Columnist Muriel Stevens: Caesars preps for Strongwater

Wednesday, April 23, 2003 | 8:30 a.m.

Good news for Jay Strongwater devotees. Strongwater's coveted jeweled picture frames and other exquisite collectibles will soon be available at his first boutique opening mid-May at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

A grand-opening party on June 12 will include an appearance by Strongwater.

This premier boutique is the Strongwater flagship and will showcase the "Jewels for the Home" collection, a stunning melange of candlesticks, serving trays, vases, scented candles and the jeweled picture frames and small, appealing keepsakes that are works of art.

New designs will be introduced at the flagship as well as "emerging collections" and one-of-a-kind designs specifically for the boutique. "Las Vegas is the perfect home for the line. The opulent, exuberant and luxurious town attracts our biggest collectors from all over the world," Strongwater said.

Jay Strongwater collections are available at Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Prices range from affordable to extravagant. Regardless of price, each Strongwater piece is enchanting.

Macy's goes Hollywood: Hip shoppers are invited to shop On Impulse at Macy's Fashion Show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 1. Co-sponsors of the event-packed shopping night are Las Vegas Life magazine and BikiNis at The Rio.

Among the happenings at the ultra-trendy Impulse department: informal modeling; fashions from designers Seven, Haley Bob, BCBG, Max Azria, Max Studio and Laundry; a beauty bar hosted by MAC cosmetics; music spun by BikiNis DJ Patrick; and nibbles and drinks. Limited space so RSVP now -- 691-3410.

Restaurant consultant expands: Noted restaurant authority and consultant Clark Wolf has created a new tableware collection for Fortessa. Included are two flatware lines, Charlemagne and Kyoto, and Century Glass, a series of glass accessories.

Decorative glass dishes and serving pieces are a cool new trend. Crate and Barrel stores are debuting the flatware at the end of April; the accessories are available at Zabar's in NYC and other specialty gourmet shops.

According to Wolf, the glassware designs were originally created for the Wild Goose resort at Lake Tahoe.

Wolf will be in Las Vegas May 1 through May 3 to speak at the Hospitality Design Expo and Conference on restaurant trends. The show will be at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.

More than 950 exhibitor-manufacturers will attend showing the latest in bath and spa designs and the newest designs for hotels, restaurants and resorts. The global marketplace is rapidly expanding.

Bridal shower at Lladro: Brides who visit the Lladro gallery at the Canal Shoppes at The Venetian Saturday will be able to view the Lladro collection of porcelain art and attend a "bridal shower." Lladro is the acclaimed Spanish company that designs and creates porcelain sculptures and art pieces.

Brides and their friends can view the collection and enjoy a slice of a special wedding cake and coffee and tea. The cake will feature a Lladro wedding cake topper, and will be cut at noon.