Fashion show takes uniform approach

Thursday, April 15, 2004 | 8:31 a.m.

Stylish and swift, the models sauntered down the runway in burnt velvet bustiers and zip-front halter tops.

"Today's cocktail server uniform is sexy, provocative, and inspired by designs seen on the fashion runways of New York, Paris and Milan," the narrator explained. Only this was nowhere near New York, Paris or Milan. It was at the Mandalay Bay convention center, where the Las Vegas Hotel and Restaurant Association held its first uniform fashion show Wednesday.

Designed to highlight products and trends in the uniform industry, the event was part of the two-day Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show.

Valet outfits, busboy uniforms and front-desk chic replaced the typically bold runway garb featured at most fashion shows. Models posed in housekeeping duds and brandished spatulas, spray freshener and dustpans. Easy-care, stain-resistant and micro-fabric were favored adjectives.

In the hotel industry, particularly in image-conscious Las Vegas, purchasing uniforms isn't taken lightly, said Alisia Lewandowski, sales consultant for Cintas Corp., the largest uniform supplier in the United States. And at many local high-end properties the trend is to follow fashion.

"The uniforms tend to be more fashion forward, retail-inspired design," Lewandowski said. "At Green Valley Ranch you have the low-waisted black Band-Aid skirt."

Additionally, she said, pleather and burnt velvet are common innovative fabrics being incorporated into some of the uniforms.

Kicking off the 45-minute show was Classic Vegas, a segment that featured early Las Vegas cocktail waitress outfits, including a Sands strapless velvet and sequin-trimmed dress circa 1965 and a burgundy and gold Tropicana bustier and accordion skirt from the early 1980s.

"We really want to pay tribute to some classic uniforms over the years that have made a difference to the Las Vegas scene," said Van Heffner, president and chief executive of the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and Nevada Restaurant Association.

"Cocktail uniforms added to the ambience of resorts and their different trends and changes over the years."

Besides, Heffner said, "It's glamourous. Las Vegas is known for glamour."

Las Vegas is also synonymous with themes. A model for Paris Las Vegas wore a royal-blue soldier girl outfit with a poly crepe bustier, tails and matching hat. A model for Caesars Palace wore a "toga girl" white-and-gold bustier dress.

"It wasn't until Mirage opened that uniforms became so important," Lewandowski said. "Before, dealers wore the white shirts and black pants. When Mirage opened they added a theme that would carry throughout the property."

But, she said, some of the high-end themed hotels are moving away from costumed uniforms that became popular in the 1980s.

"The Venetian is Italian, but it isn't kitschy," Lewandowski said. "It's very elegant. Paris Las Vegas has an amazing uniform program. It's very classy, but it holds the theme.

"When you're presenting the property as a product, you need to present all aspects of the property."

Chuck Campbell, co-founder and chief operating officer of At Work Uniforms, which supplies uniforms to most Las Vegas hotels, emphasized image.

One of At Work Uniforms' best-selling shirts is a retro-style, short-sleeved button-up bartender shirt adorned with embroidered martini glasses. Other uniforms from its line could easily be worn as nightclub outfits.

"When it really comes down to it, it's all about 'the look,' " Campbell said. "That's our hottest-selling shirt nationwide."

From the hotel end of the market, Mary Clay, laundry and wardrobe manager for Harrah's, said she looks for blends, durability and colorfastness.

And, she said, the employees need to look nice.

"We need something that makes our employees feel good because if they feel good and look good, they treat the customers good."