Armani's fragrances for women: sexy. Armani clothes: stunning. A tall, dark, handsome man in an Armani suit: absolutely delicious. While we can't guarantee that any men's Armani suits will be shown, we do know that some of Armani's hottest spring styles will be modeled along with collections from Etro, Cavalli and more at "One Haute Night" in the Zodiac Room on the upper level of Neiman Marcus (100 Plaza Frontenac, 1701 South Lindbergh Boulevard at Clayton Road, Frontenac; 314-995-3041). This fashion event is a fundraiser for the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis -- don't you just love the Nara/Ali/Yahav-Brown show there? Let the Contemporary know, and help the museum keep up the good work by going to this hot night from 6 to 8 p.m. It's not as if there's nothing in it for you: You get to enjoy a mini silent auction, art, snacks (delicious, indeed), drinks and fashion, and your $35 to $40 ticket helps fund the museum's exhibits and its education and outreach programs. Plus, as usual, you missed Fashion Week Fall 2005 last week, and you really need your fashion fix. Call the Contemporary at 314-535-0770, extension 213, or visit www.contemporarystl.org to purchase your ticket. And remember: If you keep these runway styles in mind, you'll be fashionably early when the days finally get hot, hot, hot. -- Alison Sieloff
The Playboy Centerfold Visits
And everyone wins
WED 2/16
Ladies, isn't a little "you" time long overdue? Go shopping, and don't worry about the dirty dishes for a change. We bet your sweet boyfriend will wash them when he visits. And yes, we're talking about the same romantically impaired boyfriend who gave you "luv coupons" instead of an actual gift (like jewels) for Valentine's Day. But he's not completely clueless; he knows how good he has it with you, the coolest girl ever. He'll remember you're the one who told him that Missourian Jillian Grace, Playboy's Miss March 2005, is signing copies of her mag at World News Ltd. West Port (308 West Port Plaza, I-270 and Page Avenue, Maryland Heights; 314-434-9449) from noon to 2 p.m. and at World News Ltd. Clayton (4 South Central Avenue; 314-726-6010) from 4 to 6 p.m. And you never know: After a tip like that, you just may get some jewels. -- Alison Sieloff
Testify!
Saul Williams speaks
WED 2/16
Not to get all philosophical, but what, exactly, does one do with a philosophy degree? "Smoke, drink too much coffee and act mean," was Ms. Day's answer to this intra-office query, and it seems to hold true (fourteen Wittgenstein fans just angrily stubbed out their Camel straights and thought about writing a 73-point polemic against Ms. Day upon reading this statement -- but not until after one last cup of coffee). Well, it seems to hold true until one encounters Saul Williams, that is. The spoken-word artist and 1996 Grand Champion Slam Poet holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from New York University, and he's done plenty with it. He's released three albums of music and poetry, performed as the opener for the Mars Volta, written a slew of books, and generally redefined the notion of poetry being a passive, written art form. Williams returns to St. Louis as the next speaker in Washington University's acclaimed Assembly Series to discuss the power and majesty of the word as both a way of life and a way to make art. Williams' lecture begins at 11 a.m. at Graham Chapel (on Washington University's campus, Forsyth and Skinker boulevards) and is free and open to the public. Call 314-935-4620 for more information. -- Paul Friswold
Hot Mamma
With ten productions in operation around the world and more than a billion dollars in ticket sales, Mamma Mia! has moved into the "force of nature" entertainment category. If you haven't seen the smash musical based on the songs of ABBA, you will. It's just a matter of time. So do it now, while you're young. Mamma Mia! plays at the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1111) Tuesday through Sunday (February 22 through 27; www.fabulousfox.com for times). Tickets are $25 to $69 . -- Paul Friswold
