Wednesday, April 9, 2003 | 8:22 a.m.
The recent opening of the Tod's boutique in the Forum Shops at Caesars was a smashing event. A record number of Tod's aficionados gathered to celebrate the opening of this first Tod's boutique in Las Vegas, one of only nine in the Americas, and to help raise funds for CineVegas, Las Vegas' annual film festival. Fifteen percent of all Tod's sales were contributed to CineVegas.
Pop culturist Michael Shulman, who brought Vanity Fair into the mix, said, "It worked on all levels. Tod's and Vanity Fair are a perfect match for CineVegas."
Add such foods by Spago as smoked salmon blinis with caviar and to-die-for crisp lacy cornets filled with tuna tartar and you've got one cool bash.
To appreciate the beauty of the shop's design and decor, visit Tod's when it isn't hosting a party. Sleek, spare and artfully lighted, it is a fine showcase for the elegant shoes and handbags. Put on a pair of the signature driving shoes to appreciate the genius of Tod's artisans.
With Tod's handbags and small leather goods at other Las Vegas stores, why would Tod's build one of the coveted boutiques in Las Vegas?
Tod's CEO Claudio Castiglioni was pleased to tell me.
"Tod's has only been available at the major department stores in a select way, and they can only represent who we are up to a certain extent. For example, Neiman Marcus only carries our handbags. That combined with the fact that Las Vegas gets so many millions of visitors each year, many of whom have a sophisticated palate and appreciate the craftsmanship and luxurious style of Tod's."
"By having a Tod's boutique at the Forum Shops, we can truly show that client who we are, as the boutiques carry our full range of women's and men's shoes, handbags, accessories and small leather goods. The premium retailers do not."
Tod's is a welcome addition to the ever-growing list of high-end shops in the Forum.
Strolling the Forum Shops: Shopping is splendid at the Forum Shops. Walking the cobbled streets gives a view of the shops on both sides. The intimacy is inviting -- this in spite of hundreds of people walking along the street.
Among my favorite stops are Valentino, Fred, Lalique, Amen Wardy, Judith Lieber, Bulgari and The Museum Company. There are always so many treasures to be seen.
Valentino is featuring ethereal handmade lacy wraps, silk evening bags and baubles destined to become heirlooms. In the window is a waist-length leather jacket studded with mother-of-pearl. It's gorgeous.
Estee Lauder's windows are filled with jeweled compacts and mirrors in red, white and blue, a reflection of the times. Escape into Escada; it's a world of its own. Victoria's Secret has no secrets -- they're all on display.
Roberto Cavalli now has his own shop in the Forum, and so does Dolce & Gabbana. Pass the time away while waiting for a cafe table at Spago window shopping at the Dior kiosk in front of the restaurant.
Since I can never resist the lure of the books and music in the Virgin Megastore, that's my last stop. That way I won't have to drag along the things I buy until I'm ready to leave the Forum Shops at Caesars.
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