Columnist Muriel Stevens: Handbags sparkle at Caesars

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 1999 | 9:17 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping column appears Wednesdays. Her dining column appears Fridays. Reach her at muriel@vegas.com or 259-4080.

Judith Lieber handbags are known not only for the beauty of their original designs, but for their timeless appeal. Quality is key to the success of these remarkable accessories.

During the recent private reception that heralded the opening of the Judith Lieber Boutique in the Forum Shops at Caesars, guests had the opportunity to watch a Lieber artisan at work as she hand-set the semiprecious stones that surround the special millennium-jeweled evening bag (minaudiere).

This dazzling evening bag represents the world wrapped in "ribbons," embellished with m's for the millennium. This is just one of many jeweled evening bags on display in the shop.

It can take up to two weeks to jewel these small bags, but that's just the last step in a long process. The solid brass bodies are constructed in Italy where they are then plated with 18-karat gold. The frames, findings and linings are added in the U.S.

Each evening bag is lined with the finest calfskin. It then goes to the artists, where a pattern is made of the design. The design is applied to the bag and the beader, with the pattern as a guide, painstakingly adds the semiprecious stones one at a time.

It was fascinating to watch.

Only 200 of the millennium evening bags are available. Each is numbered. The price for this splendid jewel-encrusted piece of fashion history is $3,800. A millennium pill box with the same design is $425. It is not a limited edition.

The boutique opening included a retrospective of Judith Lieber bags. Tonight is the last opportunity to view the historic collection on exhibit just outside the boutique (near Bertolini's).

The shop itself is a gallery for Lieber's "artful handbags." On display are the latest day and evening bags. A separate case is devoted to the small pieces: pill boxes, purse accessories and other small items. Great gifts, these.

Admittedly not for everyone, these extraordinary handbags range in price from just under $700 to many thousands.

The opening champagne reception was co-sponsored by Nevada Opera Theater. A portion of the proceeds from the evening's sales benefited NOT.

On hand to greet everyone were CEO Victor Lipko, Director of Public Relations Steve Vaughn, store Manager Ruth Basser and NOT's Eileen Hayes. Carolyn Goodman, who presented a proclamation from the City of Las Vegas to Lipko, was a charming substitute for his honor the mayor, Oscar Goodman.

One of our town's most fashionable women, Phyllis McGuire, was also an honored guest. Lipko presented Phyllis with a black and white swan design, jeweled evening bag; Carolyn's gift was a jeweled queen of hearts on a white beaded background.

As a parting gift each guest received a copy of "Judith Lieber: the Artful Handbag." This gorgeous volume chronicles the history of Lieber and her company and includes dozens of photos of her designs. Like Lieber and her handbags, the book is a treasure.

Michael Graves at Target: Check out the handsome household item designs from renowned architect/designer Michael Graves at Target stores. Sturdy and eye-appealing, such mundane objects as utility pails, dual-purpose dust pans and toilet bowl sets are a good buy at $3.99-$7.99.