The partnership between TAO Group and New York-based Rockwell Group has yielded many treasures—such as TAO Downtown and the recent street art-infused Vandal, both in New York—but none glisten quite like Beauty & Essex Las Vegas. The concept’s first location in Lower Manhattan has garnered notoriety for its unique atmosphere that marries the Big Apple’s high and low vibes, complete with a functional pawn shop standing in as the reception area.

For Beauty & Essex’s second iteration inside the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Rockwell Group was challenged to craft a sparkling, gem-like environment in the glitzy city by inserting diners into a jewelry box-inspired space. The signature pawn shop storefront remains as the portal to the dining room, establishing a sense of place with items ranging from showgirl accessories to photographs of Las Vegas—small touches that make an impact, according to Rockwell Group partner and project lead Shawn Sullivan. “What’s great about Beauty is the concept really is lots of little details,” he says. “We tried to take the big gestures of jewelry you can see from afar.”

Inventive lighting solutions are a standout, allowing the details of the 10,000-square-foot interior—which has no natural light or windows—to shine. Beyond the pawn shop, the entryway is lined with a series of glass-fluted light fixtures that immerse guests in the jewelry box. The connected Pearl Lounge honors its name with its showstopping centerpiece: a custom chandelier crafted from thousands of draped pearls that spreads across the ceiling and down the walls to the tufted purple banquettes, transforming the entire room into a light fixture. “We want the lighting to enforce the experience,” Sullivan notes.

Rich, sexy colors complement the meticulously designed lighting. Drawing influence from gemstones and other jewelry, gold accents and red and purple tones infuse needed splashes of color, while a pervasive use of mirrors and reflection is crucial to showcase the theme. In addition to the restaurant’s stone flooring, jewel-like carpeting reflects the ceiling’s qualities.

The Mirror Bar—fitted with a gold DJ booth—is a departure from the dining room concept. Inspired by glass facets, the bar area features several antique mirrors and glass cut in octagonal stone settings similar to jewelry craft.
Guiding guests to the series of three rooms, a 40-foot-long screened wall showcases framed vintage lockets. The wall also serves as a focal point in the main and private dining rooms. “It becomes a feature you can see from two spaces,” says Sullivan, who explains that the team was inspired by the lockets, “positioning them in a way where you can really appreciate them.”