Columnist Muriel Stevens: Models make clothes seem valuable

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 | 8:09 a.m.

In a recent "Today" show fashion report about blue jeans, Katie Couric wanted to know what could possibly make a pair of denim jeans worth $800.

In truth, except for the fancy design on the seat part, there was nothing to distinguish those pricey pants from the equally attractive jeans at much lower prices.

Wearing the jeans were cute models with firm tushes. Regardless of price, these babes would look fab dressed in burlap.

Victoria's Secret's sexiest store: Victoria's Secret is opening its "sexiest store on Earth" at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace on May 19. Is it sexier than the catalogs? Don't know, but I do know that the store includes the first Chantal Thomass Atelier in the country.

Featured will be the Parisian couture lingerie designer's special collection, along with one-of-a-kind pieces from her couture collection.

Thomass will make an appearance at the new store at a private media showing May 24. The designer will present pieces from her Victoria's Secret exclusive collection of swimwear, lingerie and couture wear.

Thomass' style is refined and original. She is best known for fitting and framing the cleavage and for using only the finest-quality fabrics and European lace, and for introducing lingerie as an indispensable part of a modish woman's wardrobe.

She is also responsible for inventing the style "Dessous Dessu" -- underwear used as outerwear. Five models will present Chantal's heady designs.

In addition to couture lingerie, Victoria's Secret features beauty products, fashion collections and cosmetics. The Chantal Thomass for Victoria's Secret Collection is available online at www.victoriassecret.com, in the Victoria's Secret catalog and at select store locations.

Tiffany & Co.: Gifts for May graduates, June brides or for any other occasion are available in plentiful supply at Tiffany & Co. in Bellagio. Never underestimate the cachet of the signature Tiffany Blue box. No matter the price of your purchase, the service and gift- wrap will be the same.

From leather diaries to priceless diamonds to sterling silver collectibles, the Tiffany stamp assures keepsakes that are timeless.

My own collection of Tiffany treasures was decimated by two major catastrophes, yet I cherish the memories and the few remaining pieces.

Share Our Strength: Taste of the Nation, an annual fundraiser for Nevada's hungry, will take place tonight in the South Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Community Food Bank and Chef and Child Foundation will benefit from the funds raised.

Tickets are $70 at the door for general admission; VIP admission is $85 and gives ticket holders a one-hour early admittance. Call 943-6868 for advance tickets and save money.

More than 30 food-related businesses will participate, including Rosemary's Restaurant, Aramark, Silverton, the Chocolate Swan, the UNLV Food and Beverage Department, Votech High School and Culinary Arts, Z'Tejas, Hamada of Japan, Golden Nugget, Illy Cafe and many more. For advance tickets call 943-6868 or visit www.tasteofthenationlasvegas.com.