From Alber Elbaz, Lanvin

Devotees of the exquisitely draped dresses Alber Elbaz conjures up as Lanvin’s creative director have reason to rejoice: The designer has written a covet-worthy book commemorating his 10th anniversary helming the iconic Paris atelier. Alber Elbaz, Lanvin, available now in select stores, raises the bar on the experience of going behind the scenes to witness the process of a collection’s creation—in this case, Fall/Winter 2011.

Elbaz has crafted a book that tells a concept-to-runway story largely in its photography (by the acclaimed But Sou Lai), yet also in its details. A simple note pinned to an unfinished dress, for example, reveals not only the intricacies of its construction, but also the multitudes of thought that can go into something as simple as the length of a zipper. Those who wonder why a fabric is chosen for a particular dress, or an embellishment is deemed vital, will likewise be sated in the sketches and notes, from inspirations to swatches to sessions with fit models to ultimately the high-wattage presentation of a Paris runway show.

But in a nod to where the fantasy of fashion ultimately originates, Elbaz chose to kick off the 704-page, gilt-edged tome—and at $450, it is a fashion keepsake—with the moment his own creative thoughts begin: sitting in front of a piece of stark white sketch paper. “I face a blank page each day, and I have to fill it with a dream. That’s my work,” he writes in this feast for the fashion senses. Lanvin. Crystals, CityCenter, 702-982-0245

Playing the waiting game is a common strategy in retail: If you’ve set your sights on a particular location, sit tight until the ideal space becomes available—although a little improvising is sometimes required. With the mid-February opening of a 3,000-square-foot boutique at The Forum Shops at Caesars, Fendi proved itself to be no stranger to this philosophy. With locations at Crystals at CityCenter, The Shoppes at The Palazzo, and Via Bellagio, the storied Italian label long ago also identified Forum Shops as a preferred site, and thus chose to maintain a presence in the highly trafficked retail destination (which celebrates its 20th anniversary in May) via a 400-squarefoot kiosk, an unusual move for a major fashion house. But the gamble paid off threefold: Brisk sales from the kiosk of Fendi accessories, such as its iconic Baguettes (two styles from Spring 2012 are seen above), cemented the notion that Forum Shops was Fendi-friendly; and when the perfect full-size boutique opened up, guess who was first in line to take the space? The design of Las Vegas’s fourth Fendi might be considered a celebration of its Italian roots and its Forum Shops partnership: The boutique is a Roman wonder based on the Pantheon, complete with a replica of the landmark’s famed dome, constructed in Italy and transported to Vegas. The roomier space allows Fendi to offer more women’s accessories—including a stand-alone shoe salon that is a first in the US for the label—as well as men’s accessories and casual wear. But what was that third advantage? Deciding you can never have too much of a good thing, Fendi has chosen to keep the kiosk as well.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN KLUTCH

For Christian Louboutin, a mere party isn’t enough to celebrate his first two decades as a designer, but a year’s worth of festivities should do. His latest: a capsule collection of shoes and bags, now arriving in select boutiques (including both Las Vegas locations, at Forum Shops at Caesars and The Shoppes at the Palazzo). Louboutin selected 20 styles of shoes—as well as six handbags—to represent the evolution of his work, from his early days apprenticing at the Folies-Bergère to his work with Tina Turner and Dita von Teese (seen here, his sketch of the $1,195 Bow Bow sandal). The limited-edition collection is sure to be snapped up, so don’t wait. Louboutin may have other tricks up his sleeve for the remainder of this anniversary year, but why take the chance?

Louis Vuitton welcomes an esteemed new menswear designer this spring, and with him a revamped collection of leather goods. Kim Jones, recently named 2011 Menswear Designer at the British Fashion Awards, takes advantage of Vuitton’s rich archives to create his spring collection of travel gear and everyday goods with Nomade leather—a buttery soft new leather in shades of olive green, burgundy, and tobacco. Although the collection offers everything from carry-all totes to briefcases, the highlight is the expedition gear. Jones drew on his childhood in Africa as inspiration for items such as an oversized weekender and binocular case. Hints of tribal colors and patterns are mixed in with expedition fabrics like structured cotton in the ready to wear, all tied together with rich earthy-toned accessories. Perfect for the nomadic, jet-setting lifestyle of Las Vegas, be it a weekend spa escape to Zion or a longer adventure, the entire leather collection acts as a great travel assistant. Cabas E/W duffle ($4,200) and binocular case ($3,900). Louis Vuitton. Crystals, CityCenter

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN KLUTCH

Founded in France in 2004, Bogosse is owned by brothers Patrick and Fabrice Tardieu, who partnered up to create a brand that displays both their personalities and love of travel. Born and raised in Haiti, Patrick played professional soccer while Fabrice gravitated toward the fashion industry, but the two eventually joined forces. Bogosse, which translates to “handsome” in French, offers top quality, custom-made dress shirts and includes collections for men, women, and children. The stitching, embroidery, exquisite craftsmanship, buttons, and detailing all give a unique look and feel to each piece. Available at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus, Bogosse puts a bespoke twist on professional attire. 3200 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Tapping into Italy’s passion for la dolce vita, Dolce & Gabbana’s first fine-jewelry collection combines religion, romance, and the beauty of precious stones into several stories, each of which boasts a compelling title: Confession, Devotion, Sicily, Love, and Family. Recently arrived in stores, the 80-piece collection is exclusive in the US in three cities: Las Vegas (at The Forum Shops at Caesars), Los Angeles, and New York. Inspired by the island of Sicily, the collection transitions effortlessly from bejeweled rosaries and other religious iconography—a subject explored often by the design duo of Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana—to delicate filigree charms that put the fine point on another favorite subject, Italian romance, as well as a devotion to Italian craft. Indeed, the Italian-made collection is handcrafted from 18k tri-color gold, accented with rubies, black sapphires, and pearls on Byzantine chains and lock-and-key pendants, while a flurry of charms (seen on the medal pendant charm necklaces grouped above) symbolize notions of faith, luck, and love, ultimately allowing the wearer to channel a sultry sophistication evocative of Sophia Loren. Perfectly timed to the graceful retro trends popular this season, these jewels should be paired with the high-waisted pencil skirts and lacefitted bustiers seen on the Spring 2012 runways. The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-892-0880

	Bold suit from Ports 1961

Menswear designers just may have the Las Vegas man about town in mind this season: Bright, colorful suits ruled the runways of designers from Givenchy to Zegna. But will lime green really get you noticed at Tao? Try Bottega Veneta’s three-button neoprene option. For a slightly more conservative look, Gucci and Lanvin both offer vibrant shades of deep purple. Style the trend with bright shirts and ties, or tone down with neutrals. The ways of making bright suits formal enough for work yet playful enough for a night out are endless. “Color loves color for the coming season,” says Ken Dowling, fashion director at Neiman Marcus. “Contrasting color makes a bold statement. A yellow shirt, open at the collar, says you are not a wallflower!” 3-button jacket ($1,895), microoxford shirt ($795), knit tie ($265), Ports 1961. Saks Fifth Avenue, Fashion Show, 702-733-8800

	Vests, John Varvatos

Vests have always stood firm in the shadow of men’s fashion, making their way in and out of the masculine wardrobe since the 1600s. That vests took center stage on the runway this fall is evidence of a welcome return to well-groomed dressing. Keep an eye on Canali and Dolce & Gabbana, where the waistcoat was part of a three-piece suit, and Giorgio Armani, where it was worn as a silky layer under suiting. The polished accent piece was even shown as an independent statement at shows like D&G and John Varvatos. Varvatos, who has included vests in every runway show since he founded his label in 2000, says, “I love the trend, because for me, it’s the coolest element of a guy’s wardrobe.” While investing in a three-piece suit is a no-brainer, Varvatos notes that part of the appeal is that “you can dress [a vest] up or down. In Vegas, work in a vest for an evening out by rocking it with jeans, a T-shirt, and a jacket.” This simultaneously rugged and tailored approach to fashion is the perfect blend of statements for the nightlife capital. “It’s the ultimate rock ’n’ roll look,” he says, “as well as an elegant business wardrobe touch.” The Forum Shops at Caesars, 702-939-0922

PHOTOGRAPH BY JACQUELYN ALLEN

	Adrienne Maloof

When she’s not running one of her family businesses or filming The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Adrienne Maloof, the female powerhouse among brothers George, Gavin, Joe and Phil, travels to Vegas to check in on Palms Casino Resort. Now the star steps into the world of fashion, with her new footwear line, Adrienne Maloof for Charles Jourdan, available at adriennemaloof.com.

“I’ve always been involved in business with my family, from the Palms to Maloof Productions, but the show has allowed me to branch out on my own,” she says. Given her love of ultra-high designer shoes, she jumped at the chance to get creative with her collection, and made her vision of “sophisticated, edgy and classic” styles come to life.

Maloof’s high-fashion sensibility was brought to the national stage during the first season of her Bravo hit (the controversial second season premiered last month). “It’s like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous meets Sex and the City with just a splash of Mean Girls,” says the mother of three.

There are 10 to 12 styles in each collection, from suede knee-high boots to casual wedges and sparkling heels. The line will be available at high-end retailers within the next few months, and Maloof is already at work on an upcoming handbag collection.

“I wear a lot of hats moving from business events and red carpets to my children’s school events, all of which help me envision what different types of women want,” she says. “It’s amazing how quickly things can happen when you’re passionate about what you’re doing.”

PHOTOGRAPH BY BEVERLY POPPE