Las Vegas Nevada News Feed

Painted skies, living statues and Las Vegas’ first celebrity chef. The Forum Shops at Caesars continues to lead the retail industry both domestically and internationally by setting trends and being “first” in the Las Vegas market. Early 2010 will be no exception as Las Vegas’ first Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man and Christian Audigier are set to be opened this year.

With these openings to look forward to in 2010, The Forum Shops has long enjoyed its plethora of industry firsts. In 1992, Wolfgang Puck became the first celebrity chef to open a restaurant in Las Vegas. Spago’s set the trend of world-renowned chefs breaking the city of its stereotypical buffets and midnight specials by bringing California cuisine to guests. Today, Las Vegas is known around the world for having the largest prestigious collection of chefs along the Strip.

For retailers, The Forum Shops at Caesars proved to be a Mecca of sorts for shoppers, being the first to bring the world’s most celebrated designers to the destination. Versace, Armani, Dior, Fendi, Valentino, Bulgari, and many more all tell tales of how The Forum Shops was their first location and how today those stores continue to be some of the top producers for sales in their respective companies worldwide.

Coming this summer, for Max Brenner, Chocolate by the Bald Man, chocolate is not just about taste; it also represents romance, sensuality and decadence. A worldwide phenomenon with menu primarily made from chocolate, Max Brenner’s location at The Forum Shops will hold the distinction of being the largest at 9,400 square feet. Also to catch the guests’ eyes: enormous white vats mixing chocolate that will flow into pipes that run throughout the entire space. The décor will also feature huge bricks, candles, pralines, colorful toy tines and crates overflowing with cocoa beans. Currently, including Las Vegas, there will be 29 total locations, with two in the United States: New York City and Philadelphia.

Las Vegas’ first Christian Audigier location will feature his luxury street wear apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The French designer behind the popular rhinestone-encrusted Ed Hardy brand adds to his empire when the store opens this summer.

Now open and new at The Forum Shops, Paradiso for the “ultra-cool shopper.” Apparel, handbags and accessories include the latest must-have labels from legendary brands such as True Religion, Rock & Republic, BCBG, Betsey Johnson, and Stuart Weitzman. Irresistible looks ranging from funky fun to outrageous.

Also now open, Marshall Rousso. For more than 30 years, Marshall Rousso has beautifully dressed women who want to look dazzling for a night out on the town, especially in a city like Las Vegas. From glamorous evening wear to hip casual clothing, Marshall Rousso offers remarkable styles to women who appreciate being noticed. The location will include a wide assortment of stylish accessories, including an extensive collection of handbags and an impressive selection of footwear from such shoe designers as J Renee, BCBG Girls, Desario, Chinese Laundry and Onex, among others, add the finishing touches.

When shoppers arrive and experience these new offerings, one of the immediate experiences they will encounter is the ambience. This was the arena shoppers first experienced the fantasy recreation of an ancient Roman Forum streetscape with classic columns and arches whose painted skies reflected the change from sunrise to sunset. Central piazzas also feature ornate fountains and the classic statuary, Fountain of the Gods reflecting that of an ancient forum in towns, where the center was created to be the formal area that led people to the marketplace.

When Phase III expansion debuted in 2004, a three-level, freestanding spiral escalator became the first of its kind in the United States and was designed exclusively for The Forum shops by Mitsubishi.

Another “first”: a 50,000-gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with colorful tropical fish located in the Roman Great Hall. Of heroic proportion, the hall is 160 feet in diameter and 85 feet high.

In this same hall is one of two locations where guests can see awe-inspiring statues that come to life. Today, these statues are a “must see” for Las Vegas visitors of all ages. The Atlantis Show has more than 400 moving parts in each of the characters.

As for the Festival Fountain statues, Bacchus hosts a party for Forum Shops visitors with assistance from Apollo, Venus and Plutus. Each character adds their special talent to the festivities, accompanied by music, sound effects, animatronics and special scenic projections on the dome and computerized waterscape effects.

ABOUT THE FORUM SHOPS AT CAESARS

The Forum Shops at Caesars opened 283,000 square feet in May 1992 to immediate success. An August 1997 expansion to 500,000 square feet continued the momentum. The third phase of The Forum Shops’ growth was a three-level expansion extending from the existing retail, dining and entertainment icon to the famed Las Vegas Strip adding 175,000 square feet, with completion October 2004. A grand pedestrian plaza entrance on Las Vegas Boulevard further validates The Forum Shops as one of the finest luxury shopping streets in the world. The Forum Shops is recognized for its unique combination of top retail, dining, entertainment, excellent location and exciting ambiance featuring 150 specialty shops and 15 restaurants.

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Forum Shops At Caesars Palace Information

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

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Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino welcomes surfing lifestyle retailer Billabong and couture candy store Sugar Factory this February.

Coveted by celebrities and seen as fashion accessories on the hottest red carpets, Sugar Factory offers a selection of designer sweets sure to tantalize the taste buds. Candy connoisseurs can choose from a wide selection of delectables including lollipops, chocolates, hard candies and more. Recently, Sugar Factory launched the “Signature Series Couture Lollipop,” allowing customers to create their own custom treats by choosing from a selection of delicious flavors and an array of bejeweled handles. Sugar Factory candies are perfect for any occasion including birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, holidays and more.

Founded in Australia, Billabong is a surf and skate lifestyle retailer specializing in branded extreme sports apparel and accessories. Products sporting the wave logo include swimwear, jackets, backpacks, watches, footwear, surfboards and more. In addition, Billabong maintains an ongoing commitment to pro boardsports and its team members such as sponsoring many events around the world.

Keep up with the latest Miracle Mile Shops news via Facebook and Twitter.

Miracle Mile Shops is open 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday – Thursday and 10 a.m. – midnight Friday – Saturday. For more information, please call (888) 800-8284 or visit www.miraclemileshopslv.com.

Miracle Mile Shops, owned by David Edelstein and Aby Rosen, in conjunction with leasing and marketing consultant Robert K. Futterman & Associates LLC, is the 1.2 mile retail/entertainment complex at the heart of Las Vegas Boulevard. Miracle Mile Shops boasts streamlined and modernized storefronts, people movers, a backlit sidewalk water feature, state-of-the-art LED video screens, crystal chandeliers, a multi-million dollar fountain show and contemporary, color-coded kiosks. The center benefits from its excellent street access and serves the 38 million tourists who visit Las Vegas each year. Miracle Mile Shops features 15 restaurants, live entertainment and 170 specialty stores including retail brands such as H&M, Urban Outfitters, Ben Sherman, Quiksilver, bebe, Sephora, French Connection, Betsey Johnson, Frederick’s of Hollywood and True Religion Brand Jeans.

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Planet Hollywood Hotel and Casino

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Borrowing from the aesthetic traditions of iconic Viennese artists—from Gustav Klimt’s rich, saturated palette to Adolf Loos’ streamlined structures—Austria-born , New York-based Devi Kroell debuted her eponymous collection in Spring 2004. First focusing on understated, sculptural handbags rendered in exotic materials, Kroell expanded into footwear in Fall 2006, and unveiled her first ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2009.

Key features of Kroell’s work—diverse design influences and a refined sense of versatility—give nod to her expansive cultural experience: Kroell spent her childhood in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Israel, France and Italy among other locales. As a result, her signature styles are easily suited to a variety of backdrops and tastes. From her original python hobo bag to her crystal-studded wooden clutches and avant-garde heels, all of Kroell’s impeccably crafted designs feature sleek, effortless shapes fused with lush, tactile elements.

This unique architectural approach to design earned her the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in June 2006, the same month the doors opened on her first boutique in East Hampton, New York. Her second store is slated to open in fall 2009 at 717 Madison Avenue.

In addition to the Devi Kroell boutiques and e-commerce shop, her distinctive pieces are stocked at Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and worldwide at prestigious retailers such as Harvey Nichols in London, Dubai and Hong Kong.

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The Forum Shops Information

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

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The Cupcakery, Las Vegas’ premier cupcake-only bakery, opened its third Las Vegas location and first Strip location on Friday, Dec. 18. The newest Cupcakery is located on the Street of Dreams at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino.

The Cupcakery has become a favorite of locals and tourists alike with signature flavors including Kir Royale, a raspberry cake with champagne frosting; Tickle Me Pink, a classic white cake with pink buttercream frosting; and the award-winning Southern Belle, a moist red velvet cake smothered in cream cheese frosting. The bakery also offers frosting shots for those seeking a quick dose of sugar without the cake. Customers on-the-go can enjoy the Monte Carlo Travel Special which includes one cupcake and a large coffee for $6.

More than a miniature cake, a cupcake is a perfectly portioned dessert available in an assortment of flavors from the traditional to the refined. The popularity of cupcakes began spreading throughout the country a few years ago with cupcake-only bakeries popping up in places like Los Angeles and New York City. The Cupcakery brought the trend to Las Vegas in 2006, opening two bakeries in two years before expanding into Texas. The bakery brings in customers from across the valley and caters to a growing list of celebrity clientele that include Cher, ‘NSYNC member Joey Fatone, rocker Vince Neil and Britney Spears.

“It’s everyone’s dream to be featured on the Las Vegas Strip and my cupcakes are no different than rock stars and showgirls,” said Pamela Jenkins, owner of The Cupcakery. “We’re so excited to have a store at the Monte Carlo and look forward to a long future on The Strip.”

About The Cupcakery at Monte Carlo

Baked fresh daily, The Cupcakery uses only the finest ingredients for quality you can taste. The Cupcakery features a signature lineup of 12 to 20 distinctive flavors daily as well as seasonal specials. Customers can also visit the Web site www.thecupcakery.com for upcoming specials, contests and breaking cupcake news! The store is located on the Street of Dreams at Monte Carlo Resort & Casino and hours of operation are Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. The Cupcakery…the best little cupcakes in Vegas!

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Monte Carlo Resort & Casino

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Cupcakes, cookies, lollipops, toffee, licorice, hard candies and dipped treats, oh my! The Palazzo Las Vegas cupcake and candy store, Sweet Surrender, brings together remarkable pastry chefs and the finest ingredients to create irresistibly indulgent treats. The shop’s variety is wide and sweet-tooth satisfaction is endless with the crème de la crème of Sweet Surrenders offerings being only for the most passionate cupcake lover: the $750 Decadence D’Or.

Decadence D’Or is a sumptuous cupcake, handcrafted from the most exclusive, rich, and enterprising ingredients around the globe. One main ingredient in Decadence D’Or is Palmira Single Estate Chocolate. This special chocolate varietal is derived from the rare and fragile Porcelana Criollo bean and cultivated to its fullest state of richness exclusively at the Valrhona plantation in Venezuela. Complementary to the Palmira Single Estate Chocolate is Tahitian Gold Vanilla Caviar- the world’s most labor-intensive agricultural crop. This fruit, after it is ripened for nine months, then hand-harvested, cured, sweat, dried, and hand-split, is obtained only by tedious manual extraction; it is truly a delicacy, both in taste and exclusivity. Topping the Decadence D’Or is the masterfully smooth Louis XIII de Remy Martin Cognac, 100 years in the making, and edible, metallic gold flakes, each painstakingly hand-placed. Finally, once baked to perfection, this grand dessert is encased in a stately, hand blown sugar Fleur-de-Lis and presented on a handmade exclusive elegant crackled-gold glass curved plate and bowl. Talk about the royal treatment!

Chef Long Nguyen, executive pastry chef of The Venetian and The Palazzo is the visionary genius behind all the exotic cupcake flavors and Chef Johann Springfield, head baker makes the cupcakes a reality. In addition to the exclusive specialty cupcake Decadence D’Or Sweet Surrender carries: Red Velvet, Lemon Strawberry, Chocolate Ganache, Carrot, Black Forest, Strawberry, Coconut and Chocolate Fudge cupcakes.

Sweet Surrender, located on The Palazzo casino floor next to guest elevators, is open Sunday through Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. – Midnight. Special orders can be placed directly by dialing 702-607-0753.

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Palazzo Resort Casino

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Borrowing from the aesthetic traditions of iconic Viennese artists—from Gustav Klimt’s rich, saturated palette to Adolf Loos’ streamlined structures—Austria-born , New York-based Devi Kroell debuted her eponymous collection in Spring 2004. First focusing on understated, sculptural handbags rendered in exotic materials, Kroell expanded into footwear in Fall 2006, and unveiled her first ready-to-wear collection for Spring 2009.

Key features of Kroell’s work—diverse design influences and a refined sense of versatility—give nod to her expansive cultural experience: Kroell spent her childhood in Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland, Israel, France and Italy among other locales. As a result, her signature styles are easily suited to a variety of backdrops and tastes. From her original python hobo bag to her crystal-studded wooden clutches and avant-garde heels, all of Kroell’s impeccably crafted designs feature sleek, effortless shapes fused with lush, tactile elements.

This unique architectural approach to design earned her the Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Accessory Design from the Council of Fashion Designers of America in June 2006, the same month the doors opened on her first boutique in East Hampton, New York. Her second store is slated to open in fall 2009 at 717 Madison Avenue.

In addition to the Devi Kroell boutiques and e-commerce shop, her distinctive pieces are stocked at Barneys New York, Saks Fifth Avenue and worldwide at prestigious retailers such as Harvey Nichols in London, Dubai and Hong Kong.

Related Links:

Forum Shops Information

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

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Crystals at CityCenter opened its doors to the world, showcasing an unparalleled array of the world’s most exclusive retailers and forever redefining the Las Vegas retail experience. Opening day activities gave invited guests an early preview of this unique retail and entertainment district at the core of the extraordinary urban resort destination, CityCenter.

Festivities began at noon with an invite-only shopping event for several thousand Las Vegas locals, for which a portion of the proceeds were donated to local charities including Nevada Cancer Institute, Keep Memory Alive, Nevada Ballet Theatre and The Smith Center for The Performing Arts. Crystals opened its doors to the public at 5 p.m.

Continuing the exclusive experience into this evening, one of Hollywood’s favorite celebrities, Eva Longoria Parker, will host a private party at the CityCenter location of her highly anticipated new Latin steakhouse, Beso, one of several innovative dining experiences to open at Crystals.

“I am thrilled to be expanding my restaurant franchise, and cannot think of a more perfect location than Crystals at CityCenter,” said Eva Longoria Parker. “Vegas is full of energy, excitement, and in the city of lights, Beso will be right at home.”

An architectural movement of sheer energy, Crystals’ interactive atmosphere invites guests to be part of the excitement. The exterior architecture, conceived by Studio Daniel Libeskind*, is a multi-faceted, brilliant glass canopy depicting the intricate beauty of a quartz crystal that welcomes an abundance of natural light into the stunning three-level experiential environment. Within, David Rockwell and Rockwell Group have created an abstract 21st century park that celebrates nature and the seasons, featuring “changeable artwork” in the way of hanging gardens and a colorful flower carpet.

“In Crystals we have coupled stunning architecture and interior design with one-of-a-kind offerings from the fashion industry’s most celebrated brands to create a premier social and cultural environment in the heart of the city,” said Frank Visconti, president of retail for CityCenter. “Here, Las Vegas visitors have a unique place to discover the finer things in life.”

The Taubman Company, the world’s leading developer of upscale shopping centers, who is responsible for the leasing of Crystals, has assembled an unprecedented collection of luxury retailers and dining destinations.

This incredible array of prestigious brands features one of the largest Louis Vuitton stores in the world, as well as flagships for Tiffany & Co., Prada, Gucci, Roberto Cavalli, and Ermenegildo Zegna.

Unique- to-the-market retailers include: Tom Ford, Assouline, Carolina Herrera, de Grisogono, Kiki De Montparnasse, Kiton, Lanvin, Marni, Mikimoto, Miu Miu, Paul Smith, Porsche Design, Rodney Lough Gallery, and Tourbillon.

Other luxury retailers opening large format stores: Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Cartier, Christian Dior, Fendi, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Versace. Many of these brands will be opening this month, with the balance opening the 1st half of 2010.

Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso is joined by dining destinations Mastro’s Ocean Club, a new offering by Todd English, Todd English P.U.B., and two new concepts by Wolfgang Puck, The Pods by Wolfgang Puck and Brasserie PUCK. Additional retail, restaurant and entertainment offerings will be announced throughout 2010.

The 500,000 square foot Crystals retail and entertainment district, is the second destination to open at CityCenter. Vdara Hotel & Spa opened Tuesday, December 1, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas opens tomorrow, December 4 and ARIA Resort & Casino opens Wednesday, December 16.

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Crystals Information

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150 Specialty Shops and 15 Restaurants to Remain Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

WHAT: The Forum Shops at Caesars will be open during normal business hours this holiday season and all restaurants and shops will keep their doors open on Christmas Day.

WHEN: The 2009 holiday hours of operations are:

* Christmas Eve, Dec. 24: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
* Christmas Day, Dec. 25: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.
* New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
(Restaurants will remain open after 6 p.m.)
* New Year’s Day, Jan. 1: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m.

WHERE: The Forum Shops at Caesars
3500 Las Vegas Blvd. South

ABOUT THE FORUM SHOPS:
The Forum Shops at Caesars opened 283,000 square feet in May 1992 to immediate success. An August 1997 expansion to 500,000 square feet continued the momentum. The third phase of The Forum Shops’ growth was a three-level expansion extending from the existing retail, dining and entertainment icon to the famed Las Vegas Strip adding 175,000 square feet, with completion October 2004. A grand pedestrian plaza entrance on Las Vegas Boulevard further validates The Forum Shops as one of the finest luxury shopping streets in the world. The Forum Shops is recognized for its unique combination of top retail, dining, entertainment, excellent location and exciting ambiance featuring 150 specialty shops and 15 restaurants. Additional information may be accessed at www.forumshops.com.

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The Forum Shops Information

Caesars Palace Hotel and Casino

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Tiffany & Co. was the first retailer to open its doors inside Crystals at CityCenter today during an elegant ribbon cutting ceremony and special Breakfast at Tiffany event.

The new two-level Tiffany & Co. store faces Las Vegas Boulevard and is located in Crystals, CityCenter’s 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and Rockwell Group featuring a brilliant crystalline canopy and stunning interior spaces.

The approximately 10,000-square-foot store features an 85-foot-high glass façade that is canted slightly over the street and shaped like a diamond, the sparkling gemstone at the center of Tiffany’s great heritage. The façade incorporates the store’s entrance of polished black granite framing deco-inspired stainless steel doors, and serves as a great window that reveals the store’s interior with its spiral steel and glass staircase and curved, multi-layered ceiling.

“CityCenter is a model of innovation, and we are very happy to be part of it,” said Beth O. Canavan, executive vice president of Tiffany & Co. “We have designed a store that honors the vision of world-renowned architects and urban planners, and at the same time reflects our heritage of quality and craftsmanship.”

The interior of the two-level store is a celebration of movement and light. The street level entrance opens to some of Tiffany’s most renowned collections, including a charm bar with mementos of a visit to Las Vegas and all of life’s great moments. Reflections of the gleaming gold and sterling silver jewelry multiply in a mirrored wall etched with a vertical pattern of pinstripes, and another wall covered with an iridescent purple fabric that extends the full 85 feet to the store’s ceiling.

Each step on the crystalline stone and glass staircase is lit from beneath, emphasizing the curve of the stairs that shine through the glass façade. Mid-way on the staircase, a landing offers comfortable seating and a must-see panorama of Las Vegas Boulevard. With the city glittering all around, it is the perfect setting for couples to express their love with a Tiffany diamond engagement ring.

The store’s second level features a gallery of crystal-covered walls, with column vitrines of bronze-frosted mirrors and designated areas for eyewear, leather accessories and charms. The gallery leads to the fashion jewelry salon with such original details as an elegant drape sculpted from a silvery wood, the fine jewelry salon with a contemporary chandelier of candlestick shapes in streamlined steel, and the engagement salon with polished Makore wood and shimmering wall coverings.

Tiffany also introduced a limited-edition jewelry that is now available exclusively at the new store. This collection includes a bracelet of sterling silver charms designed for good luck—a horseshoe, dice, player’s chip and ace of spades—and a dazzling Tiffany Key in platinum encrusted with diamonds.

The private sales salon is accessed via a glass bridge that is 10 feet long and hovers 25 feet over the floor below. In addition, customers may consult further with a sales professional or relax in the Tiffany Salon, a richly appointed inner sanctum with a handmade gold and silver wall covering, a bar of high-gloss Makore wood, and views of Las Vegas Boulevard. Other services include a concierge staff that is fluent in Mandarin and other languages.

Throughout the store, custom furnishings of hammered wrought iron covered in silver fabrics with hints of purple, and carpeting with a purple geometric design provide comfort to customers.

CityCenter is a design collaboration between MGM MIRAGE and eight internationally acclaimed architectural firms, whose environmentally conscious plan is a model of innovation and energy efficiency. When completed, CityCenter will become one of the world’s largest sustainable urban communities, encompassing 18 million square feet over 67 acres, with luxury residences and hotels, meeting and convention facilities, boutiques, clubs and restaurants.

The new CityCenter store is the jeweler’s third in Las Vegas. Tiffany also operates stores in the Shops at Via Bellagio and The Forum Shops at Caesars.

Tiffany & Co. operates jewelry and specialty retail stores and manufactures products through its subsidiary corporations. Its principal subsidiary is Tiffany and Company. The Company operates TIFFANY & CO. retail stores and boutiques in the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe and engages in direct selling through Internet, catalog and business gift operations. For additional information, please visit tiffany.com or call the shareholder information line at 800-TIF-0110.

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Crystals at CityCenter Information

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WHAT:
Tiffany & Co. will be the first retailer to open its doors inside the much anticipated Crystals at CityCenter during an elegant ribbon cutting ceremony and a special Breakfast at Tiffany event.

The new two-level Tiffany store will showcase the jeweler’s spectacular diamonds, exclusive Tiffany & Co. collections and introduce limited-edition jewelry that is available exclusively at the new location.

WHEN:
Thursday, December 3, 2009 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Tiffany & Co. Crystals at CityCenter 3720 S. Las Vegas Blvd. Las Vegas, NV  89109

DETAILS:
The new two-level Tiffany & Co. store will face Las Vegas Boulevard and will be located in Crystals, CityCenter’s 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district designed by Studio Daniel Libeskind and Rockwell Group featuring a brilliant crystalline canopy and stunning interior spaces.

The approximately 10,000-square-foot store features an 85-foot-high glass façade that is canted slightly over the street and shaped like a diamond, the sparkling gemstone at the center of Tiffany’s great heritage. The façade incorporates the store’s entrance of polished black granite framing deco-inspired stainless steel doors, and serves as a great window that reveals the store’s interior with its spiral steel and glass staircase and curved, multi-layered ceiling.

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