Columnist Muriel Stevens: The Show will go on at mall

Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2002 | 8:40 a.m.

My mailbox is filled with Fashion Show mall news. This gorgeous, newly expanded mall, opening to the public on Nov. 1, has created a new kind of shopping fervor. Pre-opening events will benefit local charitable and cultural organizations.

Nordstrom has created what it calls a "fabulous fashion fete," to benefit Opportunity Village and Nevada Ballet Theatre. The store is expecting more than 2,000 guests on Oct. 29, in celebrating the opening of the first Las Vegas Nordstrom. The highlight of the evening will be the brilliant runway show staged in Fashion Show's Great Hall.

This is the first event to be held in the Great Hall and will feature a breathtaking preview of resort and spring 2003 designer collections.

The preview will showcase the collections of Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Halston, Michael Kors, Pucci, Stephen Yearick, Marni, Zang Toi, Celine and Leonard. Special effects, a runway and stage that moves hydraulically and many other dramatic features will be spellbinders.

Honorary event co-chairwomen are Phyllis McGuire for Nevada Ballet Theatre and Kathleen Newton for Opportunity Village. Event tickets are available for $150, $300 and $500. Nordstrom is underwriting the entire evening. It is expected that $300,000 will be raised for the two beneficiaries.

While previewing the three-level store, guests can enjoy lavish hors d'oeuvres, buffets, bars and live entertainment throughout the store. Bellagio's award-winning chefs will create the sumptuous foods, including edible mini-Nordstrom shoes (Nordstrom is known for its vast shoe selection).

It promises to be a smashing event.

Neiman Marcus calendar: Neiman Marcus has been open throughout its expansion. It's been a learning experience each time I've visited the store. Undaunted by the construction, NM has continued to present a host of in-store showings and demonstrations.

Today there's a Chanel Cruise trunk show in couture; Friday, Linda Bergman will present a trunk show in designer jewelry; and Saturday, a Rebecca Collins trunk showing will take place in designer jewelry and Stephen Webster will make a personal appearance and offer a trunk show in precious jewelry.

Throughout October, couture, precious jewelry and designer jewelry will host trunk shows featuring such outstanding designers as Celine, Monique Lhuillier and such prominent jewelry designers as Christian Tse, Henry Dunay and Konstantino. Times for all shows are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Eliza of Eliza's Eyes will make personal appearances in cosmetics Oct. 29 and Oct. 30. For a complete list of events through December call or stop by the store.

Desert Birkenstock: Desert Birken- stock will celebrate its 21-year anniversary with Birkenstock and Dansko trunk shows. A Black and White professional promotion featuring all professional comfort shoes, continues through Monday.

Both locations are celebrating: Best of the West center at 2192 Rainbow Blvd. and Eastern Beltway center at 2370 E. Serene St.

Customers can participate in a special game of blackjack to win a special discount. Good deal.