While most dream of experiencing the luxurious delights of swanky gifting lounges, for celebrities visiting TIFF this week these spaces are not only a reality but a second home in between press junkets, screenings and endless interviews. Boasting a diverse array of some of the most luxurious products on the market these spaces consistently out do themselves year after year connecting the most coveted products to influencers and Hollywood A-listers.
This year I embarked on a mission to find the most eclectic spaces and unique experiences that the 2017 TIFF lounge circuit has to offer.
Bask-it-Style
Celebrating it’s 9th year at TIFF Bask-it-style set up shop in the Thompson Hotel to showcase their luxurious gift baskets which are delivered to celebrities hotel suites in an effort to let them focus on the festival duties at hand. The list of celebrities that have enjoyed these baskets is impressive with past recipients including Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts and Colin Farrell. As I wandered the space sipping on iced DAVIDsTEA I marvelled at HP’s new Sprocket Photo Printer – a wireless device that prints 2×3 photos from a smartphone or tablet. In a reading corner guests had the opportunity to peruse a vast selection of titles while getting to chat with some of the authors themselves. Still reveling in Canada 150 nostalgia I snuck a copy of Birds of Canada by DK Publishing, which is sure to be a top title on upcoming Christmas gift guides.
Stylist Suite
The Stylist Suite creates a unique space where celebrities can book an appointment to be styled by an impressive roster of Canadian talent whose work range from ball gowns to day wear. To complete the red carpet one-stop-shop, Stylist Suite plays host to Salon Daniel to provide the perfect red carpet coif. As I sipped on sparkling champagne and wandered the space I marvelled at the diverse curated collections. On a quest to find some fabulous menswear I happened upon the Mick Jagger inspired creations of Hendrix Roe. Not only was I delighted by designer Jordan Erin McKay’s effervescent personality, her silk and leopard print menswear had me feeling my glam rock fantasy.
Suite on the SIXth
Fresh with a new identity, guests of Tastemakers: Suite on the SIXth delighted in an eclectic mix of experiences in the chic Rock-it Promotions downtown office. Upon arrival I was whisked into a room to experience the sweet fragrances of Perth Soap Company, where I enjoyed their vast collection of soaps and moisturizers (the leather and vanilla is my new favourite scent). After taking a quick break to fuel up with an In Balance Smoothie I met with the handsome artists of Ink and Water Tattoo who were creating custom ink for anyone who dared. While I didn’t have enough time to add to my tattoo collection (not to mention an onset of sudden nerves), I grabbed their business card as we kibitzed about our love for floral designs.
NKPR IT HOUSE
NKPR came dressed to impress at their swanky IT House featuring everything from a Swarovski crystal inspired lounge (complete with complementary aura readings) and a lower level that played host to the Analogue Gallery which featured a diverse collection of rock and roll photography sweeping throughout the space. A Casa Barilla popup restaurant satiated guests with lamb ragu tossed pasta while Pink Berry frozen yoghurt delighted those with a sweet tooth.
Annabelle makeup celebrated their new eyeliner collection with a caricature artist providing complimentary portraiture – I jumped at the opportunity and was pleasantly surprised to see the finished result bare resemblance to a stylish Viking.
