Where: Mario’s. And only Mario’s.

What: A Lanvin prefall 2011 trunk show. Exclusive to the Northwest. As in — at least in these parts — only Mario’s is hosting this particular set of big bow blouses, caped dresses, and cinnamon-colored maxis.

Wouldn’t it also be fun to say that Alber Elbaz will be there? Oh there you go again. Getting an inch and taking a mile.

In place of the celebrated, bespectacled designer is the brand’s women’s sales manager, Scott Studenberg. If your instinct is to shrug a ruffled shoulder, don’t. Access to anyone other than the iconic, hundred-year old house’s mail boy is a pretty big deal. You can ask Studenberg about washed silks, bow ties, almost preposterous lapel pins, or the volume of a pitch-perfect skirt. I might ask him about the recent H&M collaboration; Elbaz called the experiment a once-in-a-lifetime kinda thing and admitted he was afraid no one would show up. Really?? (For the record, I was there on Fifth and Pike at 6:04am and got one of the last dresses on the racks.)

On the other hand, you don’t have to ask anyone anything.

You may just go, stand in front of the clothes, feel thankful that we live in such a beautiful city in a world where almost everything is at least touchable, inspectable, and available for evaluation, and then leave again when you’re ready to.

When: Saturday, March 19 from 10 to 5. Champagne and petite bites will be served.