City Center Las VegasLOS ANGELES, Dec 17, 2009 / FW/ — With a global credit crunch and the U.S. experiencing the longest recession in recent history, even Las Vegas, the city known for conspicuous consumption, felt it.

Yet, Las Vegas is also a city that can reinvent itself and yesterday, it has begun that process once again with the glitzy opening of the Aria Resort & Casino, dubbed as a “fusion of energy, inspiration and vision.”

A 4,000-room-casino-resort, the Aria is the crown jewel of the $8.5 billion City Center Complex.
Featuring an unprecedented combination of striking architecture, sustainable design, high-end service and spectacular amenities, ARIA is unlike anything Las Vegas, and more remarkably the world, has ever seen.

The moment they arrive, guests are swept away by its breathtaking beauty, stunning innovation and the refreshing level of consciousness found in every detail. ARIA features Viva ELVIS™ by Cirque du Soleil®, celebrating the life and music of Elvis Presley; and dining experiences from world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs.


Another destination at City Center is Crystals, a high fashion experience that will take guests on a journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment. The 500,000-square-foot retail district combines dramatic architecture with exclusive offerings from the world’s most elite brands.

Within, Crystals will celebrate nature and seasons, featuring “changeable artwork” in the way of abstract hanging gardens, a flower carpet and more. Guests will be intrigued by multiple landmarks such as a three-story sculptural tree house and a grand staircase inspired by Rome’s Spanish Steps to illuminated ice sculptures that continually debut new shapes and patterns as they emerge from a pool of water.

Most of all, the world’s most recognizable fashion labels are housed in Crystals: Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Roberto Cavalli, Marni, Tom Ford, Bulgari, Cartier, Carolina Herrera, Bally, Paul Smith, Bottega Venata, Kiton, Van Cleef & Arpels, Kiki De Montparnasse, Nanette Lepore, Assouline, Mikimoto, H. Stern, Tourbillon, Porche Design, Ilori and de Grisogono.

[MARIKIT YAMATO]