Where? In Kirkland, an affluent US town on the outskirts of Seattle and on the eastern shores of Lake Washington. The boutique can be found downtown, among home decor boutiques, cafes and galleries, and is one of the few hip multilabel stores in the area.

Who? Promesse was opened in 2005 by Francine Park, a graduate of New York's Fashion Institute of Technology. Park has worked in buying and merchandising for prestigious names such as Prada, Saks Fifth Avenue and Joseph, in New York. When she moved to Seattle, she wanted to bring a new fashion philosophy to the city - and Promesse was born.

Fashion finds: Park's mission is to stock clothes that are 'edgy yet timeless'. The pieces are sourced from exclusive lines with a New York flavour - such as Rebecca Taylor, Lauren Moffat, Clu and Mike & Chris - and up and coming names such as Madeleine Press. Adding to the mix are designers from emerging fashion capitals around the world, including Tankus from South Korea, Malene Birger from Copenhagen, Hoss from Madrid and Pilar Ruiz from Barcelona. Denim is represented by brands such as Kasil, Hudson, Notify and Raven. Don't miss bags by Isabella Fiore, Flavi Olivera and Andrea Brueckner, lingerie by FleurT and watches by axCent of Scandinavia.