Columnist Muriel Stevens: Hospice fashioning better world

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 8:42 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.

More than 600 supporters of the Nathan Adelson Hospice filled the Grand Ballroom at the Four Seasons for the annual luncheon and fashion show that is a major fund-raiser for the hospice.

Sponsored by Neiman Marcus in the Fashion Show mall with generous assistance by the Four Seasons, the event was co-chaired by Susan Molasky, Jane Schorr and Beth Weinberger. An Oscar de la Renta fashion show is always a delight, even more so when Mr. de la Renta attends. Oscar de la Renta fashions are timeless; his collections are brilliant. The fall collection includes cashmere suits, cardigans, turtlenecks, skirts and divine, feminine evening wear. The models walked to the beat of the music at a pace that kept us at the edge of our seats, not wanting to miss one detail.

The runway wrapped around the ballroom, giving a clear view to every table. Dozens of fashions were shown in record time. It was an exciting, lively show.

With Mr. de la Renta at the Neiman Marcus table were NM General Manager Bill Terry, special events coordinator Anne Yendrek and other NM executives.

Lunch, created by Executive Chef Michael Goodman, was designed with warm weather in mind: chilled gazpacho, grilled salmon with spring vegetables and a mousse-like dessert in two flavors -- chocolate and caramel.

Guest of honor Jodie Ghanem, an ardent supporter of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, spoke about her late husband, Dr. Elias Ghanem, his commitment to hospice and his personal battle with cancer. She chronicled in candid prose how his illness impacted the Ghanem family. It was a moving, inspirational recounting. With Jodie was her beautiful young daughter, Chrystal Ann.

Nathan Adelson Hospice accepts all patients. Donations are always appreciated. For more information call 733-0320.

De la Renta at Neiman Marcus: After the hospice fund-raising event fashionistas rushed to Neiman Marcus, where Monica Meade, de la Renta's senior sales representative, was waiting. The collection was available for three days. For more information about de la Renta's fall collection, call 731-3636.

Oscar de la Hoya activewear only at Mervyn's: Just in time for Father's Day, Mervyn's has launched an exclusive line of casual apparel and accessories for men and young men. The new Oscar de la Hoya Collection is located inside the men's department of all Mervyn's stores.

Included in the line are graphic T-shirts, muscle tees, fleece sweatshirts, pullover hoodies, athletic gym shorts, knit jersey boxers, silk boxers, signature training jackets and training pants, graphic fleece pants, World Champion hooded black robes, signature visors, baseball and knit caps and embroidered sweatband sets. Prices range from $10 for the one-size sweatband sets to $48 for the World Champion robe or training jacket.

Traveling showcase: The Oscar de la Hoya Experience is a custom-built, 75-foot big rig that was transformed into a retail and entertainment showcase. It will debut this summer. A portion of sales will go to de la Hoya's foundation, dedicated to creating opportunities for youths in East L.A., where he grew up.