Sunday, June 19, 2016

Wynn Las Vegas, Faraone Mennella XV, and Louis Vuitton

My sister and I recently visited the beautiful Wynn Hotel in fabulous Las Vegas (http://wynnlasvegas.com/). Although we have been there many times, this stay was particularly important. On June 3rd, Italian designers Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo Scognamiglio celebrated the 15th Anniversary of their jewelry house, Faraone Mennella  (http://faraonemennella.com/).  

The Guys.  Roberto e Amedeo.


To commemorate this tremendous achievement, the gracious ladies Elaine Wynn and Pamela Fiori of Town & Country Magazine hosted a glamorous party in the Wynn Villas.  As happens, the The Couture Show jewelry event took place that weekend and featured Faraone Mennella along with many of the most respected houses including Faberge, Bvlgari, and Sevan Biacaci, to name a few! (http://www.thecoutureshow.com/)  This was definitely the weekend to be in Las Vegas.  Anybody who is anybody in the jewelry business was there, from designers, to bloggers, to customers.  Invited by Amedeo and Roberto, we surely could not miss.



Sizzling under the Las Vegas sun, we arrived at the Wynn Tower Suites.  It was only 112 degrees outside...no big deal.  Finally reaching sanctuary after the long drive, we entered into the gorgeous mosaic tile atrium. Ah the Wynn.  There is no better place.  The check-in desk even provided lovely moistened lemon-scented towels and ice water to cool tired travelers.  This is how lady lawyers like to be treated.  Our Tower Suite had stunning views of the Wynn Golf Course and famous pools. Not only that, we had two full sized bathrooms! It was perfect! An amazing experience.

Tower Suite guests are welcomed in to a private atrium entrance.  A true oasis.


After getting the suite organized, we sought out to explore all that the Wynn/Encore had to offer.  Since we are not big on gambling, that pretty much meant shopping.  The Wynn is a shopper's dream hotel.  Chanel, Hermes, Louis Vuitton, McQueen, Dior....need I say more? We had great experiences at Chanel, Hermes and Louis Vuitton.  The sales associates at all locations were completely friendly and helpful.  I especially want to compliment Christian at Hermes.  You are a treasure!




My sister ended up with a new Louis Vuitton Totally in Damier Ebene MM.  She had her heart set on a LV anyway, so it TOTALLY made sense to make the splurge....Vegas Baby! Thank you to the LV WYNN boutique for your excellent service and guidance!
Perfect bag for carrying office essentials!




 After shopping, we eventually had to get something to eat.  I stopped into The Cave, a chic little wine bar and bistro at the Wynn.  There were several vendors from the Couture show getting a late night snack and it was so interesting to chat with them about their jewels while I waited at the bar.  I was happy to see a gluten-free menu and enjoyed some delicious Kobe sliders and creamy beet salad to take back to the room.  Very impressed by that restaurant!

The Faraone Mennella party started at 10 pm.  On our way to Villa 312, we were fortunate to share the elevator with HSN CEO Mindy Grossman. Long-time admirers of HSN and Ms. Grossman, this was very serendipitous.  Mindy broke the ice by complimenting my Amedeo NYC cameo earrings, which were purchased on her shopping network! Of course she recognized them.  The captivating CEO was decked in couture Faraone Mennella Sleeping Beauty turquoise and diamond necklace and earrings.  The perfect pick for the Carpi in Vegas theme!

Sarah, Rachel, Amedeo, and Mindy


Lavishly decorated with Faraone Mennella's most stunning jewelry creations, the Villa sparkled like the stars under the Capri sky.  Everywhere you looked, beautiful gold and gemstone masterpieces adorned the stylish scene.  Best of all, we were warmly greeted by Amedeo and Roberto.  It was so exciting to see them! And yes my HSN ladies, these guys are just as adorable in person as they are on TV.  Amedeo even had a fun life-sized selfie machine for the party! If you follow his Instagram, you know how much he likes selfies :) Roberto and Amedeo insisted we try it out. So there we were, champagne in hand, taking selfies with the guys.  It was a great touch to the evening and definitely entertaining.

Professor Monkeydeo Pendant in Silver, Rodium, and Gemstones.  

Wearing Herve Leger in Pink with RFM by Roberto Faraone Mennella and Amedeo NYC.

Sarah, Mindy, Amedeo, and Rachel




Amongst the attendants was the iconic Iris Apfel.  The lovely fashion maven arrived looking marvelous as always in her fringed leather jacket, signature glasses, and bright accessories. My sister Rachel happened to be wearing a Rara Avis bag designed by Iris for HSN.  When Iris saw it she enthusiastically claimed, "That's my bag, that's my bag!" It was too cute.  She really loved seeing her designs worn out and about.  She is such an incredible lady and one of Faraone Mennella's greatest fans.

Mindy Grossman, Irish Apfel, Chic Lady, and Ms. Elaine Wynn




The fabulous evening concluded by viewing a mesmerizing video collage of Faraone Mennella's first 15 years.




The next day we returned to the Villa to chat with the guys and to check out even more of their glorious jewelry.  During our conversations, I loved how Roberto and Amedeo loyally defended Luciano Pavarotti as the world's greatest tenor.  From nice Italian boys, I would expect nothing less.
For your listening pleasure: Volare



Rachel and Amedeo engaged in serious lawyerly discussions talk while I went window shopping and played Barbie with Roberto.  Their elegant sales assistant Leandro guided me in my pursuit of purchasing a take home souvenir.  Baubles, Bangles, and Beads, Oh My! Everything from Faraone Mennella is so stylish, so sexy, and so cool.  I wish I could buy it all! I was lucky enough to try on several pieces from the couture collection, including an incredibly gorgeous strand of Natural Tahitian Multi-Colored Pearls which featured an enormous Green Beryl at the closure. With amazing luster and hues that could never be replicated, this is a true one of a kind strand.  The matching earrings were also quite stunning! The jewelry really did take my breath away.

Pictured wearing the Tahitian Pearls with designer Roberto Faraone Mennella

Green Beryl Earrings to match your eyes!

Roberto making sure that everything is just right.

Stunning Jewelry!


Not satisfied with that, Roberto had me try on another tremendous piece, a 87.78 ct. Australian Black Opal, 17ct. green diamond, and 16ct. white diamond necklace. Well, this was definitely the Cinderella moment of my trip. It is the most beautiful necklace I have ever seen and the most memorable piece from the entire Couture Show.  How much? Price upon request.

Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu!




Chic Lawyers. Rachel's ensemble is LOGO by Lori Goldstein


I was really drawn to Amedeo's cameo jewelry as well on that sunny Las Vegas moring. A wide array of fantastical creatures were on display. The whimsical Monkeydeo, Serpents, Elafanti and more. As difficult as it was to make a selection from all the tempting pieces, I chose an 'A' for Amedeo initial cameo ring in sterling silver and grey diamonds and an edgy dragon pendant. They just looked great in the mirror and I am such a fan of Amedeo that I am willing to wear his initial all over town. :)





Thanks Amedeo and Roberto for such a great invitation and congratulations on 15 years of hard earned success! Also, a special thanks to Gabriella Migliore and Titina Serpico, RFMAS most beautiful assistants! xo Ladies! Ciao!