High fashion: Mall expansion a true wonder

Sun Staff

Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

For some months I have been tracking the progress of the Fashion Show mall expansion. Through piles of debris I've trekked and tracked and watched as this latest miracle in the desert took shape.

Parking was often a trial, but that was the least of it.

Trying to find my way through the uncharted territory of the bare-bones, all-new, west end was an expedition National Geographic's explorers would have envied. Much easier to wander was the east end of the mall, where Neiman Marcus is located. NM remained open throughout its extensive renovation and expansion.

The challenge on any given day was to find where the entrance to NM led. It must have been the way Alice felt as she wended her way until she fell through the hole that led to Wonderland. There was no hole at NM, just intriguing changes each time, which made ongoing visits so exciting.

No Mad Hatter or Cheshire Cat or White Rabbit, just the pure pleasure of seeing NM's own kind of magic unfold. How did they keep the dust from settling on the merchandise? Just another bit of legerdemain.

As the mall progressed my visits increased and so did my adventures. Doors opened to forbidden places during a guided tour with Rouse Co. Fashion Show executive Karen Kozemchak that were closed to me the next day when I tried to access Bloomingdale's.

Karen and I walked up and down escalators that weren't activated and made our way through hordes of workmen who were still tying together all the myriad last-minute pieces. During my Bloomingdale's caper I could see the escalators working, but my "Open Sesame" powers were nil. A Bloomie rep came to my rescue.

There were more exploits along the way, but by now I'd conquered Mt. Fashion Show. I know the lay of the land almost as well as I know my own home turf, at least the eight (seven are opening, Lord & Taylor will debut at the end of 2003) anchors. Fashion Show is the only mall in the country to have eight anchors.

"This is the most powerful anchor lineup in the world," Kozemchak said.

She has been with the Rouse Company for 25 years.

"For Rouse the Fashion Show has been the most aggressive development by far that we have ever done," Kosemchak said. "With a city like Las Vegas that has grown over the years with such vision and energy, it helped inspire the Rouse Company to build on that energy and vision."

The energy is palpable, especially in the Great Hall, where fashion shows and other events will take place.

Getting to know all the smaller speciality shops and boutiques will take more time. Not all of them will be ready for the first phase opening Friday. Here are some highlights:

Neiman Marcus

NM's personal shopping services have been expanded to the nth degree. A club room for men includes a big-screen TV, fax machine and handsome, oversized fitting rooms, all in close proximity to Phillip Hernandez, NM's personal shopper for men.

Hernandez has his own sitting room, office and customer fitting room close by the Brioni and Zegna collections. Women's personal shopper Marsha Miller has new digs fit for a queen.

This art gallery of fashion, with understated, though opulent decor is the last word in luxury. Neiman Marcus Vice President and General Manager Terri Monsour expects local customers to feel right at home in the splendid environment.

"From the very beginning (February 1981) we've treasured our locals," Monsour said. "This is our home base. We value our visitors, but we love our locals."

Among the many new features: a cosmetic department that includes three treatment rooms for facials and makeup sessions -- treatment rooms are adjacent to the Laura Mercier cosmetic shop.

Only at NM will you find Manolo Blahnik footwear and Seven jeans. Children's clothes from Dolce & Gabbana and Robert Cavalli are new, too. The gift galleries are now on the first level.

NM will enter the dining scene with two restaurants: Neiman Marcus Cafe for casual dining (opening Nov. 18) and Mariposa for fine dining (opening Nov. 25). Overseeing both are Executive Chef Jacques Van Staden, who has designed lunch and dinner menus that showcase his creativity and imagination.

Fatoush salad, antipasti and mezze platters meant to be shared by two are more are just a few. Mariposa's luncheon menu includes composed salads -- charred sirloin steak, smoked trout and pomelo, grilled chicken with preserved lemon and more.

The dinner menu is super, and what delightful desserts. Claude Cevasco is the general manager for both restaurants.

NM has a direct valet station, underground. Cars can still be valeted on Spring Mountain Road, but must be retrieved at underground valet.

Nordstrom

When I think of Nordstrom I think shoes and customer service. Along with thousands of other Las Vegans I've had a Nordstrom charge card for years.

At long last Nordstrom has come to Las Vegas. Of course, shoes aren't the only feature that attracts such a loyal following. Nordstrom is a full-service store with designer clothes for men and women, children's wear, home accessories and more.

Awesome is the list of cosmetics exclusive to Nordstrom. This is in addition to all the major cosmetic lines. An eyebrow specialist will remake brows to the shape of today's style. Mother Nature does not always know best.

For light fare -- salads, sandwiches, pizzas and soups -- Nordstrom has the Marketplace cafe; and for coffee an espresso bar. Nordstrom has its own concierge and valet parking.

Saks Fifth Avenue

A completely new store with many outstanding features, SFA is one of the stores I've tracked from start to finish.

During my most recent visit, one week ago, the store was already being stocked. SFA has its own concierge desk with an adjacent lounge and offers numerous services.

I recently spoke with Michael Macko, corporate director of public relations for all 61 Saks Fifth Avenue stores. We talked about having so many major stores as competitive neighbors.

"It's healthy competition," he said. "The Fashion Show is setting a new precedent, not just for malls, but for shopping overall. It is unprecedented to have eight anchors in one mall. And where but in the Las Vegas market could we test such new ideas as the living rooms?"

According to Macko, the Las Vegas store is a prototype for all new stores that follow. "It will be interesting to see what happens," Macko said.

SFA will also have a private spa room in its cosmetic department. Don't miss seeing the dramatic red-and-black men's living room.

SFA offers valet parking at the elegant outdoor entrance and underground.

Bloomingdale's

Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture store is the first of its kind for the chain. And what a super store it is.

Had it been open for sales the day I was there I would have been in big trouble. Personal shopper Don Dennis (the position was created for him by Bloomingdale's) is no stranger to Las Vegas, having worked at NM for some time.

While I walked the store with General Manager Keri Frame (another NM alumni) Dennis was checking out merchandise. Everything for the home, including furniture, is available here. The price range and variety of brands is exceptional.

Most intriguing of all the appealing departments here, is the mattress room, with its black ceiling, fiber-optic lighting and an aura all its own. Opening-week festivities include yoga and reflexology. Do try to stay awake.

I'm wild about the handmade Shifman mattresses. The company has been in business since 1893 and operates at such a high level that it can demand prices that peak at $20,000. There is no shortage of customers for these dreamy mattresses.

Already dressed for the holidays, the Christmas and Hanukkah shops are splendiferous. The fully decorated trees are for sale.

According to Frame, "Bloomingdale's tries to make shopping easy." Just tell them what you need and relax. Have a cup of coffee and a bagel or a pastry at the "B" bar.

Ongoing book signings and cooking demos begin Friday. Emeril will be there from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A schedule of events through Dec. 7 is available at the store.

All kinds of gourmet treats are featured as well as beautifully packaged baking mixes and other small gifts. There's a terrific selection of cookware, glassware, pots and pans and table- top decor.

Robinsons-May has been open since last week. The number of shoppers who showed up stopped traffic. Macy's expanded store has a handsome new facade and a chic look. A totally new Dillard's has emerged. Lord & Taylor will be built in Dillard's former location. The former Saks store will be razed to make way for another mall entrance.

To fully appreciate the special effects in the Great Hall, make tracks to the hall Nov. 22 when Santa "flies" in through a swirling snow storm. Ten snow machines will be going full blast, but there's no need for snow garb.

What will they think of next? There's no telling. This is only the beginning. The next Grand Reopening, when phase two of the Fashion Show mall is completed, is already being planned.