Where: 1400 Alaskan Way, Seattle 98101; down Four Seasons’ steps; not quite directly under the viaduct; across from the Aquarium; a few doors down from the Highway 99 Blues Club.

What: In certain circles, the words “Black,” “Ball,” and “Line” inspire a sort of rushed anxiety, a feverish can’t-wait.

Is it open yet? What’s going on down there anyway??

No, it — never have the terms ‘antique shop’ or ‘vintage store’ seemed so inadequate — isn’t open yet, but later this week you can get a pretty good idea of what Black Ball Line’s nine thousand square feet will be like when they’re finally official.

I can’t tell you too much just yet about how the immense space came to be, but I can tell you that I’ve seen the back rooms and they’re full of space age lighting fixtures, gothic revival camp, true tiki kitsch, ’60s studio craft, large scale art, and tropical taxidermy. And while I’m also holding my tongue — for now — about the man behind it all, and the man behind him, I can tell you that if you’ve ever been helped into a Jil Sander suit by a sweet, very pretty, vaguely cinematic (Snow White? Wednesday Addams?) late-twenties brunette at Barneys (my husband returned from a solo expedition one afternoon saying, “the nicest girl helped me figure it all out…” and he, ahem, has high standards), you may recognize the woman who’s helping to push all of this into the here and now.

You’ll hear more about Black Ball Line in the months to come. Some of it will be from me. For now: The sneak peek sale gets you in the door to marvel at the wonder of past decades and infinite cool. White vinyl couches, ancient homemade accents, funky throw blankets. More. Prices are very reasonable – there’s a lot of stuff at Black Ball Line, and they want it to move. Therefore, this one-night sale includes a collection-wide 15 percent off. Love it but can’t commit? Items are available for rental, too — to prop your photoshoot, your boutique, your art gallery, your dinner party.

When: Thursday October 14 from 6 to 9 — champagne will, of course, be served.