The ladies on the fourth floor have a knack for spotting (and starting) hot new trends. That’s why we’re excited to give you the scoop on the gifts and goodies that wowed at our seventh annual Tastemakers Lounge, hosted during the Toronto International Film Festival.
This year, we transformed our InterContinental Hotel suite into a paradise of products for local and international talent in Toronto for the festival. Guests were quick to snap up chic, one-of-a-kind accessories, many of which are Canadian. Stars personalized Pandora bracelets with gem-studded, 14-karat gold or sterling silver charms and rocked fashionable eye-wear from brands FYSH UK, KLIIK denmark or EVATIK from Western Optical. Crowncap gifted everyone with warm and cozy Nathanial Cole hats. And at the end of a long day working the red carpet, there’s nothing better than a pair of superior, stylish denim when the formal wear comes off. Stars scooped up jeans from Mavi’s newest line, Mavi Gold.
Geoffrey Rush, The Eye of the Storm, trying on a new pair of frames.
With snap-happy paparazzi trolling through Toronto and swarming red carpets, skin and hair care is of the utmost importance. Indeed Labs treated guests to its newest face serum Okrapeptide (a great, natural Botox alternative). Professional in-house stylists from Conair preened and pampered guests with John Frieda styling tools.
Arlene Dickinson, Dragon’s Den, checking out her new ‘do courtesy of Conair.
As much as we adore great new products and gorgeous apparel, we also know that great finds go well beyond fashion, beauty and jewellery.
To satisfy the gamer in each of our guests, Mattel Game On! showcased four new games including Angry Birds: Knock on Wood, the board game version of the smartphone favourite. For the music-lovers, ClarityOne equipped talent with 3-D ClarityOneEarbuds featuring a built-in PureSound processor for crisp, clear sound.
Butter‘s Yara Shahidi picks up Uno Roboto.
There’s nothing we love more than celebrities who interact and engage with fans. For stars ready to sign autographs, Sharpie gifted guests with the ultimate tool for making signatures stylish. After a full day of doing interviews, a working actor needs a good night’s sleep. Canadian line Cilque[s•ilk] sent guests like Scott Speedman home with 100 per cent silk bedding, pillowcases, an eye mask or a gift certificate.
In between parties and screenings, busy stars need to nosh! PC showcased its newest line of products, President’s Choice® black label, to the VIP crowd. Visitors who were in the mood for something crunchy and tasty hit up the popchips mini lounge. To quench their thirst, guests grabbed a Smartwater and filled up their brand new Bobble, a resilient, reusable water bottle.
Dustin Milligan, Sisters and Brothers, kicks back with a bag of popchips.
Tastemakers guests also left with gift certificates to Rue Pigalle, Dealuxe and Eleven.
Our guests took their swag home in the adorable Fall 2011 Everygirl Tote snakeskin printed bag from Old Navy and cheeky reusable bags made from recycled t-shirts from Me + You.
Other guests that stopped by included Mary Harron, Sarah Gadon and Sarah Bolger (The Moth Diaries), Don McKellar (I’m Yours), Lasse Hallström (Salmon Fishing in the Yemen), Kim Wayans, Adepero Oduye and Pernell Walker (Pariah), Jessica Parker Kennedy (50/50), Sam Childers (Machine Gun Preacher), Mike Clatterburg (Afghan Luke), Jennifer Podemski (Take This Waltz), Vinay Birmani (Breakaway), Katie Boland (TIFF Rising Star), Tattiawna Jones (Keyhole), Georgina Reilly (Highland Gardens) and many, many more!
Tastemakers Lounge may be lavish, but it’s not just about swag. Tastemakers is making a donation to CNIB, a charity that provides research, innovative consumer products and advocacy support for blind and partially sighted individuals. CNIB also takes on the huge task of delivering 2.2 million materials in alternative formats like braille and audio to people with disabilities across Canada.
Russell Peters, Breakaway, hopes Okrapeptide will fix his many laugh lines.
We are so proud of Tastemakers Lounge and the wonderful sponsors who provide truly fantastic and innovative products year after year. See you at TIFF 2012!
Visit our Facebook page for more pics from the lounge.
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