Celebrities Sparkle and Shimmer at The Palazzo and Simon G’s Spring Bling in Las Vegas

Oodles of celebrities all decked out and bedazzled in sparkling jewels literally shined at The Palazzo Las Vegas and Simon G’s Spring Bling on May 30th, 2009, benefiting the Lili Claire Foundation. This uber-chic outdoor affair, held next door to The Venetian, the world’s largest five-diamond resort, at The Palazzo’s Azure Pool was hosted by the beautiful Vanessa Minnillo of “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer”, and the always-classy Kris Jenner of “Keeping up with the Kardashians”.

An exclusive pool-side fashion show hosted by LA-based designer David Alexander, who graciously styled all the celebs, and special performances by Sara Bareilles and Colby O’Donis, made this Spring festivity one to truly savor. Other celebrities in attendance included Bethenny Frankel, Khloe Kardashian, Holly Madison, Brittny Gastineau, Lacey Schwimmer, Shari Belefonte, DJ Chuck, American Idol alum, Chikezie, and Annie Wersching. Vanessa Minnillo and Kris Jenner both wore designs by David Alexander and jewelry by Simon G.

Fashion designer David Alexander’s newest collection, “The Furious Phantoms”, is reminiscent of the classic 1920s with a special twist, incorporating David’s signature aesthetic of custom cut Swarovski crystal encrusted pieces. The collection, which is sponsored by Ka Wang Holdings and DomizianoArcangeli , is inspired by the cohesion of structure and shape, molding together in one perfect anthology collection, that is ultimately expressed through a theatrical storytelling of the reemergence of the ghosts of glamour’s past. The ethereal partygoers dance and play furiously, until the structured Keeper of the Phantoms eventually captures them and returns them to the land of never-ending summer fun.

Bethenny Frankel of “The Real Housewives of New York City” spent the afternoon lounging in her private cabana at The Palazzo’s elegant Azure Pool while dining on a lobster salad from Wolfgang Puck’s exclusive Azure poolside menu.

Meanwhile, Khloe Kardashian excitedly shopped at Barney’s The Shoppes at The Palazzo, where she eventually settled on picking up a lovely black mesh Alexander Wang dress and Christian Louboutin heels… She later wore both to the Spring Bling. Once she entered the event, she smilingly slinked down the catwalk which wrapped around the Azure Pool in an exclusive design by David Alexander and made a quick change back into her Alexander Wang dress afterwards.

Adorably, just before that, long-time friends Khloe Kardashian and Brittny Gastineau gave each other huge bear hugs before walking down the red carpet. Neither knew the other was going to be there and both were pleasantly surprised to be reunited.

During a truly beautiful and moving moment, American Idol star, Chikezie, honored the Lili Claire Foundation with a one-of-a-kind performance with a Lili Claire child. However, not to be outdone, Sara Bareilles nicely rounded out the musical evening with a special performance of her hits “Love Song”and “Bottle It Up”.

ALL-4-ONE, Grammy-Award winning, multi-platinum selling group, performed their world premiere performance of their new single “My Child” at the event.

Brittny Gastineau certainly had a great time at the Spring Bling and was even spotted dancing on the ledge of The Palazzo’s Azure pool while Colby O’Donis was performed with Bethenny Frankel. Bethenny Frankel later whispered to Brittny Gastineau that “this is the nicest, classiest event” she has attended in ages.

The caterer Dos Caminos served delicious tastes of a scrumptious modern Mexican cuisine, which included Alaskan King Crab Sope, Ancho Seared Tuna Tostadita, Smoked Duck Tortas, Squash Blossom Relleno, Ceviche and Filet Mignon Alambre, the restaurant’s famed guacamole, and a special signature “Spring Bling” margarita.

Furthermore, although an unusual Vegas spring shower softly sprinkled the celebs as they watched the David Alexander fashion show, it failed to dampen anyone’s spirits. No one seemed to mind the drizzle and Vanessa Minnillo even exclaimed “The rain, the wind…it’s kind of sexy!”

Later Lacey Schwimmer of “Dancing with the Stars” put rumors of a relationship with Jack Ass star Steve-O to rest as she spent the evening dancing and getting cozy with her new boyfriend, Paula Abdul back-up dancer, John Derek Guthri. Lacey even sat on his lap during the VIP reception in The Palazzo’s exclusive Chairman’s Suite. She mentioned that she will most likely be dancing with Donny Osmond in next season’s “Dancing with the Stars” because he requested her as a partner. Lacey absolutely fell in love with The Palazzo property and kept saying how she couldn’t wait to come back in a few months and celebrate her 21st birthday in Vegas at The Palazzo!

A special raffle was held at the event for many one-of-a-kind items including several jewelry pieces designed exclusively for Simon G. by David Alexander, a Palazzo vacation including two nights in a luxury suite, dinner for two at Dos Caminos and two tickets to Jersey Boys, and an extraordinary week in Tahiti donated by Legends Resort and Air Tahiti Nui. All proceeds from the raffle also benefited the Lili Claire Foundation.

Khloe Kardashian hosted the event’s exclusive after party that was open to the public with a nominal cover charge at The Palazzo’s Dos Camino. All proceeds from the after party also benefited the Lili Claire Foundation.

The Lili Claire Foundation:

For the past four years, The Lili Claire Foundation has been successfully operating their Las Vegas Family Resource Center in partnership with (University of Nevada School of Medicine) UNSOM. The foundation created Nevada’s first ever multi-team approach for Autism, as well as created the first complex condition multi-disciplinary clinic. The foundation also provides a training ground for pediatric residents, hosts behavioral and Autism clinics, and supplies a home for the Clark County School District’s genetics clinic. Moreover, the foundation provides monthly Fetal Alcohol Syndrome clinics and social services varying from sibling workshops, parent support groups, school advocacy, and resource libraries.

All of the Lili Claire Foundation’s programs and services in Nevada are provided free of charge to the community. Lili Claire also helps families with children living with neurogentic conditions such as Williams syndrome and Down syndrome and aims to ease the challenges families face through numerous programs, services, and resources centers located in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Nashville.

For more information about “Spring Bling” and the Lili Claire Foundation, please visit:

www.simongjewelry.com and www.liliclairefoundation.org

Simon G. Jewelry:

Simon G is a family owned and controlled manufacturing jewelry designer, in its 26th year of business. Especially noted for staying a head of the curve in terms of design, Simon G designs are recognized by the incorporation of various precious metals combined with natural fancy colored diamonds.  In a survey conducted by renowned industry publication “JCK,” Simon G was named the fourth best selling bridal brand and number six most requested bridal brand. In 2008, Simon G won six coveted JCK Jewelers Choice Awards and created a reputation for producing an extremely well crafted product that appeals to the eye and budget of most jewelry consumers.  In addition to their loyal consumer following, Simon G Jewelry has been the brand of choice on the red carpet for many celebrities including the Kardashian Family, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Miranda Lambert, Taraji P Hensen, Keely Bronson, and Rebecca Romijn.

Stylist David Alexander:

David Alexander’s celebrity clients include Britney Spears, Mariska Hargitay, Toni Braxton, Domiziano Arcangeli, Tila Tequila, Crosby Loggins and Anna Rawson. David is a California native, and his mother, a former Dallas Cowboy cheerleader and beauty queen, inspired him subconsciously to become a fashion designer. While completing studies at FIDM and subsequently at Parsons New School of Design in New York City, his drive and enthusiasm for fashion further flourished. David’s motto, “Beauty defined by the power of Fashion,” means that when one is dressed fashionably, there is beauty present. Inspired by music and film, David’s eclectic taste is translated into unexpected surprises within his collections, bringing a level of sensuality, class and sexiness rarely seen today.  David strives to keep his designs imaginative and creative without removing the “wear-ability” of his individual pieces.

The Palazzo Las Vegas:

The $1.9 billion, 50-story Palazzo Las Vegas literally takes luxury to new heights with its 3,000 plus expansive suites, luxury shopping and world-class dining and entertainment. Highlighted by a flagship, 85,000-square-foot Barneys New York, The Shoppes at The Palazzo features more than 60 luxury boutiques.  In addition, 20 remarkable stores and luxury brands made their Las Vegas debuts at The Palazzo, including Chloe, Tory Burch, Christian Louboutin, Diane Von Furstenberg, Van Cleef & Arpels, Catherine Malandrino, Anya Hindmarch, and Michael Kors.  Additionally, The Palazzo offers a variety of cuisines from a collection of award-winning chefs such as CarneVino by Mario Batali, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, Table 10 by Emeril Lagasse and Restaurant Charlie by Charlie Trotter. Other one-of-a-kind offerings include, Tony Award winning Broadway musical, JERSEY BOYS, the chic dining and nightlife LAVO, the world’s largest Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and the Strip’s first Lamborghini dealership.

For more information, please visit The Palazzo website at: www.palazzolasvegas.com

The Venetian Resort~Hotel~Casino

3355 Las Vegas Boulevard South

Las Vegas, Nevada 89109