Backstage at a fashion show was the design inspiration for the company's new concept store inside the Forum Shops at Caesars.
The entrance is marked by a feather-winged, fabulous, lingerie-clad, gorgeous mannequin, theatrically lit atop a replica of the dazzling runway the models prance over during The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, a spectacle that has been compared to the Super Bowl for its mass appeal and career-making capabilities.
Once inside the 10,000-square-foot-plus lingerie and beauty store, customers visit a behind-the-scenes retail environment, illuminated with theatrical lighting and dressing room-inspired sections showcasing various products, along with the celebrities who design, model and inspire them. A bold move in December saw the lingerie powerhouse open its retail stores up to third-party brands.
Now, pretty things from designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli and Betsey Johnson are available, along with Victoria's Secret's own signature line. The same goes for its skin-care section, which features products from outside companies like Clarins, Frederic Fekkai and Anna Sui.
But what is most impressive and unique about the new Las Vegas store (other than the flashy pink neon) is the unveiling of garments from Chantal Thomass' exclusive atelier, the first in the country, placed at the front of the store.
Thomass is the very French, very revolutionary, high-end fashion designer who introduced the world to the dessous-dessus concept that we know as underwear used as outerwear. You know the look: bustiers and corsets that are totally functional and meant to be seen at the same time.
The designer says she is incredibly pleased to have her collection premiere in Las Vegas.
"Las Vegas is such a sexy city, and Victoria's Secret is such a fantastic company, that I couldn't be happier," Thomass said.
Thomass first worked with Victoria's Secret when she designed a dazzling, black-crêpe duster ensemble with hearts in all the right places for one of Victoria's Secret's big fashion shows. Both pieces are displayed in her section of the Las Vegas store.
Also keep a careful eye out for the adults-only section, where behind curtains you will find masks, handcuffs, feather ticklers and other naughty bits. Some things ought to stay secret.
Anne Kellogg is a native Las Vegan with a thing for purchasing stuff. E-mail her at
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