Michael Kors

Usually held just before Memorial Day, the annual A Flair for Care luncheon/fashion show presented by Neiman Marcus, to benefit the Nathan Adelson Hospice, is always a highlight of the spring philanthropy calendar.  Only this year, guests are gonna be caring a bit early; since the luncheon, at the beautiful Wynn Las Vegas, is being held next Friday, April 8th.

Featuring Michael Kors’ Fall 2011 collection on the catwalk, and a raffle bursting at its metaphoric seams with items from the biggest luxury brands in the world, this year’s event – with all of the funds raised supporting Hospice’s Uncompensated Care Program – is gonna be all that AND a bag of chips.

Galuchat cuff with 18k rose gold drops by deGRISOGONO

"Panarea" convertible tote featuring cannage-coated canvas with leather trim by DIOR

Now, let’s focus on that raffle for a minute, shall we?  There are a lot of charity affairs in Las Vegas, but this annual luncheon has a luxury raffle that rivals any other daytime event – certainly in Las Vegas, in April; and I’d dare say in this area code, at this time of year! 

Year after year, the finest vendors in the worlds of fashion, jewelry, accessories, wines, and travel donate to the Hospice raffle, and 2011 is no different.   Raffle tickets are sold by the dozen, by those hoping to hear their names called-out, as the lucky winners of the spectacular items donated by brands and boutiques including Hermès, TOD’S, Tiffany & Co., Dom Pérignon, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, deGRISOGONO, Fred Leighton, Van Cleef & Arpels at The Shoppes at The Palazzo, Oscar de la Renta, Scott Kay, and DIOR, who give generously, each year.

Katy Perry wearing bangles and ring by M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza

Annette Bening wears M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza bangles, on one arm; and Warren Beatty on the other

And some fresh names are going to be sprinkled-in, among that list of returning “friends” who continue, this year, to donate to the raffle.  There will be vibrant and exciting jewelry from M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza.  A favorite of celebrity stylists around the world, Matthew’s signatures are his dynamic use of color and his playful mixing of such motifs as Chinese antiquity, Renaissance frills, Art Deco whimsy, and Moorish architecture.

This year alone, M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza has graced the pages of the most stylish glossy magazines around the world, including Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, Travel + Leisure, and Town & Country; not to mention that it’s been seen on just about every female character on the ultra-fashionable series Gossip Girl.

Queen Latifah hosting the 2011 Grammys wearing earrings and bangles by M.C.L. by Matthew Campbell Laurenza

The list of celebrity fans includes names you wouldn’t normally see on the same lists: from Queen Latifah and Lady Gaga, to Jessicas Lange and Simpson.  Annette Bening and Debra Messing are admirers, as are Carrie Underwood, Ciara, and Tatiana Ali. 

Meanwhile Rihanna and Katy Perry never seem to leave home without at least a bejeweled enamel bangle or a pair of multi-colored pavéd sapphire hoops!

Robert Downey, Jr. dressed to the nines as billionaire Tony Stark in Iron Man, wearing a custom tuxedo by David August

Also making a debut as a raffle donor is men’s “lifestyle outfitter” David August.  You’ve seen David August suits on some of the most powerful and famous men in the world. There are the actors, including Will and Jaden Smith at the Academy Awards, Robert Downey, Jr. in a very proper tweed and onscreen in Iron Man, and the cast of The Expendables (including Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, and Mickey Rourke).

Then there are the sports figures such as Sugar Shane Mosely, Kurt Warner, and Rick Fox; because David August is there for the man with a custom-tailored plan.

David August's David Heil with Steve Wynn

And let’s not forget Vegas’ own Steve Wynn, who proudly wears whatever David August’s founder and lead designer, David Heil, tailors especially for him. 

This year, David August is graciously donating a custom-tailored suit (valued at $4,500). 

So, it looks like Jacob and I are gonna be buying some raffle tickets.

I hope I win that suit.  And if I do, I hope Mr. Heil has lots of fabric and a long tape-measure!

A Flair for Care Luncheon & Fashion Show
presented by Neiman Marcus
benefiting the Uncompensated Care Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice
Lafite Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas
Friday, April 8th – 10:30am
Click HERE for more information
or call Stephanie Forbes at (702) 938-3910

Get into it!