The Toronto International Film Festival is all about films, celebrities, parties and serious swag. Wondering what visiting celebs score during their brief Toronto visit? Here’s a look inside four of this year’s hottest gifting lounges, held during the 39th annual celluloid fest.
Tastemakers Lounge by rock-it promotions
Where: InterContinental Toronto Centre
Inside: The tenth annual Tastemakers Lounge runs throughout the Toronto International Film Festival, welcoming stars to preview products in between interviews and photo shoots. Guests hydrate at Brita‘s refreshing water bar while browsing through the must-have products that fill the first Canadian-owned gifting suite. On display (and up for grabs) celebs picked up LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics’ Charity Pot hand and body lotions (proceeds from the little black pots go to fund and support grassroots charities around the world), Sorel snow boots from the brand’s fall 2014 collection, leather accessories from Danier, racing-inspired footwear and accessories from Piloti, cozy Haute Hoodies from Canadian designer Tonia DeBellis and coffee from Counting Sheep (think coffee that actually helps improve your sleep quality). Toronto-based company RISE Gear‘s oh so cool carry-on bag (ingenious for its portable shelving system inside that keep clothes folded and organized) serves as the perfect gift bag.
Guest list: Celebs that have stopped by so far include: Ethan Hawke, Elisha Cuthbert, Ellie Goulding, Rene Russo, Shemar Moore Kristin Booth, Kardinal Offishalland and Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott.
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Bask-It-Style Lounge by Glo Communications
Where: The Fairmont Royal York
Inside: The sixth annual Bask-It-Style gifting lounge took over the elaborate 3,000 square foot Royal Suite on the 16th floor of the Fairmont Royal York. This year, the lounge partnered with two different charities (Hope4Help and Free-Them) in hopes of educating festival attendees on the work being done in Canada and abroad. Inside this year’s VIP gift bags: hard cover releases from Candlewick Press, Random House and DK books, KOBO’s new Aura H20 (the brand’s just-released waterproof e-reader device), jewellery from Toronto’s Studio 1098, beauty and grooming products from Mary Kay and beer from Craft Brand Co. for the bona fide beer aficionado.
Guest list: Names are under wraps until after the festival. But, this year, the Bask-It-Style Lounge assembled and hand-delivered VIP gift bags to the hotels that the biggest stars are staying at during the festival.
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Premier Celebrity Gift and Style Lounge by B.A.D PR
Where: The Windsor Arms Hotel
Inside: VIPs inside the weekend-only Premier Celebrity Gift and Style Lounge at the Windsor Arms Hotel sipped on vodka cocktails from Silver Lake Vodka while browsing through luxe goodies at the fifth annual lounge. Guests added a little balance to their life with Serendra‘s health and wellness jewellery, picked up cigars from Canadian brand- Peruvian made Bodega Premium Blends, tried on red carpet pieces from Canadian designed jewellery line Fiori, picked up bottles of wine from the family run winery The Grange of Prince Edward County Wines and snapped up products from GliSODin Skin Nutrients and cosmetics from Moov. But, this lounge wasn’t just about scoring swag — It’s also dedicated to helping celebs look their best with complimentary hair, makeup and styling services from Bene Pham of E! Hollywood style team, and Talya Macedo of Her Collective Media.
Guest list: Celebs spotted this year include Robert Duvall, Sarah Wayne Callies, Abigail Spencer, JB Smoove, Collin Mochrie, Alysia Reiner, Jonathan Keltz, Patricia Clarkson, Amanda Seyfried, Drew Nelson and Rosario Dawson.
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The Stylist Suite by Stylist Box
Where: The Stylist Box
Inside: The Stylist Suite by Gail McInnes and Christian Dare returns for a second year of celebrity styling throughout the Toronto International Film Festival. Busy celebs can take advantage of the lounge when they need a little help getting red carpet ready for press conferences and premieres with access to a range of women’s daywear and eveningwear (including faves Lucian Matis and Hilary MacMillan), menswear (seriously slick suits courtesy of Gian-Paolo Mazzotta), jewellery, shoes, and handbags… all from some of Canada’s favourite designers. Bonus? The west-end space also offers complimentary hair and makeup services.
Guest list: Celebs styled this year include Natalie Brown, Vanessa Matsui, Kristian Bruun, Mishael Morgan, Alisen Down, Melanie Marden, Mark O’Brien, Kandyse McClure, Ari Millen, Gabrielle Miller, Tara Spencer Nairn, Katie Boland and Tommie Amber Pirie.
