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Culture on Demand: Viva Las Vegas
Asia, it's on your doorstep
By STAN STALNAKER
July
21, 2000
Web posted at 10:00 p.m. Hong Kong time, 10:00 a.m. EDT
Asia, with its well-noted fondness for gambling, neon lights and great escapes, has long been in love with Las Vegas. For years, Asians have traveled long distances for a taste of the cheesiest city in the world -- the professional home of Elvis, Siegfried and Roy (with signature Siberian tigers) and various pasty-looking local entertainers. Now it seems Vegas is going global, with "that look" creeping out to urban centers everywhere. If you are inclined to disagree, just wait until you see the fall fashion shows and advertising campaigns from the likes of Gucci and other European houses.
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It's interesting to note that the Vegas look has really hit it big -- which means you'll soon be seeing a lot more cowboy hats and rhinestones as you walk the streets of Manila, Tokyo and Hong Kong. What exactly is the Vegas look, you're asking. Well, in essence, you could say it's trashy, rock glamour. It captures the biggest trend happening in fashion and design at the current moment, which is a violent reaction to the recently departed era of minimalism (you know, Calvin Klein and Issey Miyake's world in clean and uniform simplicity. I happen to like that look, mind you, but that's another story.)
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In the urban centers, it's all about excess -- which now means glitter, gold, rhinestones and a real rock star feel to the social scene. This trend is just starting to gather steam in most parts of Asia, but in Tokyo and New York, it's full steam ahead. From stiletto snakeskin boots to sleeveless muscle shirts, 'anything goes as long as it's strong and out there.'
It applies to music as well. Hong Kong's progressive bar DJs are moving more towards traditional rock and roll -- unheard of only a few months ago as the city finally caught onto the ambient/groove wave which dominated much of Europe over the last few years.
In New York, the trend is even more pronounced, which means that Asia will follow suit, on the style side. Popular locations in the city like Serena's, The Time Hotel and Pastis are playing everything from Van Halen to Guns N' Roses. Hot bands like Moby and Blink 182 also personify the new sound, which relies heavily on the hard-rock '80s and glam punk for inspiration.
So what if you're actually itching for a turn in Vegas? The inside
money is on The Venetian
-- the latest and greatest spectacle on the Strip. There are so
many new players on the scene that last year's star, Bellagio, feels
positively boring these days. That could be because they cut 1,500
staff after Steve Wynn sold it earlier this year, which, let me
tell you, has honestly has had a major impact on the service.
The nicest folks remain down at the MGM Grand. The best pool scene? Check out the Mandalay Bay. Best show? Everyone is raving about Blue Man, the new and improved version of the long running show seen in several American cities. Playing at the stunning Luxor Theater, the funky musical interpretation grows from "techno-tribal" roots and is a real joy to watch. And for after hours, Drai's at the Barbary Coast will keep you dancing until the sun comes up. Not that you would, of course.
Viva Las Vegas!
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