Amid the Manolo Blahnik slingbacks and the Tory Burch flats, the women’s shoe department of Cherry Creek’s newest hot spot was the epicenter of fashion and philanthropy Wednesday night.
Some 2,100 trendsetters turned out to welcome Nordstrom with a gala where they sipped, supped and – let’s not forget this was a store opening – shopped.
Women were leaving the footwear salon gripping boot bags in each hand.
“I need shoes,” said Judy Fahrenkrog, who eyed high heels.
Linda Christie-Horn was looking at a pair of Yves Saint Laurent pumps and said Cinderella inspired her choice. “The right shoes can change your life,” she quipped.
With Nordstrom so identified with shoes, it was natural that four of the company’s executives – Blake, Pete, Erik and Jamie – met with the gala’s organizers in the footwear department. The Nordstroms – three brothers and a second cousin – posed for photos as salesmen clambered over boxes littering the floor and people munched lamb chops and butternut squash ravioli.
Pete Nordstrom said the store’s offerings were selected to meet the Denver customer’s demands for luxury, selection and service.
“The stores already here show what the market wants, but we need our own point of view, which is why we have great, special lines like Marni,” he said.
Businessman Roger Sherman required no convincing. He bought two custom Robert Talbott ties at $225 a pop. “I no longer have to leave the city and county of Denver to shop,” he declared.
And as if the displays in the store weren’t enough eye candy, guests watched 40 models showcase mostly resort styles in a fashion show that was staged twice in a tent that stretched half a block along East First Avenue. The production rivaled what designers show at Fashion Week in New York, and as a plus, patrons got to view selections from such top European collections as Versace, Nina Ricci and Missoni.
With a backdrop of video clips and a revolving stage, models strutted to rap music wearing technicolor minidresses and flowing chiffon gowns. One of the 11 segments featured menswear, and while several models wore smart suits, two guys who bared their well-muscled chests got some of the biggest applause.
Nordstrom Cherry Creek doesn’t officially open until 10 a.m. Friday, but early birds will catch beauty products during the “Cosmetics Tailgate Party.” Doors outside the first-floor mall entrance will open at 8 and customers can sample skin care, makeup and breakfast nibbles. Nordstrom started holding the parties at new-store events a couple of years ago when management noticed that diehard fans held tailgate parties in the parking lots before the doors opened, according to public relations specialist Kendall Bingham.
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
