Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Desert Passage serves as fine fashion backdrop

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 2, 2001 | 8:27 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appers Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@ prodigy.net.

Fun, innovative and distinctively different in approach, the Desert Passage Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show was a magical journey through the spacious mall on behalf of KidCharities.org, Safe House and Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer.

From a starting point at Anasazi, where lush tropical drinks and appetizers were offered to those browsing happily among the auction treasures, then onward to the Flying Carpet Lounge for a first course of Caesar salad, the most congenial crowd of supporters found new pleasures at every turn. Pedicabs did the leisurely transport between dining venues, providing ample time to eye the treasures in the surrounding shops and stop in to make purchases.

Josef's Brasserie prepared the entree and provided a setting for a brief program led by luncheon co-chairwomen Sue Cassidy and Sandy Peltyn, as well as Joseph Keller, owner/chef of the eatery. Later guests progressed on to the rotunda of the Aladdin Theatre for Performing Arts, where a splendid fashion show, produced by Leonard G. Simpson, showed an array of around-the-clock fashions from the many upscale stores within Desert Passage. Hairstylist William Whatley and makeup artists from Sephora contributed to the stylish appearance of the runway models.

The afternoon concluded with Godiva chocolates and coffee. Parting gifts were a delightful assortment of gifts and gift certificates from stores and eateries within Desert Passage.

Working together to create the rather elaborate event were steering committee members including Sue Gorniak, director of marketing for Desert Passage, joined by Kelly Vegas, Judy Markman, Tanja Canencia, Dr. Parvin Jacobs and Zarina Collado, as well as Nancy Bernstein, Marie Claire Armeni, Lulu Bubion, Kelli Maruca, Claire Zeto, Jeri Packe and Michelle Young. Fashionable attendees included Sandy Spaccavento, Tracey Williams, Veronica Meter, Jodi Fisher, Sean Hobart, Cindy Werth, Lisa Tenner, Lou Emmert, Traci Coulter and Leslie Altemus, to name just a few.

Designer to appear

Oscar De La Renta, the renowned designer, and his fall 2001 collection -- including his glittering holiday eveningwear -- will grace our city for a benefit evening on May 23. The most elegant of occasions, the charitable gathering in support of the Las Vegas Philharmonic will be hosted by Andrew and Susan Tompkins at their Rancho Circle home.

Neiman Marcus, the exclusive source for Oscar De La Renta designs in our community, will sponsor the extraordinary fashion gathering, which will include a meal of traditional Spanish cuisine prepared by Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio. Partygoers will have the opportunity to discuss the finer points of cooking with Serrano while he prepares his grandmother's special paella recipe on outdoor grills.

Sharon Bader, chairwoman of the event with honorary chair Pat Lionel, is delighted to coordinate this first Las Vegas appearance of the legendary designer. Fashions for every need and desire will be presented poolside while guests enjoy music played by the Philharmonic's string ensemble and wines provided by Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada.

Tickets for the black-tie/garden-party attire gathering are $500 per person, with limited seating for this exclusive fund-raiser. Contact the Las Vegas Philharmonic office at 258-5438 for reservations.