
Peter Harden and his pals at Lucky
Today my favorite mall, Scottsdale Fashion Square, is all a buzz with the opening of Barneys, the East Wing and Simon Doonan’s visit. Though I’m excited about the fashionable hoopla and can’t wait to shop the new stores this morning, I’m also excited to pay a visit to “The Mayor “of Scottsdale Fashion Square, the fabulous Peter Harden.
Have you met Peter? If you’re a celebrity, like Britney Spears or Diana Krall, chances are you have. If you’re like me and had no idea that big celebrities come here almost weekly, let alone shop here, you’ve been missing a very special experience to know and shop with Peter.

Peter and the hardworking valet men
Peter’s job is simple – to make sure shoppers at Scottsdale Fashion Square get the red carpet treatment, whether you’re Britney or not. I had the pleasure of accompanying Peter on a mock-shopping spree. (Surprisingly, I didn’t actually spend any money!) He led me through the mall, introduced me to the store managers, let me shop, lovingly gave me opinions when I asked about a certain shoe or necklace and kept me laughing the entire time. No he doesn’t carry bags or push strollers, but I had a phenomenal time shopping, meeting people and having an honest male opinion for once!
Peter describes his job as his “calling.” He started in retail at J. Riggins many years ago, after moving here and working at MCA/Motown Records. After J. Riggins, Peter moved into mall security and was let go after a short while for being “too friendly.” But after 2 days without Peter, Fashion Square called him back in to work in this special VIP position created just for him.
Ask anyone at Westcor and they will tell you, Peter can’t be duplicated. Or take it from me, he can’t. This darling, charming man describes Fashion Square as his “indoor neighborhood” and he gets to chat with his friends, make new ones, make people feel special and shop all day long.
So I had to ask the man who spends more time at the mall than I do, what are some of his favorite stores? Though he shops each and every store and tailors his VIP tours to the tastes of the client, he does have an affinity for Anthropology, Optical Shop of Aspen, LaCoste, Lucky Brand Denim and Jimmy Choo – to name a few! But of course, anything trendy and fabulous that he sees in Vogue or GQ he could probably find for you at Scottsdale Fashion Square.

Peter and Me
If you’re headed to the Grand Opening party today, please make sure to introduce yourself to Peter if he’s not swarmed by friends, celebrities, VIP’s and me! And if you would like to shop with Peter, call the mall at 480-945-5495.
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6:07 AM |
10.15.2009 |