By Lindsay Larin
llarin@bellevuereporter.com
In early April, Sophisticated Swine owner Deborah Mallory waved goodbye to Old Main Street in Bellevue and moved across the freeway to a new location at 11639 N.E. Eighth Street. Situated directly across from Whole Foods and diagonal to Overlake Hospital, Mallory is confident in her antique shop’s new home.
“I wanted the experience of being on this side of Bellevue,” she explained. “I think so many of the businesses are moving out this way because the rents are becoming to high over on Old Main Street and near downtown Bellevue. There are 20,000 cars that come by here each day. I have my old customers who have remained loyal and I’ve gained some new customers since we’ve opened here.”
A large pink porcelain pig sits at the front door of Sophisticated Swine, welcoming long-time shoppers and newcomers. The antique shop features an extensive collection of antique sterling silver, china and pattern matching, crystal, fine art, linens, furniture, and antique jewelry.
“The pig was a Mother’s Day gift from my son when he was three. It prompted the beginning of my pig collection and it’s how I came up with the name Sophisticated Swine,” said Mallory, who has owned antique shops on the greater Eastside since 1987. “I’m from the South and there is a very southern feel to this shop.”
Mallory, a member of the Certified Appraiser Guild of America and second generation antique dealer, was first drawn to the world of antiques by her mother.
“I was 15 and my mother gave me a grand birthday party. I remember the dining room table being just absolutely gorgeous. The center piece was a birthday cake that was a grand piano,” she said. “There’s just something about setting the table and hosting a dinner party. I love entertaining.”
Tapping into her knowledge of antiques, Mallory hosts a number of lecture series including “theme” table settings, table manners for kids, and appraisal workshops. Sophisticated Swine also offers bridal registry, professional silver cleaning, and in-home estate sale services including initial consultation.
In October, Mallory plans to participate in Overlake Hospital’s annual table designer event called Perfect Settings with Perfect Pairings. This year’s event takes place on October 25 and 26, benefiting Overlake Hospital Medical Center’s Cancer Center.
“This community has been so great to me, I want to give back in any way possible,” she said.
Mallory offers in-store customer consignment and tips for table setting.
“My philosophy is that we are a recycle business. In this economy, it is so much more valuable to invest in an antique then to buy brand new. Once you walk out the door with a brand new set of furnishing, it begins to lose value, but true certified antiques only climb in worth,” Mallory explained. “There’s also a story behind each piece which gives it a sense of purpose and a place in history.”
The Sophisticated Swine once came into possession of a set of antique dishes used by legendary actor John Wayne.
“Each piece inside this shop has a special story that makes it invaluable,” she said. “There’s a lot of history within these walls.”
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
The Sophisticated Swine, 11639 NE Eighth Street, 425.452.9300, www.sophisticatedswine.com.
