Columnist Muriel Stevens: New store sets up at Aladdin mall

Wednesday, April 25, 2001 | 8:13 a.m.

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

Get ready for the opening of Chiasso (key-AH-so) in its newest location at Desert Passage at the Aladdin. The opening of Chiasso May 15 is a healthy sign that Desert Passage will survive, despite a wobbly opening.

I've visited Chiasso stores in California and Massachusetts and loved the mix of contemporary merchandise: kitchen and bath accessories, dinnerware and glassware, coffee and tea services, children's items, lighting and outdoor and garden stuff.

The creations of such European and American designers as Phillippe Starck and Michael Graves are well represented. Whimsical and sophisticated designs abound. The catalog is oh-so-tempting, filled with stunning, well-priced pieces.

Irresistible is the "Anywhere Rocking Chair" ($70), a sleek, sturdy tubular aluminum frame covered with durable nylon fabric. It cleans with just a swipe of a wet sponge.

The designs are the coolest.

And wait until you see the stuff for kids. I just have to have a Wiggly Giggly ball ($18). It wiggles crazily and giggles as it goes. What kid wouldn't love this?

Just when I was trying to follow Thoreau's advice to "simplify, simplify, simplify," along comes a Las Vegas branch of Chiasso.

Chiasso is based in Chicago. For more information check out chiasso.com.

Donna Karan branches out: Donna Karan has joined the list of designers creating home collections.

According to W magazine, Karan's new bed-and-bath collection will be launched in New York City. Included along with the bed-and-bath appointments are "pieces designed around an urban apartment lifestyle with Eastern philosophies such as Zen and feng shui in mind."

Hold Everything: I'm still waiting for Chuck Williams to open in Las Vegas my favorite closet store, Hold Everything. There is a small outlet at Primm, but I want the kind of Hold Everything that's all over California.

I do use the mail-order catalog, but it's just not the same as going into one of the wonderful stores.

The last time I was in San Diego I bought marvelous, white suit hangers, perfect for women. The catalog does offer a good selection, but the basics are not always included.

Yes, I know we have a few closet stores, but nothing comes close to the selections available at Hold Everything.

C'est si bon: Lingerie Francaise has made its way to Saks Fifth Avenue stores across the country, but not in Las Vegas. The closest Saks store to offer such sexy brands as Aubade, Chantelle, Princess Tam Tam (love that name) and Eres is in Beverly Hills.

Maybe when the Fashion Show's Saks completes its expansion we'll get the French collection, too.

Lauder Online: No more waiting for your favorite Estee Lauder cosmetic to come in. Estee has gone online big time.

Enter esteelauder.com and the world of Lauder is at your fingertips. Ask about the free shipping and handling when your order totals $75, and free samples of Lauder Intuition.

Maybe now I'll be able to find my favorite lipstick color, Frosted Apricot. It's always out of stock!