Part of the TIFF celebrity treatment is, of course, the gifting suites. PR companies roll out the figurative red carpet to showcase some of the best new products and hottest releases from their clients, and celebs and starlets wander through and take a gander at the wares. We had the chance to check out a few and see what was on display, and from lounge to lounge we got an insider glimpse at some real star treatment.
EGPR’s Essentials Lounge
OK, so this first lounge wasn’t really for the stars, but EGPR‘s pop-up on September 7th at the Hotel Le Germain Maple Leaf Square is definitely still worth noting. Installed to help equip media with the ‘essentials’ they need to make it through the bevy of red carpets and interviews and late hours TIFF brings, star treatment was in full effect. From hair consultations and styling by John Frieda hair care experts, to Elizabeth Grant Skin Care and Hard Candy Cosmetics, to Wink’s Eyelash Boutique and Spa, members of the media were pampered and prepped for the days ahead. TASTE Culinary Inc. provided some excellent bites, and vitaminwater replenished, well, vitamins for the already busy attendees.
NKPR’s IT Lounge
One of the hottest lounges for celebrity gifting is always NKPR‘s, converting their beautiful office space into a makeshift showroom and shining the spotlight on some awesome products. Fila and RW&CO had some of their latest fashions on display, and ConScent wowed with its innovative scented T-shirts (you read that right). Kobo‘s new touchscreen eReaders were doled out, as were House of Marley earbuds (PS the full headphones are exceptional). Stila, Ardell, Phyto Stem Cell+, and Goody all had their luxe beauty products on display, and Simply You jewelry was simply stunning, as were Coccinelle‘s handbags. All the while, SKYY Vodka martinis and cocktails were mixed, and Baker Street‘s cupcakes and cakes were devoured greedily.
Rock-It Promotions Tastemakers Lounge
The first company to introduce the gifting suite to TIFF seven years ago was Rock-It Promotions, and this year saw the boutique firm setting up at the InterContinental Hotel on Front Street. Wescan Optical showcased frames from FYSH UK, KLIIK denmark, and EVATIK, all a huge step-up from the eyeglasses of yore. Mattel Game On! brought out their new crop of boardgames, including the soon-to-be trivia favourite Bezzerwizzer. Conair and John Frieda‘s new Volume Curls curling iron got hair mavens talking, and Nathaniel Cole by Crowncap‘s colourful winter hats showed that form and function aren’t mutually exclusive. Mavi Gold line denim showed off casual cool, while Sharpie‘s latest crop showed they were worthy of the A-list descriptor. Cilque‘s beautiful silk bedding was stunning as usual (look for some new products this holiday season) and Pandora’s customizable jewelry was just as chic. From Okrapeptide‘s innovative skin care solution to ClarityOne‘s crystal clear earbuds, affordable luxury was in full swing. And President’s Choice black label fine foods were tasted and awed with their haute offerings.
There are still more lounges to come, so stay tuned with Notable.ca to see some of the other TIFF celebrity treatments.