Harrods, the London retail shopping giant, is getting closer to unveiling plans for a long-rumored Las Vegas project.

A model of Harrods Las Vegas already is on display at the London department store, and a rendering can be seen on the architect's Web site at www.william-mitchell.com (click on Harrods).

Rumblings continue that an early 2007 announcement is planned.

Owner Mohamed al-Fayed has confirmed that talks were under way more than a year ago, saying the huge replica will be part of "one of the most important developments there."

In the interview, he revealed it will include "a wonderful hotel and casino and shopping arcade."

That sentence is fueling speculation that the ritziest of all Ritz hotels will be the centerpiece of the project. Al-Fayed owns the Paris Ritz, which was constructed by Jules Hardouin Mansart, the architect of Versailles.

Al-Fayed previously acknowledged that he's had discussions with MGM Mirage about a large project that would tie in London landmarks.

LOW PROFILE FOR K-FED

Maybe Kevin Federline is tiring of his self-proclaimed title of "most hated man in America."

His album release party, which usually involves singing, was a nonevent at Tao (Venetian) on Friday night.

His red carpet appearance included an apology to the female photographer recently roughed up by his bodyguard at Tao.

But for the most part, he kept a low profile, if you don't count the 4-carat diamond studs in each ear.

Instead of singing from his rap album, "Playing With Fire," he lip-synched when Tao's DJ Reach played "Privilege" and "Lose Control" from K-Fed's album.

He received a mix of cheers and boos when introduced.

His expression didn't change when DJ Reach followed up with "Toxic" by Britney Spears, who recently filed for divorce from Federline as he was launching his Tour de Farce.

Three hundred miles away, in Los Angeles, the Dixie Chicks weren't giving him any love either.

Lead singer Natalie Maines received thunderous applause Friday during their group's concert at the Staples Center when she dedicated their song "White Trash Wedding" to Federline.

Federline's promotional appearance at the House of Blues in Los Angeles on Thursday was another disaster.

He was greeted with vulgar chants from the crowd, and drinks were thrown on stage.

Little wonder he appeared gun-shy about stepping into the spotlight at Tao.

SIGHTINGS

New York Yankees lightning rod Alex Rodriguez, playing blackjack with two buddies Friday at Club Privé, the high-roller salon at Bellagio. ... Alec Baldwin and his 11-year-old daughter Ireland, at Friday's 7:30 p.m. performance of "Love" (Mirage). ... Carrot Top, celebrating his one-year anniversary at Luxor on the VIP stage at Pure (Caesars Palace) on Friday. He was with his pals, Amazing Johnathan and Anthony Cools. Also in the VIP section: "Baywatch" babes Donna D'Errico and Gina Lee Nolin, with Jason Simmons, after dining at Social House (Treasure Island). ... Country legend Barbara Mandrell and family, dining at Bobby Flay's Mesa Grill (Caesars Palace) on Friday. After dinner, they saw Celine Dion's "A New Day." Also attending the show: basketball guru Dick Vitale.

THE PUNCH LINE

"Mom couldn't get any cooking done because of all the phone calls from Bill O'Reilly." -- From David Letterman's Top Ten Signs You Had a Lame Thanksgiving

Norm Clarke can be reached at 383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com.