Butch Blum was 27 in September 1974 when he founded his first store in downtown Seattle , at 1408 5th Avenue (between Pike and Union). The concept, a European Menswear boutique designed by Architect Toush Yamashita, was immediately successful. Measuring just 1125 square feet, this additional space allowed inclusion of the new menswear couture collection of Donna Karan, and an expanded Zegna presentation with new accessory offerings.