Las Vegas Weekly

September 30, 2009 · 8:28 AM

Photo Galleries: Cheap Trick christens John Varvatos store in HRH

By Robin Leach

Cheap Trick flanks John Varvatos at the opening of his new store in the Hard Rock Hotel.

Photo: Scott Harrison/Retna/www.harrisonphotos.com

It was a meeting of two legends: fashion designer John Varvatos and rockers Cheap Trick fresh from their recent tour promoting their new album The Latest. And all for the opening of John’s extraordinary boutique at the Hard Rock Hotel!

Bun E Carlos, Rick Nielsen, Tom Petersson and Robin Zander were all on hand for John’s opening of Bowery NYC, a truly amazing store. I stopped by the John Varvatos store before the opening and, fabulous fashions aside, you’ll be amazed by the piano and stage that’s set up in the center of the store. Not only did Cheap trick perform, but I’ve been told that a number of musicians staying at the Hard Rock have visited the store and performed impromptu sets while on their shopping sprees.

The beautifully designed, unique, 3,000-square-foot boutique carries all three John Varvatos brands: Collection, Star USA and Converse. Additionally, it is the exclusive Nevada dealer of the high-end James Trussart guitars featured by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top and Joe Perry from Aerosmith. It’s also the guitar of choice for Cheap Trick’s Rick Neilsen.

Our contributing photographers Erik Kabik Scott Harrison was on hand for the opening. John launched his collections in 2000 and has shot to fame with his clothing, sportswear, footwear, belts, eyewear, watches, skincare and fragrances. In 2001 and 2005, he was named Menswear Designer of the Year, and in 2007, GQ honored him as Designer of the Year.

Hard Rock officials told me that John’s store marks the first of several new upscale stores that will move into the property’s retail row this year and next.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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