~~~ 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 past Thursday September 5th for its 49th year and will conclude next Sunday September 15th. Among celebrities who announced their attendance at the Toronto International Film Festival this year are Angelina Jolie, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Daniel Craig, Tilda Swinton, Ben Stiller, Amy Adams, Hugh Grant, Pharrell Williams, Andrea Bocelli, Elton John, Andrew Garfield, Pamela Anderson, Will Ferrell, Nicole Kidman, 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 14th year, Bask-It-Style hosted its annual media day on Wednesday, September 4th, at the coveted 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 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, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and many more who have been treated to these exclusive gifts, delivered through trusted hotel partners. This year’s event promised to be an unforgettable celebration of style and luxury, offering media a unique glimpse into the world of pampering.
This is not the first time the Bask-It-Style annual event has been held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, it was also hosted at Fairmont in 2014, 2022 and 2023. Other fashionable venues for Bask-In-Style in the previous years have 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 has always been about delivering a touch of style to celebrities to enjoy on-the-go. As we celebrate our 14th year, we’re thrilled to continue this tradition, offering not just exceptional products, but an experience that reflects the energy and excitement of TIFF”, says Jessica Glover, Principal of GLO Communications, a Public Relations company based in Toronto.
On Wednesday, September 4th, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM accredited media experienced an unparalleled star treatment at the iconic Fairmont Royal York in Toronto (by appointment only). Since its 2019 renovation, Fairmont Royal York has unveiled new dining experiences, including Library Bar, Clockwork Champagne and Cocktails, and Reign Restaurant, Bar, and Bakery. Fairmont Gold features an exclusive private lounge that offers a uniquely personalized retreat. Renowned for hosting legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington during its celebrated supper club era, and featured in popular films such as Aaron Sorkin’s Molly’s Game, Fairmont Royal York’s storied past and cinematic prominence make it an essential Toronto experience and the perfect venue for Bask-It-Style. The event was held in the Manitoba Room, which highlights the hotel’s modernized meeting and event spaces and showcases original murals that celebrate the Canadian landscape and the rich heritage of Fairmont Royal York.
This year, celebrities will receive a variety of sense-provoking goodies in bags designed by the Canadian brand Bag & Bougie.
Bag & Bougie: Celebrity bag sponsor, Terry Totes (retail value $110);
Blistape: Blistape Bronzite, Blistape Pearl and Blistape Sunstone (retails for $22);
Browns Shoes: Media bag sponsor;
Fairmont Royal York: Venue partner;
Free2b Foods: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Butter Sun Cups® (retail value $3.49);
Mott’s® Clamato®: Mott’s® Clamato®, Ceasar ($3.49)
Peak Human: gift bags that include exclusive products such as Fasting Pro, Blue Light blocking glasses, Trio Cosmetic cream, BPC-157 capsules and Beauty IV by Drip Trip (retail value $2050);
SharkNinja: Shark FlexStyle (retail value $349.99);
SodaStream: Ensō sparkling water maker (retail value $229);
Toronto Popcorn Company: Buffalo Kick and Old Fashioned Kettle Corn (retail value $12.99);
Wilmot Orchards: Blueberry Habanero jelly (retail value $7.50);
100% Pure: Coffee Bean Caffeine eye cream (retails for $29.00);
Celebrity gift bag sponsor: Bag & Bougie.
This year’s celebrities will receive their goodies packed in bags provided by Bag & Bougie, a Canadian female-owned brand specializing in carry bags and accessories. In the spotlight are the Terry Tote (retail value $110) which is an ultra-versatile bag for any occasion, available in five colours (Kelly green, baby pink, neutral, coral and navy). The bag features two internal zippered compartments for all your essentials, high-tech fabric which includes a nylon interior, it is water-resistant and easily washable. The Bag & Bougie tote provides ample room for all your essentials (dimensions: 45cm x 36cm x 14cm) and comes with a bonus matching cosmetic pouch with detachable wristlet. This bag is the perfect fashion accessory, and it is the essential bag for those beach days, quick get aways, the gym, overnights and vacations!
Push It Real Good: Fiz, mix, and enjoy SodaStream mocktails
Enjoy sparkling beverages? The SodaStream team was on-site at this year’s Bask-It-Style media event to discuss the versatility of their machines and offer delicious SodaStream mocktails for guests to enjoy. With the SodaStream art sparkling water maker, one can easily transform beverages into works of art with a simple push of a button, thanks to its innovative carbonating lever and Quick Connect Cylinder technology. Once you add one of the unique flavours, you have endless possibilities for fun drinks for any occasion, elevating your drink-making while supporting sustainability by reducing single-use plastic waste. SodaStream also had the new and exclusive Ensō sparkling water maker on display, a remarkable designer piece by the critically acclaimed Naoto Fukasawa. This premium item will be gifted to celebrities attending TIFF and will be available for sale later this year. SodaStream’s latest “Push It Real Good” campaign emphasizes how SodaStream empowers you to push for better – enjoying convenient, customizable refreshments at home while making an eco-friendly choice. Guests learned how to use the sparkling water makers, had the opportunity to sample a variety of SodaStream flavours, and took home a mixology kit to help create personalized mocktails and cocktails, and thus becoming the star cocktail aficionado at future events.
Personal care: Pamper yourself with the Shark FlexStyle
The Shark Beauty team were on-site offering styling tips and tricks with the Shark FlexStyle (retail value $349.99). With just a twist, Shark FlexStyle transforms between a powerful, fast, hair dryer, and an ultra-versatile multi-styler. Lightweight and powerful, it’s the ultimate answer to fast, easy styling, so that you can get back to feeling most confident any time of the day with no heat damage. The Shark FlexStyle is perfect for all hair types and all skill sets, making it the secret tool to use for that stunning hairstyle for any occasion. Media were able to take a Shark FlexStyle home and start creating their own flawless hairstyles!
@SharkBeautyCA
Beauty area: Feel at your best with Peak Human and Dr. Sanjeev Goel
Experience the revolutionary work of Dr. Sanjeev Goel, a leading physician with over 25 years of expertise, widely regarded as Canada’s top longevity doctor. At Peak Human, Dr. Goel is transforming the landscape of wellness with cutting-edge treatments which empower his patients to feel and look their best. Media had the chance to learn and experience the following beauty procedures: Emsculpt, Drip Tip, and Peak Emsella. Emsculpt is an innovative, FDA and Health Canada-approved energy device for body contouring, shaping, and toning. This non-invasive, non-surgical treatment uses applicator paddles placed on the skin of the treated area. Drip Trip is an IV treatment, formulated under sterile conditions with precise osmolality calculations to prevent complications; it ensures personalized, fresh IV mixtures after thorough health history assessments, with continuous patient monitoring and access to medical professionals for the best care possible. Peak Emsella are non-surgical pelvic strengthening devices to help address symptoms of urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction, or pelvic floor weakness. The breakthrough Emsella treatment provides a non-invasive option to treat incontinence and bladder issues by delivering the equivalent of 11,000 kegels in 28 minutes simply by sitting on an FDA-approved chair. Media had the opportunity to sample all these services on-site. Also, media were gifted kits valued at $550 which included: Fasting Pro, Nitric Oxide foundation, Trio Cosmetic cream, Eons Deeper Sleep with Quicksome, and Peak Human longevity test so they can get the star experience from the comfort of their own home.
Food and treats: Creating the perfect charcuterie platter
Courtney Stevens (owner & CCO) and daughter of the co-founders of Wilmot Orchards were on-site sharing their Blueberry Habanero Jelly, as well as showcasing their other top-selling jarred products and gift packages, perfect for holiday and housewarming gifts, made from Wilmot Orchards high bush blueberries and other locally sourced ingredients. Wilmot Orchards’ Blueberry Habanero Jelly is the perfect sweet heat to add a little kick to your next grazing or charcuterie board. You can also try it on barbecued, fried chicken, or chicken wings. All Wilmot Orchards products are vegan and gluten-free.
Fashion area: Preventing blisters, and rockin’ the heels you love on the red carpet
New shoes hurting your feet? The Blistape team, a Canadian women owned company, showcased three products from their product line: Blistape Bronzite, Blistape Pearl and Blistape Sunstone (retail value $22) available on their website and Amazon.ca. Blistape is a blister prevention tape crafted from a proprietary blend of spandex and nylon, infused with vitamin-e, and is designed for everyday use. Blistape prevents your footwear or clothing from rubbing, chafing, or irritating your skin, ensuring both comfort and protection while letting your style shine. The Blistape team were on-site giving tips and showcasing the product line. Media had the opportunity to try these exceptional products and leave with more comfort surrounding their feet.
Some other exciting items in the bag
Bask-It-Style is a survival kit for celebrities on the go for those long press days. To keep everyone’s blood sugar up, and avoid being hangry, the gift bag includes Dark Chocolate Sunflower Butter Sun Cups®, by Free2Be Foods (retail value $9.99). These treats are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, creamy and chocolate-y. Their signature Dark Chocolates are filled with a custom blend of creamy sunflower butter. They are peanut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and allergy friendly.
For talent looking for a quick ready-to-drink cocktail, nothing’s more Canadian than a Caesar. Sip a Mott’s® Clamato® Caesar (retails for $3.49) and bring on the flavour – with this iconic and highly customizable cocktail. Mott’s® Clamato® is available in seven flavours across Canada. Whether you crave the Original, or a kick with Extra Spicy, indulge in the works with horseradish, or looking for some pickly personality with Pickled Bean – they’ve got you covered.
For a more savoury snack, Toronto Popcorn Company treats us to their gourmet popcorn in the yummy flavours of Buffalo Kick and Old Fashioned Kettle Corn (retail value $12.99).
Need we say more?
On the beauty side: 100 % Pure brand is gifting their Coffee Bean Caffeine eye cream (retails starting at $23.00) which dramatically reduces puffiness and dark circles with caffeine-rich green tea and coffee extracts, revitalizing tired eyes. Infused with nourishing rosehip oil and anti-aging vitamins, this cream awakens the eye area for a more youthful, vibrant look.
Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Instagram:
@JessicaGlover99
@GLO_Comm
@BrownsShoes
@BagandBougieTO
@blistape.inc
@freeb2foods
@SodaStreamCanada
@FairmontRoyalYork
@SharkBeautyCA
@PeakHumanLabs
@DrSanjeevGoel
@topopcornco
@mottsclamatocaesar
@100percentpure
@WilmotOrchards
GLO Communications
GLO Communications (based in Toronto) was founded in 2012 by Jessica Glover. It’s a passionate, driven and full-service boutique marketing and communications agency with an expertise in growing brands in a number of markets, including alcohol, food and beverage, travel, fashion and lifestyle. You can trust them to do what they do best: make you shine.
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, men and children. Browns is one of the few companies that donates 10% of its pre-tax profits to charities.
Bag & Bougie
Bag & Bougie (B&B) is a Toronto-based and female-owned company offering ultra-versatile lifestyle bags for the everyday woman. Whether you are a mom on-the-go, a nine-to-fiver, a traveler, a gym geek, or anyone in-between, these bags will surely work as hard as you do, without compromising aesthetic. B&B is known for their unique and diverse collection which includes beach bags, tote bags, duffel bags, belt bags and more! B&B was chosen as the official Gift of the Grammys in 2023 and has collaborated with many influencers like Melissa Wood Health and Pelotons Aly Love. Shop the collection at BagandBougie.com and follow along at @bagandbougieto. Bag & Bougie is offering 15% off during TIFF with code TIFF15 at checkout on their website.
Blistape
Blistape is the ideal functional accessory for individuals who value style and comfort. Infused with vitamin E and made from a proprietary blend of nylon and spandex, Blistape offers discreet, second-skin protection against blisters, irritation, and chafing. Whether you’re breaking in new boots or wearing those high heels that rub the wrong way, or need a discreet, reliable nipple pasty, Blistape ensures you stay effortlessly fashionable and comfortable all day. As a proudly women, LGBTQ, and Canadian-led company, Blistape is dedicated to empowering you to move confidently through your day without compromise.
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 & 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 Grande 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 will let you 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, a PepsiCo subsidiary, is the world’s leading sparkling water brand. Operating in over 47 countries across the globe, SodaStream empowers consumers to create perfect personalized sparkling beverage experiences with just a push of a button. By allowing its users to make better choices for themselves and the planet, SodaStream is revolutionizing the beverage industry and changing the way the world drinks. To learn more about SodaStream, please visit SodaStream.ca and follow SodaStream on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Pinterest.
About SharkNinja Canada
SharkNinja is a global product design and technology company with a diversified portfolio of 5-star products that positively impact people’s lives in homes around the world. Powered by two trusted, global brands, Shark and Ninja, the company has a proven track record of bringing disruptive innovation to market, and developing one consumer product after another has allowed SharkNinja to enter multiple product categories, driving significant growth and market share gains. Headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts with more than 3,000 associates, the company’s products are sold at over 150 retailers, online and offline, and through distributors around the world. For more information, please visit SharkNinja.com.
Free2b Foods
Free2b’s mission is to create a world where people with food allergies snack with joy by making trusted, crave-worthy products. Since the first Sunflower Butter Chocolate Sun Cup® was handmade for a child with a peanut allergy in 2008, Free2b has crafted treats and snacks that can be shared with confidence. Free2b products are free from common food allergens and produced in an allergy friendly dedicated manufacturing facility. Additionally, Free2b Foods products are non-GMO verified, dairy free, gluten free certified, vegan and Kosher.
About Dr. Sanjeev Goel
Dr. Sanjeev Goel is the founder of Peak Human. With over 25 years of experience as a medical doctor, he is a pioneer in bringing access to the latest cutting-edge medical technologies to Canada. Dr. Goel hosts the Peak Human podcast, where he discusses biohacking and regenerative medicine with leading experts.
About Peak Human
Peak Human is a precision-based concierge longevity group of companies dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential through advanced technology and data-driven insights. By leveraging the latest scientific research and highest quality formulations, Peak Human creates personalized wellness plans that empower individuals to optimize their physical and mental performance.
About Toronto Popcorn Company
Founded in 2013, TOPopcornCo. has since established itself as the city’s go-to gourmet popcorn company. Toronto Popcorn Co. is a small-batch production popcorn company that specializes in creating popcorn – from old time favourites to very decadent ones – that makes use of only premium ingredients. Always fresh and made with love, TOPopcornCo’s quality-over-quantity approach has quite made a cult-following. Starting out as a hole-in-the wall retail concept in Kensington Market, Toronto Popcorn can now be found in retail stores all over the city and can be enjoyed Canada-wide by ordering from its website. Toronto Popcorn – it’s not your random popcorn!
Wilmot Orchards
Wilmot Orchards is one of the largest pick-your-own, high-bush blueberry farms in Ontario. Their goal is to provide the tens of thousands of guests that visit Wilmot Orchards with an elevated farm experience through their different patches which consist of 11 different varieties of blueberries, the dessert café with scratch-made blueberry desserts and made-in-house blueberry ice cream, but also their Spring and Fall Supper Club fine-dining experiences. This family-owned and operated farm started in 1975 and looks to continue welcoming guests to taste the difference of blueberries fresh from the farm.
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