JAZZING UP THE HOME

What inspires designer Jay Strongwater to create something such as his $8,000 bejeweled Mr. Potato Head figurine?

Collectors and the ever-curious can ask him that and more during a personal appearance at his self-named store -- Jay Strongwater at the Forum Shops at Caesars -- Friday and Saturday.

Known for his home fashions, including his crystal-encrusted picture frames and enamel-coated boxes that sell for hundreds and thousands of dollars, Strongwater's Las Vegas-themed design will be ready in time for his visit.

Strongwater took two miniature iconic symbols of Las Vegas -- a playing card and a pair of crystal-studded dice -- and put them on a ring. His miniature charms featuring other designs became favorites with collectors when they debuted about five months ago.

"It's a fun little charm, and hopefully it will bring you luck," Strongwater said during a recent interview.

Originally a jewelry designer whose designs were used by Oscar de La Renta and sold in boutiques and big stores such as Neiman Marcus, Strongwater burst onto the housewares scene in 1994 with a jewel-encrusted picture frame he made for buyers and friends. By 1997, he left jewelry-making behind to concentrate on designing what he calls jewels for the home.

His collectors include such stars as Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks and Elton John.

Still found in major department stores and specialty boutiques, Strongwater opened his only free-standing store five years ago in Las Vegas.

"We always felt it was a shame that our collectors and customers weren't able to experience this world of Jay Strongwater. As much as we love our specialty stores, we wanted something more intimate where we could envelop you in what we do," Strongwater said.

He chose Las Vegas because it is an exciting place with a growing high-end retail market, Strongwater said.

From a designer's perspective, Las Vegas is "amazing," Strongwater added. "I've just never seen so many visually stimulating elements. Everywhere you look, something's happening."

Though he has visited Las Vegas several times, Strongwater wants to explore the more mundane aspects of living in Sin City.

"I want to find a grocery store and know what it's like to buy milk or corn flakes," he said.

Strongwater plans to be in his store signing autographs and meeting with collectors and customers Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.