Columnist Muriel Stevens: New designs steal show at Fred

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 | 8:34 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' dining column appears Fridays. Her shopping and travel columns appear Wednesday. Reach her at (702) 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

A Taste of Candy, a new ring design by Fred Paris, was just one of the many exquisite pieces on display at a reception at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place on Friday.

While guests enjoyed champagne, vodka and caviar, two lovely young models with swan-like necks ideal for showing off the divine baubles walked among the tables sharing the designs and information. It was an elegant show.

Hosting the event was Fred General Manager Farid Matraki, a gracious man who is never so happy as when he is exhibiting and explaining the artistry of the Fred original designs. Some pieces take as much as two years to construct, so intricate are the designs.

All of the rings, earrings, bracelets, gold jewelry and smaller diamond creations may be seen at the Fred jewelry salon in the Forum Shops at Caesars. The exceptional and expensive one-of-a-kind diamond necklaces can be seen by appointment when they are available or at private events such as the extravagant diamond show that was part of the grand opening of the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas or the reception at the Stirling Club.

Love+Peace+Hope: Sound familiar? A new jewelry collection featuring symbols of freedom right out of the 1960s peace movement were introduced in Hollywood in March during various awards week receptions and parties. Love+ Peace+Hope as envisioned by New York artist Udi Behr for Oro Alexander Inc. is quite dramatic, yet is a new spin.

These are not the simple symbols of the past cast in primitive materials. The collection combines diamonds, gems and colorful beading with 18K white and yellow gold signature designs created by Behr. The necklaces, watches, bracelets, rings and earrings are suitable for men and women.

Look for the Love+Peace+Hope collection ($490 to $4,300) in boutiques and specialty department stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue.

For more information, go online -- lovepeaceandhope.com.

Sunset Canyon at Fashion Show: Couturier Manuel, whose client list includes many celebrities, will open Sunset Canyon at the Fashion Show mall Friday. The opening of this "authentic American design house" was delayed because, Manuel said, "Getting it all together and getting it right takes time."

Included in the collection are embroidered boots, beaded jackets, pants, blouses, coats and colorful Western shirts. Sunset Canyon also showcases an exclusive collection of jewelry by renowned Navajo jeweler Ray Tracey and additional jewelry and accessories from watches to buckles to belts. Shop at Sunset Canyon from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Getting to know the Cultural Corridor Coalition: A free neighborhood festival and open house is being offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 24 by the CCC, a downtown group of seven organizations: Neon Museum, Lied Discovery Children's Museum, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, LV Old Mormon Fort State Historic Park, Las Vegas Library, Cashman Center and Reed Whipple Cultural Center. Includes free admission to the museums and much more. For all ages. Call 382-3445 for more information.