Chanel - opening look

The 25th Annual Nordstrom Designer Preview was held at Pier 91 in Seattle on Thursday night. This event is breathlessly anticipated by the most fabulous women in Seattle – those who support and love the art and fashion – and the art in fashion. The beneficiary of the event is SAM (Seattle Art Museum). SAMS is a group of women that has broadened the patronage for SAM. This collaboration is by far one of the most exciting events in this town. Nordstrom Designer Preview is a cocktail event and Designer Fashion Show, followed by boutique shopping. It showcases the top tier American and European collections, including Chanel, Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Stella McCartney, Dries Van Noten, Michael Kors, Burberry Prorsum, Donna Karan, Oscar de la Renta, Gucci, and Lanvin.

Having previously worked for Nordstrom for about three years, first selling in Couture then working in Designer Marketing, I’ve been involved with the event from the retail/marketing side – working with the fashion houses on securing samples for the show. It’s a high level event and takes months to prepare by everyone on the designer event teams. Showing up on Thursday as a guest/press was a total treat. I felt honoured to be there and observe what looked so effortless, glamorous, exciting and, of course, had that Nordstrom classiness.

I had just flown in from the desert in California where I was on location – acting in a short film. The last thing I wanted to do was put heels on and socialize, but once I got there the energy got me right in. It was fun to mingle with all of those beautiful Seattle women. It’s priceless to see the strong women from our community all in one place – dressed to be seen. The show was more intimate than in previous years, but just as beautiful. Very clean. Very chic. Lanvin is always my drug of choice and the scene Nordstom presented down the runway didn’t disappoint; dark khaki draped jersey gown, black lame beaded bow dress with embroidery, plum satin draped shoulder gown, and gorgeous sleeveless draped silk dresses.

The show opened with Chanel – the first look: beige mohair cardigan with fantasy fur. A what fur? Oh Karl, no you didn’t. Chanel has gone PC – in other words, PETA-proofed. Hm? Not sure what to do with that information other than to embrace – right? We don’t need a massacre to look stunning in our fur coats and boots.

Celine was sharp, chic and clean – and we did see some of the leather bodice that we’ve been obsessed with since it came down the runway in Paris. There was a beautiful navy fitted double wool peacoat paired with double woven wide-leg Billy pant. Another favorite scene of mine was Stella McCartney – lots of mid-grey and black.

Even though the event was women-oriented, there were a handful of men in the crowd and on the runway. A blond handsome boy model walked down with a red striped scarf, black blazer, white button down, paired with beige cuffed pant, by Dries Van Noten. The Gucci scene was strong and the Oscar de la Renta was romantically stunning.

Another aspect that I cherished about the event was the location. There’s something so urban and fabulous about attending a fashion event at the Pier. Thank you Nordstrom for continuing to present us your love for the art of fashion. The collaboration of Nordstrom and SAM reminds us of the artists behind the collections that came down the runway. The reason for loving fashion – there’s an artist’s mind, talent and story behind each collection that makes you fall in love. C’est très magnifique! (see images below – and more to come…).

Celine

Lanvin

Stella McCartney

Versace

Oscar de la Renta

Gucci

Dries Van Noten