Pringle of Scotland, Brunello Cucinelli and a conspicuously whimsical rack beside the ascending elevators featuring Marni.

The soft-shop jewelry possibilities of the second floor were creatively chosen and utterly exquisite with counters by Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier. I was drawn to the Chanel jewelry counter, as were two other reporters, whose names I didn't catch as they seemed rather occupied by adorably trying on all that would fit. These ladies were trying on bracelets each costing somewhere in the $10,000 range trying to decide whether or not they had worked enough to treat themselves to a bauble or two. I told them that my personal opinion when it came to jewelry was to "go big, or go home," to which they happily agreed. This floor also had another interesting retail option that caught my eye- a personal shopping section. I was informed that the personal shopping room is available to anyone- by appointment only, of course- in order to have items in your size picked out so you may sample everything available in the store’s retinue away from the prying eyes of other shoppers. The service is made one step grander being available with an accompanying lunch and drink service.

The cosmetic department is sure to be a very popular destination for women of a fastidious and cultured nature. Lines and perfumes exclusive in the Northwest to Neiman Marcus such as La Prairie, shu uemura and Chantecaille and the newest Prada L'eau Ambree perfume will surely be a hit. Excuse me while I gush on the Jo Malone perfumes for a second, but who knew there were so many? You heard correctly, there is finally a Jo Malone counter in Seattle with the full range- or at least most of it- that she offers.

The menswear, available on the third floor, was the peak of my already perfect day traipsing around a nearly empty Nieman Marcus. Literally everything for the fashion-forward, modern pulchritudinous male can be found here and then some. Prada briefcase, Tom Ford sunglasses, Ermenegildo Zegna cufflinks, Mont Blanc pen and a Brioni blazer; I won't lie, there were a few moments where I felt the tears begin to well up. If I happen to get run down by a metro bus crossing 5th and Pike tomorrow and die a gruesome death, I can't say I'll be that surprised if I find heaven is the third floor of Nieman’s. Seriously, even the salesmen looked heavenly; I looked at the same Dolce and Gabbana skinny tie about ten times just to keep staring. Of course, after bumping into a mannequin and losing any ounce of mystique I had, I decided to check out the rest of the floor. The men also enjoy their fair share of hard-shop and soft-shop options with a large range of accessories including jewelry, ties, luggage, hats and shoes. The sunglasses and dress-shirt options are the most impressive and expansive. Names like Armani Collezioni and Ermenegildo Zegna lead the boutique-style hard-shopping while a plethora of varied styles dominate the main floor by Etro, Dolce and Gabbana, Brioni and Robert Graham. Before the official public opening, Neiman Marcus will be hosting a gala opening set for Thursday, September 10 and will donate all the proceeds of its ticket sales to three local charities: PONCHO, which is the oldest supporter of local art in Washington; Hopelink, which supports families in need in our community; and Overlake Hospital Medical Center. Many are expected to arrive dressed to impress at the black-tie event with the promise of a fun-filled evening of cocktails and an auction of a one of a kind couture dress to one lucky lady.

The other Northwest firsts occurring at The Bravern include Paris accessory-essential Hermès and a sumptuous Jimmy Choo store reminiscent of a proper woman's boudoir. Also opening is Tory Burch which, on August 26, had its beautiful new boutique employees taking to the streets of downtown Seattle with signature Tory Burch insignia cookies while sporting her fall collection. Longtime favorite Louis Vuitton is also in the midst of building a monumentally opulent boutique which will surely be giving the smaller downtown location a run for its money with a much awaited broader expansion of its popular luggage, shoe and- more importantly- accessory inventory. The workmen were literally sanding and gluing as I walked through the main foyer. Exquisite timing, Louis Vuitton. The overwhelming popularity of creative director Marc Jacobs’ take on leather belts and necklaces in their fall 2009 collection, fashioned like paper chains, is sure even in this economic slump to entice more then one fashionista to spend a few extra ducats on those signature wardrobe must-haves. If you're not salivating at the possibilities yet, just wait, the designer names and stores get better. Piazza Sempione, DNA 2050 and even an Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa are moving in, however, the latter is still slightly uncertain about the exact opening date of this spacious new retreat. Good things come to those who wait, yes? Well this reporter believes there will be a wait when they do open so keep checking The Bravern’s website to see when and how to book your appointment.

What ultimate shopping experience would be complete without a little lunch or dinner? The Bravern has you covered here as well with a set of world-class restaurants to complete the overall experience. Local chef/owner of the popular Seastar chain, John Howie, is opening what he tells me is his ultimate vision of the signature steakhouse. The kitchen has been created exclusively with two separate wood-burning grills to burn Applewood and Mesquite for the chef to discern the ultimate flavor profile. The space has a luxurious bar fit for the Rat Pack, complete with a glass-top grand piano and stocked with a formidable selection of the choicest Malt Scotches. Every scotch ordered is furnished with special ice cubes made from birch water that is flown in from Scotland to compliment the beverage and the customer for having such a refined palate. Private dining rooms are also available for either the high-profile clientele or the shy dining bunch in simple, yet elegant rooms with table tops made from wide-cut Washington state tree planks. John Howie Steakhouse expects quite a few return customers and even offers them the option of renting out a personal, temperature controlled wine locker in which to keep their favorite wines available to enjoy every time they dine- no other place in the city offers this unique luxury. The meeting was rather rushed as they were setting up for what looked to be an impressive dry run for family and friends occurring later this evening and a successful first day of business when The Bravern is unleashed upon the world September 11.