Neimans in Natick an architectural sight

I went to a press walk-through yesterday of the new Neiman Marcus in Natick.

The store opens Saturday to the public. It is a sight to see.

The architect is Elkus Manfredi Architects. The idea of this wave-like stainless steel exterior is to create an illusion of fabric in motion.

The interior, designed by burdifilek, is equally modern and appealing. Everything is white and well-lit. This department store is airy. No crowded aisles here.

The men's department has a room with a flat-screen TV. Yesterday, a salesmen had his head buried in the instruction book, attempting to program the remote. The game will surely be on by Saturday.

Upstairs, the women's department is young looking, featuring designers like Stella McCartney. But there are also in-store designer shops (Akris, Chanel, Armani) which all reflect the style of that design house.

The women's handbag section, which includes Gucci and Prada, appears larger than the shoe department. Perhaps they realize they can't compete with their next door neighbor's humongo shoe department (Nordstrom).

My conclusion: it's worth the drive. But bring that checkbook.

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