~~~ Stars and media alike are welcomed to kick off TIFF at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto at this non-traditional gifting suite ~~~
Toronto International Film Festival is here again, as well as many other fashion events on the social scene in Toronto. Just like in the old days, Torontonians are experiencing 11 days of TIFF this year – cinema, celebrities, and glamour. And parties of course. The film festival just kicked off this Thursday September 7th for its 48th year and will conclude next Sunday September 17th. Among celebrities who announced their attendance at the Toronto International Film Festival this year are Dakota Johnson, Sean Penn, Willem Dafoe, Nicholas Cage, Jessica Chastain, Sylvester Stallone, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Emily Blunt, Kate Winslet, Jamie Foxx, Sir Ian McKellen, Anna Kendrick, and others.
One of the most glamorous parties dedicated to TIFF this year was the annual Bask-It-Style gift lounge hosted by Toronto based public relations firm GLO Communications. Back for its 13th year, Bask-It-Style hosted its annual media day on Wednesday, September 6th, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto’s most distinguished landmark hotel (located at 100 Front Street West downtown Toronto, right across the iconic CN Tower). The event was held in the Manitoba Room at the hotel, and I had the pleasure of attending it (I started attending this annual event in 2012). Media were invited to preview and experience celebrity VIP treatment from this year’s twelve sponsors. Taking place during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Bask-It-Style hand delivers VIP gift bags to celebs on the go with a survival kit of goodies to enjoy while navigating TIFF. From beauty and health to style, tech and food, Bask-It-Style has everything for a star on a busy TIFF schedule. In the past, celebrities gifted by Bask-It-Style lounge have included: Rachel McAdams, Jennifer Garner, Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon, Anna Kendrick, Naomi Watts, John Legend, Sir Elton John, Pierce Brosnan, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, Lily James, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Elle Fanning, Helen Mirren, John Goodman, Julianne Moore, Colin Farrell, and many more.
This is not the first time the Bast-It-Style annual event has been held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, it was also hosted at Fairmont in 2014 and 2022. Other fashionable venues for Bask-In-Style in the previous years had been Shangri-La Hotel and Thompson Hotel, but also Pinnacle Centre condos, all located in the very heart of the city of Toronto.
“Bask-it-style is an essential part of the Toronto International Film Festival,” says Jessica Glover, Principal, GLO Communications. “We are excited to showcase our sponsors to media professionals and visiting international and local talent; we have lots of great brands everyone will be excited to try.”
On Wednesday, September 6th, the media were invited (by appointment only) at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, to receive the star treatment. Since debuting renovations in 2019, Fairmont Royal York features new dining experiences such as Library Bar; Clockwork Champagne and Cocktails; Reign Restaurant; Bar and Bakery; as well as the new luxury hotel-within-a-hotel, Fairmont Gold, with an exclusive lounge for guests. Fairmont Royal York Hotel’s legacy in hosting performances such as Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington during its famed supper club era is well known. The hotel is also one of the most filmed locations in the city and has served as the backdrop in popular films such as Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game. Fairmont Royal York’s prestige and history with the film industry make it an essential Toronto experience and the perfect venue for Bask-It-Style. The event took place in the Manitoba Room, which showcases the modern refresh of the hotel’s meeting and event spaces and features original murals that depict the Canadian landscape and heritage of Fairmont Royal York.
This year, celebrities will receive a variety of sense-provoking goodies in bags designed by Bellroy.
Browns Shoes: Media bag sponsor.
David’s TEA: Valerian Nights tea pack of 15 sachets (retail value $9), Double walled glass perfect mug (retail value $26).
Fairmont Royal York Hotel: Venue partner.
Bellroy: Celebrity gift bag sponsor, Lite Duffel (retail value: $149) and Lite Pouch Duo (retail value: $49).
Philips: Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige (retail value: $499.99) and Philips Sonicare Cordless power flosser 3000 (retail value: $99.99).
Victoria Beckham Eyewear: Sunglasses, models VB651S and VB240S (retail value: $522).
OPI: Big Zodiac Energy collection (retail value: $13.95); Repair mode (retail value: $29.95) and Nail Envy polishes (retail value: $24.95).
SodaStream: SodaStream Art Sparkling water maker (retail value $169.99), SodaStream On-The-Go Bottle.
Marc Anthony: Repair Bond + Rescueplex Repair and Protect leave in treatment MINI, Repair Bond+ Rescueplex concentrated hydrating mask (retail value: $11.99), Repair Bond+ Rescueplex Repair and Protect leave in treatment (retail value: $11.99), Repair Bond+Rescueplex defrizzing smoothening cream (retail value: $12.99), Repair Bond+ Rescueplex concentrated hydrating mask MINI (retail value: $12.99).
D. O. Rueda: Sapientia Verdejo organic wine from Bodegas Moha, V-Malcorta from Bodega Javier Sans Viticultor, AYRE from Bodegas Verdeal, Finca Montepedroso 2022 from Finca Montepedroso, Marques de Riscal Verdejo from Marques de Riscal, Protos Verdejo from Bodegas Protos, Castelo de Medina Verdejo from Bodega Castelo de Medina, Badajo 2022 from Bodega Gótica and Beronia from Bodegas Gonzalez, Nekora Verdejo 2021 from Diez Siglos de Verdejo.
Stila: Stay All Day liner (retail value: $30), Huge mascara (retail value: $33), Plumping Lip Glazes (all 3 shades, retail value: $31), Stay All Day brown eyeliner (retail value: $31), Stay All Day waterproof liquid liner (retail value: $30), Suede Shade™ Liquid Eyeshadows (all 3 shades, retail value: $33), Sculpt and Glow contour and highlighter palette (retail value: $30).
St. Tropez: Luxe Body Serum (retail value: $59).
Celebrity Gift Bag Sponsor: Bellroy This year’s celebrities will receive their goodies packed in bags provided by Bellroy, an Australian brand specializing in carry bags and accessories. In the spotlight are the Lite Duffel (retail value: $149), a traditional duffel with a twist; and Lite Pouch Duo (retail value: $49) flaunting its sleek leather structure that is also water-resistant. Bellroy bags are known for being durable and spacious but light enough that it helps you move like the wind. The brand is dedicated to making high-quality products while nurturing and strengthening the planet.
Refreshment area: Rethink water with SodaStream
Are you a fan of sparkling water drinks and passionate about staying healthy and protecting the environment? SodaStream was on-site at the event showcasing three SodaStream models, including the new SodaStream Art sparkling water maker (retail value: $169.99). The new model has a sleek, sophisticated design, that will blend into any kitchen and make it easy and fun to make fresh sparkling drinks on-demand. Guests learned how to use the sparkling water makers, had the opportunity to sample a variety of SodaStream flavours and took home a SodaStream on the go bottle to bring their sparkling water wherever they go.
Personal Care: Pamper yourself with PhilipsPhilips, a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum, was on-site at the Bask-It-Style media event showcasing two of the brands’ new and improved oral hygiene products. Philips Sonicare 9900 Prestige (retail value:$499.99) was on display, featuring SenseIQ technology, designed to sense, adapt and care for a personalized approach to oral health. With Sonicare’s all-time best A3 Premium brush head, it removes up to 20x more plaque, providing up to 15x healthier gums and up to 100% fewer stains. The second product was the Philips Sonicare cordless power flosser 3000 (retail value: $99.99) equipped with proprietary Quad Stream technology. The cordless power flosser is an easy upgrade to your oral care routine. Guests took home these smart solutions for oral care and also received personalized tips on the Philips mobile application.
English brand Victoria Beckham crafts modern and versatile clothing and accessories for customers worldwide. Bringing in products with the unique perspective of Victoria Beckham herself, this sustainable and transparent brand invests in solutions for the modern individual. At this year’s event, Victoria Beckham Eyewear gave celebrities a chance to get their hands on vintage inspired, minimalist sunglasses, models VB651S and VB240S (retail value: $522 CAD). These sophisticated frames scream perfection. Media were treated to Victoria Becham T-shirts.
Wine area: Treat your palettes with enriching D. O. Rueda winesWine lovers could get ready to sample the top-selling white wines from Spanish region, D. O. Rueda, with sommelier, Renée Sferrazza (Cityline wine expert, sommelier, wine communicator and host). D. O. Rueda’s wine production dates back to the 16th century and now the appellation has 78 wineries with over 30 of them featuring female winemakers. Located 170 km north west of Madrid, near the River Duero, Rueda (pronounced: Roo-eh-duh) is known for growing the Verdejo (pronounced: Vurr-day-ho) grape, which is a 1000-year-old indigenous grape that is the top-selling white wine in Spain. If you have visited Spain before, you have probably had one (or more) wines from this region. Attendees were able to learn about the region and sample ten of D.O. Rueda’s finest wine brands, namely Sapientia Verdejo organic 2022 from Bodegas Moha, V-Malcorta 2022 from Bodega Javier Sans Viticultor, AYRE 2022 from Bodegas Verdeal, Finca Montepedroso 2022 from Finca Montepedroso, Marques de Riscal Verdejo 2021 from B. Hros Del Marques de Riscal, Protos Verdejo 2021 from Bodegas Protos, Castelo de Medina Verdejo 2020 from Bodega Castelo de Medina, Badajo 2022 from Bodega Gótica, Beronia Verdejo 2022 from Bodegas Gonzalez, and Nekora 2021 from Diez Siglos.
Ever thought of choosing nail colors based on your personality traits and zodiac energies? OPI, a top nail salon brand, will present all twelve shades from its brand-new Fall 2023 collection Big Zodiac Energy (retail value: $13.95 each), a curated group of polishes that help nail enthusiasts express their personality through the energies of their zodiac signs. Media attendees received gift bags containing some of OPI’s iconic top shades along with their brand-new innovation Repair Mode, a first of its kind bond building nail serum (retail value: $29.95); but also Nail Envy nail strengthening polishes (retail value: $24.95). With technicians on-site, as well as an astrologer to read your future, OPI is committed to giving attendees rich nail looks with artistry and technique.
Beloved Canadian hair care brand Marc Anthony has made it its mission to provide beauty lovers with salon-quality products at an affordable price, connecting customers with their best selves by taking care of their luscious locks. The brands’ latest 2023 innovation, Repair Bond +Rescuplex™ is clinically proven to make hair 111% stronger, 129% shinier and 140% smoother. This next generation hair repair comes in the form of a system of wash routine products, and now, a new styler to launch this fall – the defrizzing smoothing cream. Additionally, Marc Anthony is expanding its most iconic Strictly Curls™ collection, with its first ever high-hold gel – the new Define & Hold Flex gel launching this fall. Media received these products along with the opportunity to get glamorous blowouts by Marc Anthony Hair stylists on-site.
St. Tropez boasts its lightweight, hyaluronic acid-infused tanning mousses, gels and serums. Attendees could take home a collection of iconic and beauty lover tanning faves, including the iconic Self Tan Classic bronzing mousse, that will help them rock a flawless skin finish and tanned glow that is suitable for any red carpet. Guests also had the opportunity to receive a professional spray tan by Celebrity Spray Tan artist, Sophie Evans. Along with pushing boundaries to introduce best-quality tanning solutions, St. Tropez also practices using safe synthetics in all of their products, promising a more sustainable glow.
Stila Cosmetics were on-site showcasing its new Be Your Own Artist Fall 2023 collection that takes a modern twist on iconic 90’s makeup trends to help unveil a sultry look through unprecedented formulas, finishes, textures, and subtle shades. A Stila make-up artist was present on-site, helping attendees indulge in the artistry-proven and cruelty-free products that help empower every individual to express themselves. The collection featured includes a variety of new and classic products including Canada’s #1 Eyeliner, Stay All Day® waterproof liquid eyeliner (retail value: $31) in a variety of shades including the new Matte Brown; HUGE™ Extreme Lash mascara (retail value: $34); Plumping lip glazes (retail value: $31); Suede Shade™ liquid eyeshadows (retail value: $33); Sculpt and Glow All-in-one Contour and Highlighter palette (retail value: $59); Heaven’s Dew All Over glimmer (retail value $39). The Be Your Own Artist Fall 2023 collection will launch in stores and online this October at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs, and Amazon Canada. The gift bags will also contain the “cult favorite” Stay All Day® waterproof liquid eyeliner (retail value: $31) and media will be able to recreate their perfect look at home. Play All Day! It’s the Stila way.
The gift bags will also include a David’s Tea functional and flavorful blend, Valerian Nights tea pack of 15 sachets (retail value: $9.00). David’s Tea strives to bring people together one tea at a time. Attendees also received a Double walled glass perfect mug (retail value: $26.00) that comes with a stainless-steel infuser and a lid for perfect steeping.
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GLO CommunicationsGLO Communications is a boutique PR firm from Toronto creating dynamic publicity campaigns for clients in the lifestyle industry including: publishing, fashion, beauty and entertainment. They specialize in media relations, PR strategy development, marketing communications, product launches, event management, media training, product seeding and evaluation and measurement.
BASK-IT-STYLE SPONSORS
Browns Shoes
Browns Shoes, a family-owned business established in Montreal in 1940, is synonymous with top international designer collections, luxurious leather goods, and exclusive street savvy fashion for ladies, gentlemen and children. Browns is one of the few companies that donates 10% of its pre-tax profits to charities. Mr. Morton Brownstein, Chairman, was recognized for his extraordinary fundraising work when he was appointed to the Order of Canada in July 2004.
DAVID’s TEA
DAVID’s TEA offers a specialty branded selection of high-quality loose-leaf teas, pre-packaged teas, tea sachets, tea-related accessories and gifts through its e-commerce platform at www.DavidsTea.com, the Amazon Marketplace, its wholesale customers which include over 3,500 grocery stores and pharmacies, and 18 company-owned stores across Canada. It offers primarily proprietary tea blends that are exclusive to the Company, as well as traditional single-origin teas and herbs. The team’s passion for and knowledge of tea permeates the Company’s culture and is rooted in an excitement to explore the taste, health and lifestyle elements of tea. With a focus on innovative flavours, wellness-driven ingredients and organic tea, the Company launches seasonally driven “collections” with a mission of making tea fun and accessible to all. The Company is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.
D. O. Rueda
D. O. Rueda was founded in 1980, the first D.O. in Castilla y Leon, and is ranked as the top white wine region in the Spanish market, according to Nielsen. Situated on a high plateau with a continental climate, Rueda has long cold winters, short springs and hot summers, perfect for the Verdejo grape, the dominant varietal in the region. High elevations and gravelly stone soils allow the Verdejo to ripen by mid-September and develop deep aromas and flavors resulting in dry, fresh wines that are food-friendly and accessible.
Rueda is a Spanish Denominación de Origen (DO) for wines located in the Community of Castile and León. It comprises 72 municipalities, of which 53 are in the province of Valladolid, 17 are in the north of the province of Segovia, and two are in the north of the province of Ávila. It is known primarily for its fine white wines based on the verdejo grape. The D. O. is centred on the town of Rueda, in the province of Valladolid about 170 km northwest of Madrid. The land is a flat high plain at an altitude of between 600 meters and 780 meters above sea level. The river Duero flows through the area from east to west. The climate is continental (long hot summers, cold winters) with a certain Atlantic maritime influence. Close to the river Duero the soils are alluvial with high lime content (max 24%). To the south the topsoil is brown and sandy with gravel and clay subsoil. Drainage is good, has rich iron content and is easy to plough. The main authorised white varieties are Verdejo, Viura, Sauvignon blanc, while the authorised red varieties are Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Garnacha.
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Timeless and iconic for over 90 years, Fairmont Royal York is the essential Toronto experience. Welcoming guests to the grand Art Deco lobby bar Clockwork Champagne and Cocktails, through to the distinguished Reign bar and dining room, the hotel unveils the return of the legendary Library Bar, the city’s renowned cocktail den. Crowned with charisma, Fairmont Gold is a luxury boutique hotel set within the upper 13th–18th floors and features the exclusive Fairmont Gold Lounge. Refined and captivating, the Grand Dame of Front Street takes centre stage as the city’s destination for ethereal wedding celebrations and inspiring conferences and events – embracing a legacy that is famous for generations.
Fairmont Gold: Step into a new level of luxury at Fairmont Royal York. Fairmont Gold is unlike anything Toronto has seen before. With expansive new suites, a brilliant new 18th floor lounge, and thoughtfully designed grand spaces, this is a rare experience of boutique luxury – an entirely new hotel, at the heart of the city’s most essential landmark. It gleams high above our downtown streets, with a bright metropolitan character.
SodaStream
SodaStream, part of PepsiCo, is the world’s leading sparkling water-maker brand and Canada’s leading sparkling water brand by volume. SodaStream enables consumers to enjoy endless good bubbles at home, without hassle, and help save the planet. SodaStream bubbles are better for the consumer - healthy, easy to make, light to carry - and better for the planet - replacing up to thousands of single-use plastic bottles with one reusable SodaStream bottle. To learn more about SodaStream visit corp.sodastream.com and follow SodaStream on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
Bellroy
Bellroy is the design-obsessed Australian carry brand changing the way we move through the world. Since 2010, Bellroy has solved some of the most common problems, such as fat wallets and flimsy bags, through meticulous production, ensuring timeless and enduring products that adapt to every need. Through B-Corp status, purpose-driven business practices and sustainable material development, Bellroy continues to show the world what “better” looks like. Every person’s journey is unique; Bellroy believes that brands shouldn’t define who you are but support you in pursuing the life you crave. Bellroy constantly pursues better ways to source its leathers, develop “better” materials, reduce their impact on the environment and make products that last. Using agile thinking and customer-informed design practices, Bellroy works to innovate and push boundaries year after year. In 2021, the company was also recognized as Australia’s Best Place to Work.
Philips
Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people’s health and well-being and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 78,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.Philips.com/newscenter.
Victoria Beckham
Victoria Beckham is a London based fashion designer whose brand represents modernity and sophistication by combining minimalistic details and vintage inspirations. Victoria Beckham designs are for a self-confident, smart, and ambitious woman who wants to express herself to the fullest.
OPI As the number one salon brand worldwide, OPI is committed to providing high-quality products and services to both salons and their customers, along with a focus on industry safety and innovation. With exceptional formulas, fashionable colors, and iconic names, OPI’s heavily pigmented lacquers are super-rich, long lasting and chip-resistant – offering an affordable luxury to consumers. When used in a professional service, color can last up to seven days. OPI nail lacquer is available in more than 200 shades. OPI Infinite Shine is a no-light three-step long wear lacquer system offering long-wear, high-shine and ease of application and removal. There are now more than 150 shades in the Infinite Shine collection. Each lacquer features OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate application. Currently, OPI is available in over 100 countries and retails a full line of professional items including OPI GelColor (available in more than 140 shades that match their iconic OPI lacquer counterparts) with up to three-week wear, nail treatments, finishing products, lotions, manicure/pedicure products, files, tools, gels and acrylics. OPI is guaranteed only when purchased through authorized professional beauty outlets and prestige stores, not from a drugstore, supermarket, mass outlet, or other unauthorized sources.
Marc Anthony set out on a mission to create superior hair products rooted in salon heritage; products that nourish, hydrate, and protect your hair without frequent visits to the salon. With three generations of hair experts, the deep knowledge of hair and styling lives well beyond the lab. Marc Anthony wants to make your hair play easily with premium, fool-proof products at an affordable price. Marc Anthony products are accessible at major food, drug, mass, and specialty retailers.
Stila
Developed by celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell and beloved for our expert yet easy-access looks, Stila has always been about performance plus creativity. Stila artistry is self-expression and fun. This is the heart - and art - of Stila. Stila has always put the tools of the trade in your hands so you could play and create in endless ways.
St. Tropez
St. Tropez (say it with us – SAN-TRO-PAY) is proud to be the OG of tanning, continuously setting the self-tanning bar for an effortless sunless glow that fits seamlessly into your skincare routine. This is the go-to brand for millions worldwide looking to glow with confidence from the inside out.
Photo Credit: Ryan Emberley Photography c/o Kennedy Pollard Photography
