As the clock ticks down to the opening day of the new Neiman Marcus store at The Bravern in Bellevue, the anticipation for the luxury retail department store grows. The Neiman Marcus store will act as an anchor for the new shopping villa, encompassing 130,000-square-feet and three levels of The Bravern.

To launch the store’s opening in Bellevue, Neiman Marcus will host a Black Tie Gala on Thursday, September 10 with all proceeds benefiting three local charities: Hopelink, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, and PONCHO.

To get better aquatinted with the greater Seattle area and the people who call it home, the Neiman Marcus Group recently hosted an event featuring fashion designer Zac Posen at Pravda Studios in Seattle. The designer to the stars arrived in the Seattle area in mid-June to give an exclusive sneak peak of his Fall 2009 Collection. Representatives and volunteers from Hopelink, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, and PONCHO attended the afternoon event.

While guests sipped on cocktails and mingled prior to the start of the runway show, the models prepped for last minute changes backstage, as Zac Posen looked on.

“This collection is a tribute to the great dreamers of America,” said Posen. “My role as a designer is to create fashion that inspires.”

Posen described his Fall 2009 Collection as being whimsical with a dark fairy-tale quality.

“It’s almost Disney like, only with an edgier feel,” he explained.

Ken Downing, Senior Vice President Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus introduced the runway show and later mingled with guests.

The runway show was followed by an question and answer session between Downing and Posen. Afterwards, the fashion designer rolled out his Fall 2009 Collection for guests to browse and admire.

“The power of what fashion can give is balance of fantasy and reality,” said Posen, adding, “I have a lot of trust in the customer to embrace her own sense of style.”

To learn more about Neiman Marcus and September opening at The Shops at The Bravern, visit www.thebravern.com.