TIFF is the only time of year when Toronto’s biggest PR companies pull all the stops and set up some seriously fine-ass lounges. It’s a way for these companies to get the brands they rep into the hands of Hollywood’s elite. These are the top 5 lounges that give out the best swag… because everyone (even celebs) loves a rad swag bag.
Essentials Lounge by EGPR
This is the only lounge that is solely open to the media. No A-Listers in this one and that’s because it’s to help the media get through all the TIFF chaos. Gifting us with a ‘Survival Kit’ and ‘Recovery Kit’, we got everything from SmartWater to must-have beauty products from Skinceuticals and Tarte Cosmetics and some uber-comfy and equally stylish shoes from Rockport. Pretty much everything one would need to help them still be a human after the 10-day festival. Thank you, EGPR, for thinking of us!
Tastemakers Lounge by Rock-it Promotions
The Tastemakers Lounge was definitely a lounge that ranked at the top of our list. Maybe they decided to go all out because it’s their 10-year anniversary, but whatever gave them the fire to host an incredible lounge definitely did the trick. From cute jewellery courtesy of Olivia + Piper to Brita waterbottles to keep folks hydrated and some sick swag from Danier and Lush Cosmetics, Rock-it Promo most definitely caught our attention! Some of the stars that popped into the lounge included Rene Russo, Ellie Goulding, Shemar Moore, Tom Green, and many more. Click here to peak inside.
Bask-It
Held at the very prestigious Royal York Hotel in the 16th floor penthouse suite, this lounge was ideal for people who are passionate about books. With a fully decked out reading room, they previewed the new waterproof KOBO, which was taking a dunk every two minutes so it must be true. In the beauty room, Mary Kay previewed the collection, including a new men’s line, alongside Studio 1098, a local jeweler, and Killigrew, who created luxury tees. The most unique room was the “Bask-It-Style Gives Back” room, where we learned about Hope4Hope, a charity that helps build schools in Africa, but also about a charity called Free-Them which helps to free men, women, and children who are slaves. On September 27th, the charity is planning a freedom walk to educate people about this cause that most of us would never know exists. All around, Bask-It-Style was a very humble and educational lounge.
Stylist Box
Gail McInnes, who was recently coined the “Countess of Canadian Fashion” by Press the Fashion, and Christian Dare, one of Toronto’s top fashion bloggers, host the annual Stylist Box where they showcase the stunning designs of the many clients they represent. Promoting Canadian designers and dressing personalities is what they do all year round, but during TIFF the Stylist Box takes over their lives offering the many celebrities that are in town an opportunity to wear exclusive (and stunning) designs to their many TIFF events. Luckily for us, the lounge is opened to the media on day one of TIFF where guests can get their hair, nails, and makeup done, get decked out in some amazing designer garments, all the while also noshing on some faboosh eats. This year, Shibui Robata Bar catered and wow – even we were stunned at the deliciousness of the sushi they were serving. Paired with a couple of glasses of the Marynissen Estates wine and we were ready to party on night one!
IT Lounge
NKPR’s IT Lounge is the one lounge that attracts everyone who’s anyone. With swag from Rudsak, Tromba Tequila, DAVIDsTEA, Christian Rex, plus many more lust-worthy goodies, the NKPR team truly knows how to host a TIFF lounge. Their DJ was constantly banging out some on-point tunes, and their space was always filled with some of the most talented actors and actresses in Hollywood. Oh, and we can’t forget about their portrait studio with Caitlin Cronenberg who has captured some A-list actors in the specially curated studio within the lounge… say, cheese! Yet again this year, the IT Lounge did not disappoint in terms of celebrity attendance. Jena Malone, Abigail Spencer, Felicity Jones, Justin Long, and Haley Joel Osment were among the many who visited. It really is the lounge that keeps on giving, and here’s a look inside
Click here to view gallery.
