Mar 15, 2003/ FW/ --- Le Meridien Hotel at Beverly Hills is style central during the 75th Academy Awards®. The hotel will host the exclusive "Le Meridien at Beverly Hills Red Carpet Designer Week" March 17 - 23, 2003, where top designers from around the world will showcase their ravishing red carpet looks.

"I am delighted to welcome such a select group of designers to Le Meridien at Beverly Hills Red Carpet Designer Week," stated Patricia Clairmont, General Manager, Le Meridien at Beverly Hills. "We are proud to be a part of the glamour and excitement surrounding the Academy Awards®."

Participants include celebrity shoe designer Stuart Weitzman who will unveil a pair of ruby and platinum shoes valued at over one million dollars.

Taryn Rose Shoes, Bormann USA slippers, Moo Roo Handbags, Steve Vaughan eyewear, jewelry by Kwiat Diamonds, Chris Aire and John Hardy, Jewels by Sitara and Gold Avenue will also dazzle guests with their latest collections.

Also on hand by appointment will be star-plucker Damone Roberts who tends to the brows of Hollywood's elite.

In the Garden Suite is "The Best of Italy at the Oscars®," a showcase of designers Alvin Valley, Giuseppe Zanotti, Autore, Udi Behr, Rita Wartick's Lily et Cie., Samantha Thavasa and Italian jewelers Antonini, Augusta De Carolis, Favero, Garavelli, K di Kuore, Luca Carati, Pasquale Bruni, Pianegonda, Piranesi, Stefan Hafner, and Torrini Zydo.

"The Best of Italy at the Oscars®" includes a multi-million dollar dress designed by Randi Rahm. Spa Helios and Glo Minerals will offer complimentary treatments for guests.

The Bacardi® O™ Lounge will fuel the festivities of this week long, invitation-only event and will be debuting The World's Most Expensive Cocktail.

Invited guests will include a who's-who of Hollywood, including celebrities, fashion stylists charged with dressing nominees, presenters and guests for the Oscars plus media from around the world eager for a behind-the- scene glimpse of Oscar preparations.

"Le Meridien at Beverly Hills Red Carpet Designer Week" runs every day from Monday, March 17th through Saturday, March 22nd, 10am - 6pm.

In addition to the designer showcase, Le Meridien at Beverly Hills is the setting for a series of private parties for the entertainment industry. Events include a charity gala hosted by Paris Hilton benefiting the Starlight Children's Foundation, and a party hosted by Volvo, The Hollywood Reporter and The Industry List.

Le Meridien at Beverly Hills is a four-star luxury hotel centrally situated on La Cienega Blvd., just minutes from Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, the Wilshire business district and Santa Monica beach. The hotel, which offers 300 rooms (including 55 luxurious suites), provides state-of-the-art conference facilities in this elegant district of Los Angeles. For reservations contact 1-800-543-4300 or visit www.lemeridien.com .