Thursday, January 19, 11:10 p.m. "You're about to get a whole lot cuter," bartender Brian teases me as he serves my boyfriend and personal Wingman a stiff Jäger and Red Bull on the rocks. To me it tastes like the flu and I cluck my tongue to demonstrate my dislike for the syrupy consistency. I cling to my citron and soda, choosing lemony fresh breath over a sticky-sweet hangover.
In Tao's bustling Main Room, we have a butt's-eye view of the La Perla lingerie fashion show, a backside pass if you will, to peer across the runway over the delicate shoulders of some beautiful and frighteningly tall women. Clearly there is a fabric shortage somewhere in the world because I can't recall the last time I saw so little clothing and so much skin. First comes a delicate thong and camisole set in a mini leopard print. That is followed by airy, tiered nighties begging to step out of the bedroom and hit a dance floor or two.
A chestnut-haired beauty in a diaphanous, white, floating gown resembles a statue of a Greek goddess, right down to her impenetrable marble stare. Things take a dramatic turn with a feathered mask, uber-teased hairdos, a fur stole and corsets with elaborate boning. One model takes her time, drawing out her studied Victoria's Secret power-walk while hundreds of eyes encourage her to take all the time she needs.
Surprisingly, all this goes down to a soundtrack including AC/DC's "You Shook Me All Night Long" and Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." When faux snow flutters down from the rafters, signifying the show's conclusion, we return to the important matters of dancing, scoping and cocktailing. Tao will put over 2,500 bodies through its doors tonight, "A solid Thursday" says Tao Operating Partner Jason Strauss, supported tonight by staff from the Rainbow Bar & Grill, Body English, Jet, Empire Ballroom, Ice and Light, all of whom are blissing out on the fact that they're off tonight.
Strauss presides over the front door with a rolled-up guest list, a magic wand that can either make something happen or not for the eager hopefuls on the far side of the velvet ropes. Back in November, I reported that promoter Jack Lafleur was on the move, tearfully leaving Tabú to join the team at Tao and usher in the age of Worship Thursdays. Little did I know that forces were already in motion to bring Lafleur to the Hard Rock under an exclusive contract, focusing his energies on Rehab and Body English. Tonight may be Lafleur's final night as a promoter at Tao but there is no end to his role as a fan. "I will continue to support all venues in Vegas, especially those I've built a close, almost familial bond with. My relationship with Tao is as it has always been—fantastic," he says.
Already, Tao has lined up a Slumber Party hosted by original supermodel Janice Dickinson for January 26 and a Roberto Cavalli fashion show the following week. "I don't think we'll miss a beat," Strauss says confidently, waving another group through, then personally escorting in some regulars. Senior VIP Host Bob Shindelar sums up their approach to working the door: "Our regulars aren't just regulars; they're our friends. We take care of our friends and try to create a comfortable atmosphere."
Soaking up that atmosphere are three brothers from New York, celebrating their three January birthdays with a huge gathering. I wonder what holiday nine months ago would produce three children and all I can come up with is Memorial Day and Mother's Day. Beyond the flailing arms and the crush of the dance floor, Simon, an angelic-looking Brit, also has a large party with him. Simon's been to Vegas twice and declares Tao to be the best nightclub he's seen so far: "The queue was a bit difficult but we brought a girl for every guy."
Atta boy, Simon—that's the way you do it.
Xania Woodman thinks globally and parties locally. And frequently. E-mail her at
[email protected].
Xania's Hot Spots for January 26–February 1
Thursday, January 26
City Lights Bistro: Resurrection with DJs Phoenix and Pierre-orist
Mist: Nick Kaptain's birthday, hosted bar 9-10 p.m.
Tao: Worship Thursdays Slumber Party with Janice Dickinson
Friday, January 27
Pure: MySpace.com party with DJ AM
Saturday, January 28
Ice: Brian Klimaski's Black Out birthday party
Sunday, January 29
Body English: Red Carpet Sundays with secret guest
Light: Gold Digger contest for $5,000
Monday, January 30
Foundation Room: Godspeed's DJ Keith Evan's Melt In You CD release party
Krave: Sun's Ends of The Earth CD release party
Tuesday, January 31
Tabú: Open Decks with DJ Jack Lafleur
Wednesday, February 1
Tao: Sutra Wednesdays
For more Hot Spots and weekly parties visit
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