With the opening of a 2,000-sqaure-foot concept store at the Forum Shops, the first in the United States, Playboy is getting poised to take over the world, one well-placed logo at a time.
Japan was conquered when Tokyo's store opened in 2002. Australia folds this fall, with a store opening in Melbourne. Then it's back to the United States in 2006, when a second wave of Playboy openings hits Sin City. Plans call for a lounge and another store inside the Palms, and some extravagant suite plans for the new tower.
The Vegas store was designed as a prototype. It is intended to feel like a brightly-lit photographer's studio, so everything around seems like props and wardrobe selections a bona fide Playmate might actually wear during a photo shoot.
As you would expect, smaller- ticket items such as tiny T-shirts, tube tops, microscopic shorts, skirts, bikinis and the ever-popular matchy-matchy sweat suits take center stage. Also look for Playboy's own Pink Label lingerie, along with the pricier, racy White Label.
But the real fun is in the accessories. Look for funky little purses; wallets; silver, gold and rhinestone necklaces; earrings; belly chains and anklets.
Gentlemen can set themselves up to be their own Hef with some smooth-guy must-haves such as martini sets, cocktail glasses, cigar cutters, lighters and, of course, money clips. Silk pajamas and robe are optional.
Don't forget the healthy Playboy film, video, DVD and music selection. Playboy's grand plans include an entire lifestyle, and that's not complete without visuals and theme music.
The store's selection also includes a healthy selection of greeting cards printed from the magazine's most provocative covers.
And if your budget and your appetite allow, the store carries a few artifacts from Hef's glory days, such as his old pipe and slippers, and vintage bunny costumes from the Playboy Club days in the '70s and '80s. Most noteworthy are the selection of famous pinup girls created by Alberto Vargas. Some sketches by Sin City's perpetual favorite, LeRoy Neiman, are also available.
The Playboy Store, Forum Shops at Caesars. 851-7470.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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