Boutique: Alexis Bittar

By: Maryam Rastkerdar

Jewelry designer Alexis Bittar debuts Forum Shops boutique in time for holiday shopping (and year-round fantasizing).

He’s been described as “one of the greatest jewelry designers of the 21st century”: see one piece amid his array of necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings—set in precious metals and bedecked with diamonds, crystals and semiprecious stones—and you’re dizzied by how many ways one could wear his wares.

Despite the glitz of his sparkly jewels, Alexis Bittar carved out his reputation by designing wearable sculptures in lucite, and went from selling his designs on New York streets to moving his collection throughout more than 34 countries. His creations have graced fashion covers, from Vogue to Harper’s Bazaar, showcasing his distinctive pieces that celebrate individuality. Celebrities love his work; brands like Burberry and 3.1 Philip Lim want to partner with him; and Hollywood wants to immortalize his designs (his custom statement pieces are in Sex and the City and the Hunger Games movies).

On the subject of film, it so happens that the Alexis Bittar boutique (located on the second floor of the Forum Shops at Caesar’s) offers a classic and artistic environment reminiscent of Bittar’s love for the Film Noir era. With a feel that is modern and glamorous and contrasted by art and fantasy, Bittar’s newest outpost is as distinct as the neon-hued hybrid taxidermy animal that is a staple at any Alexis Bittar store.

Showcasing Bittar’s iconic works in lucite, the boutique also features his Elements and Havisham collections. Customers may also enjoy taking in Bittar’s curated antique vintage jewelry pieces acquired by Bittar himself during his travels.

Among the boutique’s fall/winter offerings (featuring a line of gothic-inspired classic couture pieces) is the 14-karat gold, poodle-shaped pin/necklace in lucite and crystal pavé on rhodium. Like the rest of his work, it’s wearable art that is aunique as Bittar’s timeless statement pieces…all of which are sure to accentuate anyone and everyone’s individual style.