ROYAL OAK, Mich., October 4, 2006 – Renowned French artist and designer Mathias will sign and personalize designs from his Mille Nuits collection at the Baccarat Boutique at Somerset Collection in Troy on Friday, October 13, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Baccarat is donating ten percent of the proceeds from sales of Mathias’ designs to the Detroit Zoological Society.

The public is welcome to meet Mathias and view his latest collection for Baccarat.  Complimentary refreshments will be served.   Reservations are available by calling (248) 822-2600.

Mathias is known for his statuesque cake and fruit platters, lavish pedestal vases, and striking candelabras designed exclusively for Baccarat.  His Mille Nuits collection features limited-edition table accessories, including elegant crystal stemware, plates, clear and jewel-toned candle holders, and champagne flutes.

Mathias was raised by his grandfather in Syria and Turkey, and the Mille Nuits (Thousand Nights) collection is a sentimental tribute to the tales that enriched his childhood.  His initial creation for Baccarat in 1996 was a collection of limited-edition lighting, vases and clocks.  His signature element in each lighting design is the subtle inclusion of a single faceted ruby crystal bead.

The Detroit Zoological Society is a non-profit organization that operates the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.  Situated on 125 acres of naturalistic exhibits, the Detroit Zoo is located at the intersection of Ten Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, just off I-696, in Royal Oak.  The Detroit Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October – with extended hours until 8 p.m. Wednesdays during July and August – and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March.  Admission is $11.00 for adults 13 to 61, $9.00 for senior citizens 62 and older, and $7.00 for children ages 2 to 12; children under 2 are free.  For more information, call (248) 398-0900 or visit www.detroitzoo.org.  The Belle Isle Nature Zoo is open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April through October and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. November through March, and provides educational programming with interpretive staff support from the Huron-Clinton Metroparks.  For more information, call (313) 852-4056. 
###