Bask-It-Style Event for TIFF 2019 Hosts the Eleventh Annual Media Day at the Thompson Hotel in Toronto

Stars and media alike were welcomed to kick off TIFF at this non-traditional gifting suite 

Another TIFF festival is in town now – Torontonians are experiencing 11 days of cinema, celebrities and glamour. And parties of course. The festival just kicked off this Thursday September 5th, and will conclude next Sunday September 15th. Among celebrities seen at Toronto International Film Festival this year are Jennifer Lopez, Ellen Page, Wesley Snipes, Robert Pattinson, Chris Evans, Jamie Lee Curtis, Daniel Craig, Kerry Washington, Susan Sarandon, Kristen Stewart, Jessica Biel, Coco Rocha, Anna Wintour, Antonio Banderas, Dev Patel, and many others.

One of the most glamorous parties dedicated to TIFF this year was the annual Bask-It-Style by Toronto based public relations firm GLO Communications. Back for its eleventh year, Bask-It-Style hosted its annual media day Wednesday, September 4th, at the Thompson Toronto Hotel (550 Wellington Street West). Media were invited to preview and experience celebrity VIP treatment from this year’s 20 sponsors, a glamorous event that I also had the pleasure to attend. Taking place during the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Bask-It-Style hand delivers VIP gift bags to celebrities 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 through Bask-It-Style hotel partners have included: Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Colin Farrell, John Legend, Sir Elton John, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, Tom Wilkinson, Rachel Weisz, Iggy Pop, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Elle Fanning, Helen Mirren, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and many more. 

“This is our eleventh year of Bask-It-Style”, says Jessica Glover, Principal, GLO Communications. “We are thrilled to be back at the Thompson Toronto Hotel showcasing brands that are in our TIFF must-have survival kit.”

On Wednesday, September 4th, media were invited (by appointment only) from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM to receive the star treatment. This year’s venue was once again the luxurious Thompson Toronto Hotel, which is in the heart of the trendy King West area – the same venue as in the previous three years – 2016, 2017 and 2018. The elegantly designed Front Room is an 858 square foot area that reflects the hotel’s signature avant-garde style, blending luxury furnishings with high-tech functionality. It features built-in audiovisual, including a 60 square foot media wall with plugins for Mac Mini, Apple TV, and HDMI.

Bask-It-Style 2019

This year, celebrities are receiving a variety of sense-provoking goodies in exclusive travel bags designed by Amber & Ash.

Amber & Ash: celebrity limited edition gift bag sponsor
Browns Shoes: media bag sponsor
DK Publishing: Fashion, The Definitive Visual Guide by DK (new edition)
D. O. Rueda: Rueda Wine from one of eight wineries
Dr. Bronner’s: Pure Peppermint Pure-Castile liquid soap
Green & Black’s: milk or dark chocolate bar in one of ten flavours
Hanalei: Kukui oil lip treatment
Indigena Skincare: Botanical “Glowing” travel kit
LIVA foods: date sugar
Michael Hill: 10 karat gold delicate ring featuring six diamonds
MIRA: Good Girls Lie by J. T. Ellison
Monat: REJUVENIQE™ oil intensive, MONAT STUDIO ONE THE CHAMP™ conditioning dry shampoo
Oteas Canada Inc.: exclusive Fan Favourites tea assortment in biodegradable packaging
Welo: probiotic bars
Sharp magazine: magazine sponsor
Toronto Thompson Hotel: venue partner
Todd’s Better: egg white protein crisps in one of four flavours
Toronto Popcorn Company: grab bag in garlic parmesan or bacon cheddar
Tru Niagen: Tru Niagen supplement
Turo: $200 Turo credit

Bask-It-Style gifts

Celebrity gift bag sponsor – Amber & Ash
This year’s celebrities will receive all of their goodies in a limited edition travel tote designed by Amber & Ash exclusively for Bask-It-Style at TIFF (retail value $89.99). This bag includes versatile straps to go from tote to backpack and features several internal and external pockets for accessibility, as well as a compartment that allows the bag to be placed over a luggage handle. The bag is made of durable, PU coated cotton and embellished with full-grain leather accents with signature A&A lining. The team also had a variety of their Fall 2019 bags on display in the suite during the media event.

Amber & Ash bags

Technology Room 
Drive around in style with TURO
Looking for a unique, stylish ride to cruise around the city or roll up to a red carpet in? Feel like an A-lister with TURO’s exclusive peer-to-peer car-sharing platform. A pioneer of the sharing economy, Turo guests got to choose from a unique selection of vehicles from a community of trusted local hosts. On display at this year’s event there was the show-stopping cinematic DeLorean from Back to the Future film (1985) to give guests a taste of what the TURO inventory has to offer. Guests were treated with a portrait taken with the car.

TURO

I took a few photos with the DeLorean outside:

DeLorean time machine from "Back to the Future" film (1985)

Wine Room 
Take a trip to Spain with D. O. Rueda
D. O. (Designation of Origin) Rueda took guests on a trip to Northern Spain as they had the chance to taste 17 different wines from eight of the region’s wineries, with Canada’s master sommelier, Bruce Wallner. Rueda, a wine region in Spain located in the community of Castile de León, is known for its production of the verdejo grape due to its unique climate and land. Guests were treated to a bottle of wine to sip back after a long night of film action at TIFF (retail value $15-$30). The wineries featured at the event were Palacio De Bornos, Finca Montepedroso, Bodega Gotica, Javier Sanz Viticultor, Bodega Verdeal, Sat Rueda Perez, Bodegas Menade, Marqués De Riscal.

Rueda wines

Refreshment Room 
Steep and sip with Oteas
For all the tea lovers, Oteas will be brewing something special with their limited edition Fan Favourites tea combo-pack. Guests were invited to get their taste buds ready for these unique blends of tea. From sweet to spicy and aromatically energizing, these special blends are nestled in plant based packaging and biodegradable tea bags. Good for you and the planet. The Fan Favourite selection, inspired by the fans of films at TIFF, included the flavours Strawberries & Cream, Raspberry Leaf, Organic Earl Grey, Organic Green Tea with Peppermint, Organic Lemongrass, Ginger & Cinnamon (retail value $12.95). Pick your favourite blend, steep and enjoy your film!

Oteas teas

Sampling Oteas tea

Beauty room 
Skincare, haircare and health products

All the hustle and bustle of TIFF can take a toll on your skin. The Indigena Skincare team were on-site with skincare to make you glow! Indigena Skincare’s Glowing travel kit (retail value $215) includes: Labrador Tea day and night cream, Rose Petal eye cream, Sea Veggie face lotion and Blueberry Bliss lip scrub. Their rare botanical extract blends are foraged from the Canada’s Boreal forest and the North Atlantic, leaving your skin nourished and rejuvenated instantly. Skincare and haircare go hand in hand when it comes to being red carpet ready.

MONAT Global’s intensive anti-aging haircare line (retail value $45-$129) unites the best of nature and science to provide luxurious treatments and styling products that give your hair the all-star treatment. Their team were on-site offering touch-ups and hair tips, featuring their flagship product, REJUVENIQE™ oil intensive, along with their MONAT STUDIO ONE™ styling collection. The MONAT product line, which is leaping bunny approved and vegan, includes a professional styling collection, a men’s haircare and grooming line, a children’s collection, pet care and several targeted hair care systems and treatments.

MONAT beauty products

Lastly, no beauty routine is complete without caring for your body. Give your body the star treatment with Tru Niagen’s Hollywood-loved, breakthrough supplement (retail value $40-$67) that supports cellular health. This supplement contains a unique form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide riboside (NR), which helps the trillions of tiny cells in your body maintain good health by helping maintain your body’s ability to metabolize nutrients, critical for cellular energy metabolism and tissue formation.

Tru-Niagen health supplement

Style room 
Sparkle and shine with Michael Hill’s gold collection
No look is complete without some great jewellery to tie the look together. Michael Hill will be bringing red carpet worthy looks with their classic and elegant designs, showcasing this season’s gold essential pieces like their 10 karat gold mini hoop earrings (retail value $139) and their perfect dainty and stackable 10 karat gold ring featuring six diamonds (retail value $449).

Michael Hill jewelry

Reading Room 
Explore the latest titles from major publishing houses in Toronto

Back by popular demand, the reading room will offer guests the unique chance to explore a collection of the latest fall titles from two major publishing houses. MIRA showcased its latest title Good Girls Lie by J. T. Ellison (retail value $21.99), a pulse-pounding new novel that examines the tenuous bonds of friendship, the power of lies and the desperate lengths people will go to in order to protect their secrets.

Author J. T. Ellison, showcasing her new book "Good Girls Lie"

Alongside MIRA, the heavy-weight DK Publishing showcased their new and noteworthy fall title Fashion: The Definitive Visual Guide (new edition, retail value $65). You will learn all about fashion’s trailblazers and trendsetters in this boldly illustrated, definitive guide that charts style from the late 19th century to the modern day. I also have the previous edition of Fashion: The Definitive Visual Guide from Bask-It-Style 2016, courtesy of Chris Houston, marketing director with DK Publishing.

Chris Houston, Director of Marketing with DK Publishing, presenting new titles to guests

Some other exciting items in the bag

The gift bags will also include some exciting products from various beauty, food and lifestyle brands.
Dr. Bronner’s – Pure Peppermint Pure-Castile liquid soap is the brand’s most popular scent, with organic peppermint bursts as you lather. Clean your house and body with no synthetic preservatives, detergents or foaming agents EVER!

Another great sustainable and natural product is Hanalei’s Kukui oil lip treatment (retail value $20 USD). This lip treatment delivers intense moisture and silkiness with the use of pure kukui oil and shea butter, while agave and grapeseed oil provide high levels of antioxidants that will help soothe and keep the skin looking healthy throughout TIFF season.

Being fabulous can build up an appetite, which is why Green & Black’s will help you indulge with your sweet tooth with their variety of milk and dark chocolates that offers something for every palate; ginger, current, burnt toffee, hazelnut, sea salt, and almond are just some of the delicious flavours they have to offer (retail value $4.49).

Next, you can feel guilt-free about this sugar alternative with LIVA date sugar (retail value $13.95). A raw, organic non-GMO sweetener made with only two ingredients, dehydrated Deglet Noor dates and love. LIVA date sugar retains all of the nutritional value of dates and all of the trace minerals that are absent in virtually all other sweeteners.

Get three days’ worth of probiotics on the go with Welo’s probiotic bars (retail value $2.49-$2.99). Welo’s bars are locally-made and contain only three grams of sugar, they are perfect for any busy lifestyle!

For a more savoury snack, Toronto Popcorn company treats us to their gourmet popcorn in the yummy flavours of garlic parmesan and bacon and cheddar (retail value $2.75), need we say more? 

With all these yummy treats you can feel guilt-free about snacking on Todd’s Better Snacks, a crunchy treat made with egg white protein (retail value $2.99). With flavours like sour cream and onion, BBQ, white cheddar and salt and vinegar, these flavour filled snacks are packed with 10 grams of protein!

Finally, SHARP magazine takes the pulse of society to bring sophisticated men the information and entertainment that they want and need. SHARP’s pages are full of the latest in fashion, luxury travel, technology, automobiles, food, entertainment and celebrities.

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Twitter:
#BaskItStyle
@Jessica_Glover
@GLO_Comm
@AmberAshCo
@BrownsShoes
@DKCanada
@DORueda
@DrBronner
@GreenAndBlacks
@HanaleiCompany
@HarlequinBooks
@1Indigena
@MichaelHill
@MONATofficial
@OteasUK
@PenguinRandomHouseCA
@SharpMagazine
@ThompsonToronto
@TOPopcornCo
@DrinkWelo
@ToddsSnacks
@TruNiagen
@Turo

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Instagram:
@JessicaGlover99
@GLO_Comm
@AmberAshCo
@BrownsShoes
@DkBooks
@DORueda
@DrBronner
@GreenAndBlacks
@HanaleiCompany
@HarlequinBooks
@IndigenaSkincare
@LIVAfoods
@MichaelHillj
@MONATCanadaOfficial
@Oteas
@PenguinCanada
@SharpMagazine
@ThompsonToronto
@TOPopcornCo
@Welo.Probiotics
@ToddsBetterSnacks
@TruNiagen
@Turo

GLO Communications
GLO Communications is a boutique PR firm 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 

Amber & Ash
Launched in the fall of 2016, Amber & Ash has been dedicated to emerging as a unique voice in the fashion and tech accessories market specifically on Amazon. Every item the brand brings to market is constructed to protect and last while beautifully complementing customers’ wardrobes. Since the launch they have expanded into laptop bags, totes, backpacks, and accessory phone cases; manufacturing thoughtfully carry goods for everyone for every day.

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. Mr. Morton Brownstein, Chairman, was recognized for his extraordinary fundraising work when he was appointed to the Order of Canada in July 2004.

DK Publishing
The world’s leading illustrated reference publisher whose aim is to inform, enrich and entertain readers of all ages, DK publishes highly visual, photographic non-fiction for adults and children, bringing unrivaled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect.

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.

Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honoring the vision of founder Emanuel Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating profits to help make a better world. Dr. Bronner’s commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability and progressive business practices is part of the company’s mission to put into practice the principles that inform the philosophy printed on the company’s iconic soap labels written by founder Emanuel Bronner. The company is the top-selling natural soap maker in North America and a major brand worldwide. Based on 2017 sales, a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap was sold, on average, every 2.2 seconds throughout the year. For further information, please visit: DrBronner.com.

Green & Black’s
27 years ago, Green & Black’s was launched – a high quality, dark, bittersweet organic chocolate bar, packed with 70% cocoa solids. Founded by husband and wife team Craig Sams and Jo Fairley, Green & Black’s was born in their flat in Portobello Road in 1991. The Green & Black’s brand has now expanded into different formats from small bars to Easter products whilst maintaining its uncompromised values on ethics and quality. With 12 unique bars in the portfolio, Green & Black’s is committed to creating great tasting, innovative and ethically sourced chocolate. For further information on Green & Black’s and to learn more about the brand’s history and ethical production of premium chocolate, please visit GreenandBlacks.co.uk. Green & Black’s products are available at natural health and organic food shops, independent specialty food stores and select major retailers such as Whole Foods, Sobey’s, Metro, Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Hanalei
Inspired by all that the Hawaiian islands has to offer agriculturally, Hanalei company set out to create gentle, easy-to-use beauty products that reflect the essence of Hawaii and the spirit of Aloha. Real Hawaiian botanicals like kukui nut, Hawaiian sugarcane, and noni are formulated into the products. All of Hanalei’s products are cruelty free, paraben free, and sulfate free.

Indigena Skincare
Indigena Skincare began in the heart and mind of a 12-year old little girl who loved her home, nature and the world of beauty. Indigena is a unique combination of nature, science and Indie beauty. They are a Canadian cosmetics manufacturer who has developed a niche in natural skincare using northern boreal indigenous extracts from Newfoundland & Labrador’s remote and clean eco systems and surrounding sea. They do beauty differently – no fillers, just nature, bottled for you. For more information on Indigena Skincare innovations please visit IndigenaSkincare.com.

LIVA Foods
Arising from her powerful determination to reconnect with the sweet moments in her life, founder Lubaina Rakla set out on a quest to create and bring the very best raw and organic date sugar to the market. LIVA raw organic date sugar contains only two ingredients – dehydrated, ground Deglet Noor dates and love. LIVA provides a vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO healthier alternative to traditional sweeteners. It’s a great natural sweetener for all of your baking and beverage needs. Customers can purchase LIVA in a 400 grams canister and coming soon in convenient sachets for when you’re on the go! Life’s a little sweeter with LIVA. For more information, please visit LivaFoods.com.

Michael Hill
The Michael Hill story began in 1979 when Sir Michael and his wife Christine opened their first store in the New Zealand town of Whangarei, some 160 kilometres north of Auckland. Since then, the company growth has been guided by a unique retail jewellery formula. Through dramatically different store designs, a product range devoted exclusively to jewellery and development of high impact advertising, Michael Hill Jewellers rose to national prominence. In 1987 Michael Hill International was listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange, the same year the group expanded into Australia. In 2002, Michael Hill expanded into North America, opening its first stores in Vancouver, Canada. The Canadian presence now includes stores in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Exclusive jewellery collections available at Michael Hill stores include Sir Michael Hill Designer Bridal, Knots, Spirits Bay, Southern Star, Whitefire, and Northern Radiance with Canadamark diamonds.

MIRA
Discover the brightest stars in adult fiction, from bestselling authors to exciting debuts, HarlequinTradePublishing.com. Harlequin is one of the world’s leading publishers of books for women, with titles issued worldwide in as many as 32 languages and sold in up to 93 international markets. The company publishes more than 110 titles monthly and more than 1,300 authors from around the world. Harlequin is a division of HarperCollins Publishers, itself a subsidiary of News Corp and one of the largest consumer book publishers in the world. Harlequin has offices in 14 countries, including offices in Toronto and New York. For more information, please visit Harlequin.com and Facebook.com/HarlequinBooks. Follow Harlequin on Twitter: @HarlequinBooks.

MONAT
MONAT Global was founded in Miami, Florida in 2014 by the Urdaneta family, and has since expanded to include Canada and the United Kingdom. Since its inception, MONAT has established itself as a revolutionary hair care line that beautifully unites the best of both nature and science, using the latest scientific technologies and clinically proven proprietary ingredients on the market. This carefully crafted collaboration of science and nature allows MONAT to provide an unparalleled and unique age prevention hair and skin care experience. MONAT’s ingredients are vegan, naturally based, safe, pure and sustainable. They say no to animal cruelty and are proudly leaping bunny certified. For more information about MONAT visit MonatGlobal.com/ca.

Oteas
A conscious awakening has occurred across the globe. Great taste, and far less waste is what modern grocery consumers want. Oteas believes that in order to elevate our human health, our physical environment should not have to be compromised. The company is committed to using high quality hand blended ingredients, and 100% plant-based packaging. This commitment puts Oteas in a league of their own as a quality tea 100% plastic free, biodegradable and a true zero waste consumer product.

Sharp magazine 
Sharp is published six times per year by Contempo Media, Inc., and covers a wide array of premium men’s lifestyle topics, such as fashion, grooming, watches, personal tech and automobiles. Contempo Media also publishes Sharp: The Book for Men, an ultra-premium, 240-plus page men’s lifestyle tome – in both English and French – biannually. Both publications are available on newsstands nationwide.

Thompson Hotel
Toronto Part of the King West landscape since 2010, Thompson Toronto has become known for its refined edge. A vibrant destination for discerning travellers and in-the-know urbanites, Thompson Toronto is a premier location, offering personalized service, distinctive culinary experiences and the city’s only rooftop lounge with a 40-foot infinity swimming pool. Designed by Studio Gaia, 105 ultra-sleek guestrooms, including three brand new suites for 2016, all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a list of modern luxuries. Amid Toronto’s hot spots, Thompson Toronto is a star, offering guests food, drink and entertainment options to suit any mood: Thompson Diner, a contemporary classic diner; Rooftop Lounge, a retreat with poolside cabanas and cocktails; the newly-reimagined Lobby Bar; French bistro Colette; and the effortlessly cool nightclub Wildflower. And, with 30,000 square feet of prime event space, including the Rooftop Lounge and luxurious Screening Room, Thompson Toronto offers the ideal setting for conferences, meetings, weddings and more.

About Thompson Hotels
Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels, a Commune Hotels & Resorts brand, is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes the newly-opened Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico and the recently-opened The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Gild Hall and Smyth in New York City; Thompson Chicago; Thompson Toronto; Belgraves in London; and Thompson Miami Beach. Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including The Beekman in Lower Manhattan, Thompson Seattle and Thompson Nashville. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit ThompsonHotels.com.

Todd’s Better Snacks
The story of Todd’s Better Snacks is all about making a great tasting, great-for-you snack with astounding crunch. Tired of the compromise between great taste and good-for-you, Todd set the bar high: make a crunchy and great tasting snack with the best quality protein – egg whites – and do it right here in Canada. The result is Todd’s Protein Crisps. Why egg white? Egg white protein is the gold standard protein for athletes and growing (as well as grown up) bodies. Todd’s Protein Crisps contain over 2 whole egg whites per serving. They’re also gluten and peanut free, keto and paleo friendly, and naturally low carb. Todd’s Protein Crisps embrace classic flavours, and are truly great tasting, setting them apart among high-protein, good-for-you snacks. They have just the right amount of saltiness, huge crunch, and are perfect for hungry kids and adults on the go – at school, at work, or after the gym, so people can feel good about Todd’s, and enjoy a quality snack made of real and local foods, one that satisfies.

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 it can be enjoyed Canada-wide by ordering from its website. Toronto Popcorn – it’s not your random popcorn!

Tru Niagen
TRU NIAGEN™ is a unique form of vitamin B3 shown to maintain levels of NAD, to support cellular health. All five peer-reviewed published clinical trials confirm Niagen maintains NAD levels in blood. Tru Niagen is approved for sale by Health Canada as a natural health product (NHP), and it has also received Certified for Sport® status from NSF International, a leading independent public health and safety organization.

Turo
Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book any car you want, wherever you want it, from a vibrant community of local hosts across the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany. Guests choose from a totally unique selection of nearby cars, while hosts earn extra money to offset the costs of car ownership. A pioneer of the sharing economy and the travel industry, Turo is a safe, supportive community over 7.5 million strong with more than 275,000 vehicles listed and over 850 unique makes and models available. Whether it’s a truck to help out on moving day, a Tesla for an exciting new experience, or a classic VW bus for a picture-perfect road trip, Turo lets you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure. Discover Turo at Turo.com.

Welo
Welo (short for We Love) was founded in August 2016, after they were inspired by what they had learned for themselves about the importance of probiotics and gut health. All of their products are made from ingredients they stand behind, and every product sold supports water, education, or food projects in Kikima, Kenya.

During the event

Photo credit: Kennedy Pollard / Ryan Emberley Photography

Bask-It-Style Event for TIFF 2018 Hosts the Tenth Annual Media Day at the Thompson Hotel in Toronto

Stars and media alike were welcomed to kick off TIFF at this non-traditional gifting suite 

Another TIFF festival is in town now – Torontonians are experiencing 11 days of cinema, celebrities and glamour. And parties of course. Among celebrities seen at Toronto International Film Festival this year were Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, Natalie Portman, Salma Hayek, Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga, Hilary Swank, Ryan Gosling, Keira Knightley, Susan Sarandon, Octavia Spenser, Carey Mulligan, Thandie Newton, Paris Hilton, Cara Delevingne, Ashley Benson, Lily Rose Depp (Johnny Depp’s daughter), Laetitia Casta, Christina Hendricks, Viola Davis, Colin Farrell, Liam Neeson, Jake Gyllenhaal, Joaquin Phoenix, Olivia Wilde, Jesse Eisenberg, Penelope Cruz, Javier Bardem, Hugh Jackman, Melissa McCarthy, Julianne Moore, Matthew McConaughey, Steve Carrell, Amy Ryan, Andie McDowell, Emmy Rossum, Dev Patel, Jude Law, Elle Fanning, and others.

One of the most glamorous parties dedicated to TIFF this year was Bask-It-Style by GLO Communications. Now in its tenth year, Bask-It-Style is back and celebrating at the Thompson Toronto Hotel (located at 550 Wellington Street West, Toronto). The annual media day took place on Wednesday, September 5th. Bask-It-Style, a twist on traditional gifting, gives busy stars on the go, at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), one less thing to worry about while in town promoting their films and schmoozing with their peers – collecting new products. And this year it was no exception, as Bask-It-Style is taking celebrity gifting to new heights by assembling and hand delivering VIP gift bags to the hotels where the stars are staying during TIFF. In the past, celebrities gifted through Bask-It-Style hotel partners have included: Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Colin Farrell, John Legend, Sir Elton John, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, Rachel Weisz, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Elle Fanning, Helen Mirren, John Goodman.

“This is our tenth anniversary of Bask-It-Style,” says Jessica Glover, Principal, GLO Communications. “We are thrilled to be back at the Thompson Hotel showcasing their Penthouse Suite.”

Bask-It-Style 2018, Thompson Hotel in Toronto, September 5th 2018

On Wednesday, September 5th media were invited (by appointment only) from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM to receive star treatment. I started attending this event in 2012, and I have been there ever since – this is the 7th year that I have the pleasure to attend this glamorous and exciting event dedicated to TIFF. This year’s venue, the luxurious Thompson Hotel, is located in the heart of TIFF. This year’s venue, the luxurious Thompson Hotel, is located in the heart of TIFF, in the trendy King West area. The elegantly designed Penthouse Suite offers a 270° view of the Toronto skyline with 2000 square feet of contemporary yet comfortable living. This space reflects the hotel’s signature avant-garde style, decorated in warm brown tones in lush suede and metallic velvet blending luxury furnishings with high-tech functionality. The space features a stunning dining room for eight, full kitchen, a billiards table, as well as built-in audiovisual, including a 60-inch flat screen TV and a USB compatible charging and entertainment system. The suite, a favourite of visiting talent, is sure to be the talk of TIFF in 2018. Thompson Hotel has also been the venue for Bask-It-Style in 2016 and 2017.

This year, celebrities are receiving a variety of sense-provoking goodies in bags designed by Sully Wong.

Anne-Marie Chagnon: one of six jewelry styles;
Biossance: assortment of skin care products;
Browns Shoes: media bag sponsor;
Crazy D’s Soda Labs: Crazy D’s prebiotic craft soda in Ginga’ Kick, Rockin’ Rolla’ Cherry Cola or Twisted Citrus flavours;
Creeds: gift card and bag of CINQUE x Creeds Coffee Bar custom roast;
DK Publishing: Astrology by Carole Taylor;
Dr. Bronner’s: Peppermint Castile liquid soap;
ESKA: carbonated natural spring water in regular or citrus flavour;
Green & Black’s: organic dark chocolate bar in burnt toffee flavour;
Greenhouse Juice Company: Rococoa organic, dairy-free shake;
Healthy Crunch: trail mix in a variety of flavours;
House of Hayla: HOH monochromatic heel;
MIRA publishing house: The Neighbours by author Hannah Mary McKinnon;
Natur-a: Fortified Almond mini-beverages in original and chocolate flavour;
Nomz: Almond Nomz energy bites;
Pilot Coffee Roasters: Pilot cold brew latte;
Ripley Publishing: A Century of Strange! from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! book series;
Sharp magazine: magazine sponsor, the magazine for men;
Sully Wong: celebrity gift bag sponsor, the KYOJIN bag;
Thompson Hotel: venue partner;
Toronto Popcorn Company: gourmet popcorn in Old Fashioned kettle corn and Buffalo Kick;
TURO: a credit for TURO services.

Gift included in the gift bag at Bask-It-Style 2018

Technology Room Drive around in style with TURO 

TURO is changing the game when it comes to car rental services. A pioneer of the sharing economy, this peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace allows users to choose from a unique selection of vehicles from a community of trusted local hosts. Upon entering the Thompson Hotel, guests had the pleasure of going Back to the Future on-site with a limited production 1981 DeLorean DMC-12, showcasing what can be expected from TURO’s unique inventory. While hopping from city to city, stars in town for TIFF will receive a $500 credit, redeemable towards their TURO adventure.

This beautiful DeLorean from 1981 (the same model as the one from the 1985 film "Back to the Future") is a TURO participant

Refreshment Room Indulge your cravings with prebiotic craft soda and Cold Brew coffee 

Crazy D’s Prebiotic Soda Labs team were on-site to discuss the health benefits of adding prebiotics to your diet. As the first soda sweetened with prebiotic root vegetables, Crazy D’s is organic, vegan and has no added sugar, caffeine, preservatives, colours or flavours. Guests could sample Crazy D’s three flavours: Rockin’ Rolla’ Cherry Cola, Ginga’ Kick and Twisted Citrus. They could also take home one bottle of Crazy D’s Prebiotic craft soda (retail value $4.49) of their choice of flavour. I chose to take home the citrus flavour, and I really enjoyed it.

Crazy D's prebiotic craft soda

And to take the guests’ beverage taste journey even further, Pilot Coffee Roasters provided the new cold pick-me-up caffeine rush that guests need during the hustle and bustle of TIFF. With six Toronto locations, Pilot Coffee Roasters give Torontonians the chance to enjoy sustainable coffee in a selection of blends, single origin coffee and cold brew. Bask-It-Style guests could sample the specialty line of Pilot Cold Brew beverages in original and latte flavours and they also could take home a Pilot Cold Brew Latte (retail value $4.50).

Cold Brew coffee

Beauty Meets the Style Room Treat yourself to a hand massage with innovative skincare products and try on a pair of Canadian-designed high heels 

The stress of TIFF can take a toll on your skin, especially with the intense summer heat. At the forefront of clean beauty, Biossance provided guests the star treatment with hand massages to highlight their skincare line. As we age, our skin’s natural moisture decreases so Biossance uses biotechnology to produce squalane derived from 100% plant-based, renewable sugar cane. Biossance team on the site gave each guest a trio of their best-selling products to take home, including the Squalane + Vitamin C rose oil (retail value $90) to brighten, firm and even skin tone; Squalane + Phyto-Retinol serum (retail value $48) to reduce the look of lines and wrinkles; and Squalane + Peptide eye gel (retail value $68) to reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eye.

Biossance skin care products

To match their radiant skin, guests could complete their camera-ready look with a pair of vibrant high heels from House of Hayla. Hayla, the founder of the brand, attended the event and showcased the new Monochrome Collection of stilettos, a line of HOH Monochromatic Heels (retail value $140) in a variety of single-tone colours, designed with comfort in mind – hot pink, royal blue, peach, cream, black, red, coral, mint, lilac, burgundy. These 4-inch heels feature a spacious toe box, cruelty-free, vegan, TPU flex-fit outer material and a memory pad that forms to the foot. This luxurious shoe pulls together any outfit, perfect for busy days in front of the cameras or a night out in the city!

House of Hayla Monochromatic Heels collection

Reading Room Explore the latest titles from major publishing houses 

Back by popular demand, the reading room offered guests the unique chance to explore a collection of the latest fall titles from three major publishing houses, as well as a special in-person appearance from the British author, Hannah Mary McKinnon. McKinnon was on-site and discussed her book, The Neighbours (retail value $19.99), published by MIRA, portraying an intense domestic drama where secrets from the past begin to slowly unravel a marriage.

"TheNeighbors" by Hannah May McKinnon

Another participant at the event was DK Publishing, represented by Chris Houston (who also represented DK Publishing at Bask-It-Style in 2016 and 2017). The publishing house showcased their new and noteworthy fall titles, including Astrology by Carole Taylor (retail value $32), a wide-spanning look into the ancient art of astrology.

Editorial news from DK Publishing

Chris Houston from DK Publishing presenting new titles to guests

Last in this trio is Ripley Publishing. Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Robert Ripley’s first cartoon, Ripley Publishing showcased its fall titles, as well as the latest book from its best-selling Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! series. The book titled A Century of Strange! (retail value $34.95), boasts 256 colourful pages of over one thousand incredible feats of nature from thrill-seeking daredevils to talented animals. It’s the perfect gift for those interested in a glimpse of the truly bizarre!

Editorial news from Ripley Publishing

Some other exciting items in the bag 

The gift bags also included a gift card to experience premium dry cleaning services on-the-go, like a celebrity, from Creeds, Toronto’s couture dry cleaning, with a gift card valued at $250. Creeds will provide A-listers the assurance they need with same day pick-up and drop-off services for their precious red carpet gowns and designer suits. To complement their red carpet outfits, guests could select one of six jewelry pieces (retail value $75-$119) from Anne-Marie Chagnon, a Canadian-based jewelry designer, to suit their individual style. Each guest will receive a Dr. Bronner’s certified fair-trade, Peppermint Pure-Castile liquid soap (retail value $4.49). A combination of organic extra virgin coconut, jojoba, hemp and pure peppermint oil produces a unique soap free of synthetics, preservatives and thickeners.

After all of the pampering, guests could enjoy the bubbly and refreshing effervescence of ESKA with carbonated natural spring water in regular or citrus flavours (retail value $1.49). If water isn’t enough, Natur-a included their Fortified Almond mini-beverages (retail value $3.50) in original and chocolate flavours. Greenhouse Juice Co. provided their Rococoa organic shake (retail value $5.99). This dairy-free chocolate almond milk has 8 grams of plant protein and is rich in antioxidants.

Those jam-packed schedules offer little time for food breaks, so guests could snack on Nomz Almond energy bites (retail value $4), an organic, vegan, gluten-free treat made with organic nuts, dates, cocoa and coconut oil or Healthy Crunch trail mix (retail value $5.99) from Healthy Crunch, a peanut-free, and tree-nut free trail mix for on-the-go crunching in a variety of flavours. Next, Green & Black’s satisfies those pesky sugar cravings with a Burnt Toffee organic dark chocolate bar (retail value $4.49) packed with crunchy Yorkshire toffee pieces and 60% cocoa. On the other hand, those who prefer savoury snacks could enjoy gourmet popcorn from the Toronto Popcorn Company. Each bag will contain a sample of the classic Old Fashioned kettle corn or Buffalo Kick popcorn for those looking for an extra punch to the taste buds.

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Twitter:

#BaskItStyle
@jessica_glover
@GLO_Comm
@AMChagnon
@Biossance
@BrownsShoes
@crazyDlabs
@Creeds_to
@DKPublishing
@DrBronner
@ESKA_Water
@greenandblacks
@GHJuiceCo
@HarlequinBooks
@HealthyCrunch
@Natura_Foods
@nomzorganic
@PilotCoffee
@Ripleys
@sharpmagazine
@SullyWong
@ThompsonToronto
@topopcornco
@turo

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Instagram:

@jessicaglover99
@glo_comm
@annemariechagnon
@brownsshoes
@biossance
@crazydlabs
@creeds.to
@eatnomz
@dkbooks
@drbronner
@eskawater
@greenandblacks
@greenhousejuice
@harlequinbooks
@healthycrunch
@houseofhayla
@pilotcoffee
@ripleysbelieveitornot
@sharpmagazine
@sullywongpremium
@thompsontoronto
@topopcornco
@turo

GLO Communications
GLO Communications is a boutique PR firm 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, evaluation and measurement. 

Bask-It-Style sponsors 

Anne-Marie Chagnon
Trained in visual arts at the Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM), Québec native Anne Marie Chagnon has been creating wearable art since she was old enough to hold a welding torch. Since 1995, her modern and minimalist aesthetic has captured the attention of customers all over the world. Chagnon’s contemporary approach to jewelry design has been the driving force behind her career, resulting in high profile collaborations with companies like Cirque du Soleil. Significantly, Chagnon was also recently honoured to be selected by Iris Apfel to be included in the collection of artwork sold at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. In April 2018, Anne-Marie Chagnon opened its first international flagship store in Tokyo, Japan.

Biossance No Compromise™ Beauty
Biossance is a beauty brand that formulates clean, non toxic skincare using the highest standards in the industry through their commitment to transparency and their blacklist of 2,000+ toxic ingredients.

Browns Shoes
Browns Shoes, a family-owned business established in Montréal 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. Mr. Morton Brownstein, Chairman, was recognized for his extraordinary fundraising work when he was appointed to the Order of Canada in July 2004.

Crazy D’s Soda Labs
Founded in 2016 by Darren Portelli, Crazy D’s Soda Labs, a Toronto-based company, offers the first healthy, no added sugar or artificial flavours, prebiotic soda. Crazy D’s prebiotic craft soda is sweetened with prebiotic root veggies, which stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria that colonizes our gut microflora. Prebiotics help balance harmful bacteria and toxins living in the digestive tract providing lasting health benefits. These sodas not only taste great in three refreshing flavours, but they’re also crazy good! Noted as one of the top innovative products at the Green Living Show, they also give back by working with kid related charities such as Lonny’s Smile Foundation, Camp Winston and The Robbie.

Creeds: Trust CREEDS. Protect Your Image. 
In a world where good service is desired but rarely experienced, Creeds stands out as a welcome exception. Ranking among the Top 10 in North America by the Leading Cleaners Internationale, Creeds offers more than three decades of garment care experience marked by superb craftsmanship, uncompromising attention to detail, and a willingness to continually evolve and improve their process and service. Every Creeds customer enjoys attentive, personalized service with an unwavering commitment to quality. Think of Creeds as your personal valet, working tirelessly behind the scenes to help you look your best. Creeds proudly services the GTA and cottage country. Visit Creeds online at Creeds.com to schedule a pickup, or at their flagship coffee bar and retail space at 390 Dupont Street in Toronto.

DK Publishing
The world’s leading illustrated reference publisher whose aim is to inform, enrich and entertain readers of all ages, DK publishes highly visual, photographic non-fiction for adults and children, bringing unrivaled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect.

Dr. Bronner’s
Dr. Bronner’s is a family business committed to honoring the vision of founder Emanuel Bronner by making socially and environmentally responsible products of the highest quality, and by dedicating profits to help make a better world. Dr. Bronner’s commitment to social justice, environmental sustainability and progressive business practices is part of the company’s mission to put into practice the principles that inform the philosophy printed on the company’s iconic soap labels written by founder Emanuel Bronner. The company is the top-selling natural soap maker in North America and a major brand worldwide. Based on 2017 sales, a bottle of Dr. Bronner’s soap was sold, on average, every 2.2 seconds throughout the year. For further information, please visit DrBronner.com.

ESKA
ESKA Inc.’s corporate offices are based in Toronto, and the plant in St-Mathieu-d’Harricana, Québec. ESKA natural spring water is one of the purest waters in the world. It comes from a perfectly preserved historic source for water – an esker in Northern Quebec, Canada. It emerges from the ground 100% microbiologically pure and is bottled directly from the source thus preserving its taste and purity.

Green & Black’s
Green & Black’s was launched 27 years ago – a high quality, dark, bittersweet organic chocolate bar, packed with 70% cocoa solids. Founded by husband and wife team Craig Sams and Jo Fairley, Green & Black’s was born in their flat on Portobello Road in London in 1991. The Green & Black’s brand has now expanded into different formats from small bars to Easter products whilst maintaining its uncompromised values on ethics and quality. With 12 unique bars in the portfolio, Green & Black’s is committed to creating great tasting, innovative and ethically sourced chocolate. For further information on Green & Black’s and to learn more about the brand’s history and ethical production of premium chocolate, please visit GreenandBlacks.co.uk. Green & Black’s products are available at natural health and organic food shops, independent specialty food stores and select major retailers such as Whole Foods, Sobey’s, Metro, Loblaws and Shoppers Drug Mart.

Greenhouse Juice Co.
Greenhouse is a proudly Canadian beverage company committed to producing organic, plant-based, functional beverages with maximum nutrient density, in a delicious, convenient format. Their mission is to offer widespread, sustainable access to plant-based nutrition of the highest quality. Their goal is to make it simple to savour the present while looking out for a healthy future – our future, and that of our planet.

Healthy Crunch
The Healthy Crunch Company makes the best artisanal snacks on the planet. They believe eating whole real food makes you feel good inside and out. Happy crunching!

House of Hayla
Drawing inspiration from a selection of vibrant Pantone colour palettes, the new House of Hayla Monochrome collection combines the perfect mix of vegan synthetics sourced in a single tone to create a unified look that will compliment any outfit. From top to heel tip, the new Monochrome Heel collection by House of Hayla is a complete devotion to tone-a total submersion of colour.

MIRA
Discover the brightest stars in adult fiction, from bestselling authors to exciting debuts. For more information on the publishing house, please visit HarlequinTradePublishing.com.

Natur-a
Natur-a Foods knows that you base your decisions about your diet on what’s best for your health. That’s why they’re committed to developing and producing soy beverages, rice beverages and almond beverages that are tasty, deliver great quality, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Natur-a product family meets a growing need: to provide consumers with a healthful alternative to dairy products. And that’s why Natur-a Foods continues to develop delicious, nutritious, organic health foods and beverages made from plant products.

Nomz
Nomz is a proudly Canadian company that creates organic and tasty snacks made with minimal and simple ingredients. For more information, please visit Nomz.com.

Pilot Coffee Roasters
Pilot Coffee Roasters is a full-service specialty coffee roaster and cafe operator located in Toronto that offers a rotating selection of blends and single origin coffees as well as cold brew. Their roasts reflect the complex factors that give coffee beans their unique character – from varietal, to climate, soil and altitude of the growing region, to the care and skill of the farmer. What guides this coffee brand is their commitment to quality, sustainability and exceptional service. This means trade relationships that support sustainable development and positively impact the communities at origin. 

Ripley Entertainment 
Ripley Entertainment Inc. is a global leader in location-based entertainment. More than 14 million people visit its 100-plus attractions in 11 countries each year. The company has publishing, licensing, and broadcast divisions.

Sharp magazine 
Sharp is published six times per year by Contempo Media, Inc., and covers a wide array of premium men’s lifestyle topics, such as fashion, grooming, watches, personal tech and automobiles. Contempo Media also publishes Sharp: The Book for Men, an ultra-premium, 240-plus page men’s lifestyle tome – in both English and French – biannually. Both publications are available on newsstands nationwide.

Sully Wong
The cornerstone of Sully Wong’s footwear and accessories is in the design, craftsmanship and quality materials. Immense care and attention are put into each Sully Wong creation. The minimalist style establishes a level of sophistication to the pieces with sleek tonal accents, straight edges, and geometric shapes. The completed pieces are the ultimate blend of urban refinement, solid construction and classic silhouettes that define the very essence of form meeting function.

Thompson Hotel Toronto
Part of the King West landscape since 2010, Thompson Toronto has become known for its refined edge. A vibrant destination for discerning travelers and in-the-know urbanites, Thompson Toronto is a premier location, offering personalized service, distinctive culinary experiences and the city’s only rooftop lounge with a 40-foot infinity swimming pool. Designed by Studio Gaia, it has 105 ultra-sleek guestrooms, including three brand new suites for 2016, all of which feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a list of modern luxuries. Amid Toronto’s hot spots, Thompson Toronto is a star, offering guests food, drink and entertainment options to suit any mood: Thompson Diner, a contemporary classic diner; Rooftop Lounge, a retreat with poolside cabanas and cocktails; the newly-reimagined Lobby Bar; French bistro Colette; and the effortlessly cool nightclub Wildflower. And, with 30,000 square feet of prime event space, including the Rooftop Lounge and luxurious Screening Room, Thompson Toronto offers the ideal setting for conferences, meetings, weddings and more.

About Thompson Hotels
Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels, a Commune Hotels & Resorts brand, is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes the newly-opened Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico and the recently-opened The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Gild Hall and Smyth in New York City; Thompson Chicago; Thompson Toronto; Belgraves in London; and Thompson Miami Beach. Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including The Beekman in Lower Manhattan, Thompson Seattle and Thompson Nashville. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates.

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!

TURO
TURO is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace where you can book any car you want, wherever you want it, from a vibrant community of local hosts across the US, Canada, the UK, and Germany. Guests choose from a totally unique selection of nearby cars, while hosts earn extra money to offset the costs of car ownership. A pioneer of the sharing economy and travel industry, TURO is a safe, supportive community over 7.5 million strong with more than 275,000 vehicles listed and over 850 unique makes and models available. Whether it’s a truck to help out on moving day, a Tesla for an exciting new experience, or a classic VW bus for a picture-perfect road trip, TURO lets you find the perfect vehicle for your next adventure. Discover TURO at TURO.com.

Photo credit: Kennedy Pollard / Ryan Emberley Photography

Bask-It-Style Event for TIFF 2017 Hosts the Ninth Annual Media Day at the Thompson Hotel in Toronto

Stars and media alike were welcomed to kick off TIFF at this non-traditional gifting suite 

Another TIFF festival is now over – Torontonians just experienced 11 days of cinema, celebrities, glamour and parties during TIFF 2017. Among celebrities seen at Toronto International Film Festival this year were Halle Berry, Diane Kruger, Angelina Jolie, Andrew Garfield, James Franco, Idris Elba, Kate Winslet, Emma Stone, Eric Clapton, Jessica Chastain, Rachel McAdams, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence, Jake Gyllenhaal, Helen Mirren, Donald Sutherland, Drake, Lady Gaga, Julianne Moore, George Clooney, Elle Fanning, and others.

One of the most glamorous parties dedicated to TIFF 2017 was Bask-It-Style -- Toronto’s premiere gifting experience, Bask-It-Style by GLO Communications, which opened its doors for media and celebrities for the ninth time at TIFF 2017. The event took place in the Front Room of the Thompson Hotel (550 Wellington Street West, Toronto), on Wednesday September 6th, one day prior the start of the festival, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM (by appointment only) – media were invited to indulge themselves with a variety of lifestyle sponsors from beauty to fashion and books to technology and to receive the star treatment.

Entrance to Bask-It-Style 2017 event

Gifts participating at Bask-It-Style 2017 lounge

Bask-It-Style 2017 at Thompson Hotel in Toronto

Bask-It-Style, presented by title sponsors’ HP, Rakuten Kobo and DAVIDsTEA, is a twist on traditional gift-giving by delivering gift bags directly to celebrity hotel rooms, giving them more time to focus on promoting their films. Celebrities gifted in the past include: Matt Damon, Jennifer Garner, Julianne Moore, Naomi Watts, Colin Farrell, John Legend, Sir Elton John, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, Blake Lively, Olivia Wilde, Tom Wilkinson, Rachel Weisz, Iggy Pop, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Elle Fanning, Helen Mirren, Bryan Cranston, John Goodman and many more.

I went to the Bask-It-Style event in the afternoon. I started attending this event in 2012, and I have been there ever since – this is the 6th year that I have the pleasure to attend this glamorous and exciting event dedicated to TIFF. This year’s venue, the luxurious Thompson Hotel, is located in the heart of TIFF, in the trendy King West area (the same Bask-It-Style location as last year). The elegantly designed Front Room of Thompson Hotel is an 858 square foot area that reflects the hotel’s signature avant-garde style, blending luxury furnishings with high-tech functionality. It features built-in audiovisual, including a 60 square foot media wall with plugins for Mac Mini, Apple TV, and HDMI.

“We started Bask-It-Style in 2008,” says Jessica Glover, Principal, GLO Communications. “We are thrilled to be back at the Thompson Hotel and this year’s sponsors are showcasing some exciting new products and technologies.”

Technology Room 
Print your TIFF experience with HP's new pocket printer 
Upon entering the suite, guests could share their favourite mobile-locked TIFF photos at the HP photo print booth with their new HP Sprocket Photo Printer. With the ultra-portable HP Sprocket, you can wirelessly and instantly print and share 2” x 3” photos from your smartphone or tablet. The HP Sprocket is the perfect way to bring your celebrity sightings to life during TIFF and beyond. Priced at $159.99 CAD, the Sprocket is available at HP.com, Staples, Best Buy and Amazon.

HP Sprocket

Presentation of HP Sprocket at Bask-It-Style 2017

Tea Room 
Refresh and re-energize with DAVIDsTEA
The hustle and bustle of TIFF can take its toll on the body’s energy -- DAVIDsTEA was on-site with a pop-up tea bar serving a variety of their relaxing and replenishing teas. Media could choose from iced or hot premium teas and hot or iced premium matcha. Matcha naturally detoxifies the body while focusing the mind, which is loaded with antioxidants and a good source of caffeine. Guests could leave with Harvest Tea Singles (retail value $25), a collection of loose leaf teas with flavours perfect for fall, prepared in pre-portioned packets for ready-to-steep use; as well as a 5 Faves Sachet Travel Pouch (retail value $12), a canvas pouch made to hold five tea sachets; and a Tea Press (retail value $35) a travel mug designed with loose leaf tea in mind making it possible to steep on-the-go.

David's Tea booth at Bask-It-Style 2017

Guests enjoying David's Tea at Bask-It-Style 2017 event

Style meets Beauty Room 
Treat yourself to handmade jewelry, meet with a Canadian designer and get your hair styled
In the style and beauty room, guests could experience the stylish 2017 A-List Super Tote (retail value $275), a lightweight and locally crafted celebrity bag designed exclusively for Bask-It-Style by Toronto designer Annie Thompson. The bag is made from a blend of PC nylon and polycotton and it features plenty of pockets and compartments making it the perfect everyday bag. Guests could also get a hands-on look at Annie Thompson’s signature utilitarian style with a viewing of her Fall 2017 collections, designed with the environment and community in mind.

Canadian fashion designer Annie Thompson showcasing one of her bags

Studio1098, a jewelry brand based in Toronto, and a long-time Bask-It-Style partner, showcased their latest collection, The Diamond Graphic Collection, comprised of a ring, necklace, and earrings. It gives the classic diamond shape a bold, graphic edge making it the perfect alternative to the traditional diamond gift this Christmas. Along with the new line, Studio1098 brought a selection of their finest handmade pieces for stars to borrow as they rock the red carpet.

Studio1098 jewelry

Finally, red carpets can be stressful with all the moving parts (lights, cameras, action) so this year, the lounge had a hair expert from Pureology on-site with a hairstyling station to touch up hairstyles. I also had my hair styled at the event. 😊 They showcased their collection of haircare products called Clean Volume System, the newest way to create lightweight, bouncy volume. The line is entirely free of sulfates, silicones, and parabens and is infused with natural ingredients to help boost volume while strengthening hair. Guests could go home with the Clean Volume Shampoo and Conditioner (retail value $72), as well as a bottle of Colour Fanatic, a multi-tasking hair beautifier designed for colour treated hair.

Pureology haircare products

Reading Room
Expand your book collection with major brands
Back by popular demand is the Reading Room, guests could browse a compelling array of books, meet with authors and test new devices. As title sponsor of the 2017 Reading Room, Rakuten Kobo ambassadors were on-site showcasing their newest device, the Kobo Aura H2O, as well as gifting $25 gift cards.

DK Publishing, a publishing house from Toronto and a long-time Bask-It-Style partner as well, showcased its latest titles perfect for upcoming gift guides, including Birds of Canada, a complete guide to over 600 species of birds complete with stunning full-colour photographs.

DK Publishing booth in the Reading Room

Chris Houston of DK Publishing (left) presenting the newest titles to guests

Chris Houston of DK Publishing (far right) in the Reading Room at Bask-It-Style 2017

Alongside DK Publishing there were two Toronto writers presenting their newest books -- Adrienne Kress and Karma Brown. Both were on-site to mingle with media and sign copies of their latest books. Adrienne Kress discussed The Explorers: The Door in the Alley, published by Penguin Random House, the first part in a thrilling series following the adventures of two fearless explorers. The book is addressed to young readers aged 8-12. Next up there was award-winning Canadian author Karma Brown with the novel In This Moment, published by Park Row Books which is a morally infused and emotionally riveting exploration of one woman’s guilt over an unexpected-yet avoidable-tragedy that causes her to risk losing everything she holds dear to her heart.

Writer Adrienne Kress presenting her newest novel for young readers "The Explorers"

"The Explorers", a novel by Adrienne Kress

Toronto based writers Karma Brown and Adrienne Kress, snowcasing their latest novels

"In This Moment", a novel by Karma Brown

Some other exciting items in the bag 

The goods don’t end there!

Gift bags for celebrities also included:

Local Toronto apothecary and artisan beauty boutique, Helen + Hildegard’s, Joy organic gift set complete with the Joy Bath Soak and Essential Oil Blend (retail value $70) which will be a perfect item for media and talent to enjoy after a busy red-carpet and not only.

A Barefoot Venus beautiful Goddess Bliss bag (retail value $160) filled with a gift card and five of their most popular products including their Dry Body Oil, a spray on oil which offers instant deep-hydration to dry skin and a Lip Bliss; a deeply nourishing shea butter balm loaded with meadowfoam oil; a natural SPF, to keep lips protected from the sun.

Guests also received a bottle of Yardley London’s delicate English Rose fragrance (retail value $19) complete with rose top notes, hints of magnolia, violet, cassis, warm cedarwood, amber, and musks -- it’s a classic scent perfect for any event.

Keep the pampering going with Mèreadesso’s Face + Neck cleanser (retail value $48), a non-foaming all-in-one face wash, toner, shaving lotion and makeup remover gentle enough for sensitive skin.

To battle being hungry, dehydrated on press days, the bags included Thirsty Buddha Sparkling Coconut Water from Buddha Brands Co, a natural, heart-healthy source of hydration free of added sugars; as well as a bag of their delicious Hungry Buddha Coconut Chips.

To continue the hydration, guests left with Natur-a fortified almond beverage.

For those who like salty treats, the bag included Toronto Popcorn Company’s Kettle Corn flavoured popcorn, created with locally sourced ingredients at their flagship store located in Kensington Market.

Guests could also go home with a can of Ace Hill Pilsner, the new exclusive beer partner of Porter Airlines, a refreshing beer with subtle flowery notes combined with sweet caramel undertones.

This year, celebrities received a variety of sense-provoking goodies in bags designed exclusively for Bask-It-Style by Annie Thompson. Total value is $1,370 which included:

• Ace Hill Beer: A can of the Ace Hill Pilsner
• Annie Thompson – A-List Super Tote, celebrity gift bag sponsor
• Barefoot Venus: Assorted skin care products and a $100 gift card
• Browns Shoes – media bag sponsor
• Buddha Brands Co.: Thirsty Buddha sparkling coconut water and Hungry Buddha coconut chips 
• DAVIDsTEA: Harvest tea singles, a 5 Faves sachet travel pouch, and a tea press
• DK Publishing: Birds of Canada – new edition
• Helen + Hildegard: Joy bath soak and essential oil blend set
• HP: The HP Sprocket photo printer
• Mèreadesso: Face and Neck cleanser and microfibre buffing cloth
• Natur-a: Chocolate or vanilla almond beverage
• Park Row Books: In This Moment by Karma Brown
• Penguin Random House LLC: The Explorers: The Door in the Alley by Adrienne Kress 
• Pureology: Clean Volume shampoo and conditioner and a bottle of Colour Fanatic hair treatment
• Rakuten Kobo Inc.: Kobo Aura and $25 gift card
• Sharp Magazine: Magazine sponsor, the ultimate magazine for men
• Studio1098: handmade sterling silver maple leaf earrings
• Thompson Hotel: venue partner
• Toronto Popcorn Company: a bag of Kettle Corn Popcorn
• Yardley London: English Rose perfume

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Twitter:
#BaskItStyle,
@jessica_glover,
@GLO_Comm,
@AceHillBeer,
@AdrienneKress,
@BarefootVenus,
@Bookclubbish,
@BrownsShoes,
@BuddhaBrandsCo,
@DAVIDsTEA,
@DKPublishing,
@Helen_Hildegard,
@HP,
@KarmaKBrown,
@Mereadesso,
@Natura_Foods,
@PenguinRandom,
@PureologyCanada,
@kobo,
@sharpmagazine,
@studio1098,
@ThompsonToronto,
@topopcornco,
@YardleyUS

Follow Bask-It-Style and its sponsors on Instagram:
@jessicaglover99,
@glo_comm,
@acehillbeer,
@adriennekress,
@anniethompsonstudio,
@barefootvenus,
@bookclubbish,
@brownsshoes,
@buddhabrandsco,
@davidstea, @dkbooks,
@helenandhildegard,
@hpcanada,
@karmakbrown,
@mereadesso,
@penguincanada,
@pureologycanada,
@kobobooks,
@sharpmagazine,
@studio1098,
@thompsontoronto,
@topopcornco,
@yardleylondonus

About GLO Communications
GLO Communications is a boutique PR firm 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

Ace Hill Beer
Ace Hll is a Toronto-based beer company focused on quality and simplicity. What began as a one-man homebrew operation in our co-founder's garage several years ago, has quickly grown into one of Canada's most creative and sought-after beer brands. Their Pilsner and Vienna Lager are widely available across Ontario at leading bars and restaurants, LCBO's, Beer Stores and grocery stores. “Our mission is to provide high-quality, accessible beers and make an impact on culture. We donate 1 per cent of sales to clean water causes, because without good water there would be no good beer. We brew Ace Hill at a partner facility in Toronto called Brunswick Bierworks, using fresh, all-natural ingredients.”, say Ace Hill Beer representatives.

Annie Thompson
Annie Thompson is one of Canada’s most revered fashion designers. Established in 1981, Annie Thompson Studio creates limited quantities of carefully crafted, made-in-Canada separates to compliment unique bodies and personalities. As an advocate of green living, Thompson uses mainly organic and natural fabrics in her stand-out designs. From dress-up gear to her most casual, everyday styles, Thompson’s designs are quietly loud, thoroughly comfortable and surprisingly complimentary. Thompson's “Personal Baggage” line of contemporary, upcycled handbags and backpacks offer users rare character and functionality. There is nothing trendy or mass-market about Annie Thompson’s designs.

Barefoot Venus
With a passion to experience indulgence in the everyday, 3 sisters started crafting bath and body products for the daily routine. Using Mother Nature’s legendary powers to seduce the senses, beautify the body and help heal the spirit the philosophy of Barefoot Venus emerged; old time ingredients are consciously crafted by the three sisters to provide serious skin treatments and a wildly angelic experience. Welcome to the world of Barefoot Venus… be prepared to glow like the goddess you are!

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. Mr. Morton Brownstein, Chairman, was recognized for his extraordinary fundraising work when he was appointed to the Order of Canada in July 2004.

Buddha Brands Company
Buddha Brands Company has a mission to bring healthy products to health-conscious people, while preserving the health of our planet. As members of 1% for the Planet, they pledge to give back 1% of Thirsty Buddha and Hungry Buddha sales to sustainable organizations worldwide.

DAVIDsTEA
Great tea, friendly stores and above-and-beyond customer service. It seemed like a simple idea, but they couldn’t find anyone else that was doing it. So in 2008, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Today DAVIDsTEA has over 230 stores across Canada and the US. You can choose from over 100 types of tea, including exclusive blends, limited edition seasonal collections, traditional straight teas and exotic infusions from around the world. With colourful, modern packaging, sleek in-house designed tea accessories and a friendly, welcoming attitude, DAVIDsTEA offers a tea experience that is fun, fresh and unintimidating. To keep up with the latest products and offers, follow along at Facebook.com/DavidsTea and Twitter.com/DavidsTea. 

DK Publishing
The world's leading illustrated reference publisher whose aim is to inform, enrich and entertain readers of all ages, DK publishes highly visual, photographic non-fiction for adults and children, bringing unrivaled clarity to a wide range of topics with a unique combination of words and pictures, put together to spectacular effect.

Helen + Hildegard
Beauty infused in everything. This is the Helen + Hildegard philosophy, reflected in their unique collection of natural beauty brands and organic herbal teas. H+H is where traditional botanical principles and innovation in green chemistry come together. Conscientiously sourced from sustainably responsible suppliers, all of their products draw from the intelligence of plants to instill healthy skin experiences and leave a beneficial footprint on our planet.

HP
HP Inc. creates technology that makes life better for everyone, everywhere. Through their portfolio of printers, PCs, mobile devices, solutions, and services, they engineer experiences that amaze. 

Mèreadesso
Mèreadesso believes healthy, beautiful skin shouldn’t be easy, it should be effortless. Offering one-step skin care products that leave immaculate results, Mèreadesso is the epitome of simplicity, ease, and effectiveness: one regime for every skin type, age and gender.

Natur-a
At Natura Foods, we know that you base your decisions about your diet on what’s best for your health. That’s why we’re committed to developing and producing soy beverages, rice beverages and almond beverages that are tasty, deliver great quality, and contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Our Natur-a product family meets a growing need: to provide you with a healthful alternative to dairy products. And that’s why Natura Foods continues to develop delicious, nutritious, organic health foods and beverages made from plant products.

Park Row Books
Park Row Books was launched in 2016 and is dedicated to publishing an exclusive list of voice-driven and thought-provoking books across a variety of genres, from mainstream literary fiction and book club fiction to literary suspense and narrative nonfiction. Park Row is an exciting destination for literary writers who want a boutique publishing experience with the support of a powerhouse commercial publisher. Like the Manhattan street after which it is named, and which was once the home of New York’s many newspapers, Park Row takes immense pride in fostering free expression, innovative ideas and important voices.

Pureology
About Pureology SeriousColour Care: Pureology offers a complete collection of haircare and styling products that enhance and protect colour vibrancy while ensuring improved condition and healthy shine. From concentrated ZeroSulfate® shampoos to conditioners, masques and stylers, each and every product contains the exclusive AntiFadeComplex® component to maximize colour retention from start to finish.

Rakuten Kobo Inc.
Owned by Tokyo-based Rakuten and headquartered in Toronto, Rakuten Kobo Inc. is one of the world’s most innovative eReading services offering more than 5 million eBooks to millions of customers in 190 countries. Believing that consumers should have the freedom to read any book on any device, Kobo provides people with a choice when reading. Kobo offers an eReader for everyone with a wide variety of E Ink eReaders to suit any Reader’s style including the Kobo Aura, Kobo Aura H2O, and Kobo Aura ONE. Along with the company’s free top-ranking eReading apps for Apple®, BlackBerry®, Android®, and Windows®, Kobo ensures the next great read is just a page-turn away. Kobo’s award-winning eReaders can be found in major retail chains around the world. For more information, visit Kobo.com. 

Studio1098
Studio1098 is consistently recognized as one of the Best Jewelry Stores in Canada. Winner of the coveted NOW Magazine Readers’ Choice Award for Best Jewelry Store for 2015, Studio1098 has been named both one of Toronto’s “Top 10” places to buy a diamond engagement ring and one of Toronto’s best jewelry stores by BlogTO. Studio1098 is known for its excellent client service and its unpretentious, relaxed environment, where Tamara Kronis, Studio1098’s Chief goldsmith, gemmologist and jewelry designer creates high quality, custom fine jewelry right in the studio with the help of her team. Studio1098 is located at 1098 Yonge Street, just north of Rosedale subway station on Yonge Street between St. Clair and Bloor.

About goldsmith, gemmologist and jewelry designer, Tamara Kronis
Tamara Kronis, Studio1098’s Chief goldsmith, gemmologist and jewelry designer, offers personalized custom design that ensures that each piece of fine jewelry she and her team create is “as unique as you are,” reflecting the individual style of each client. Her designs are inspired by art, architecture, and the movement of metal. Kronis is particularly influenced by the eras of Art Deco and Art Nouveau, but also loves taking on the design challenges of modern pieces inspired by geometry and nature. Prior to becoming a goldsmith, Kronis had a successful career as a commercial lawyer at a prominent Toronto law firm, and continues to be active in the business world as a corporate director of a large public utility. Kronis has won numerous industry awards as a goldsmith, has exhibited her work internationally, and has also taught a course at George Brown College on the Chemistry of Gemstones. Kronis lives in Toronto with her husband Martin and their two children. 

Thompson Hotel, Toronto
Part of the King West landscape since 2010, Thompson Toronto has become known for its refined edge. A vibrant destination for discerning travellers and in-the-know urbanites, Thompson Toronto is a premier location, offering personalized service, distinctive culinary experiences and the city’s only rooftop lounge with a 40-foot infinity swimming pool. Designed by Studio Gaia, 105 ultra-sleek guestrooms, including three brand new suites for 2016, all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and a list of modern luxuries. Amid Toronto’s hot spots, Thompson Toronto is a star, offering guests food, drink and entertainment options to suit any mood: Thompson Diner, a contemporary classic diner; Rooftop Lounge, a retreat with poolside cabanas and cocktails; the newly-reimagined Lobby Bar; French bistro Colette; and the effortlessly cool nightclub Wildflower. And with 30,000 square feet of prime event space, including the Rooftop Lounge and luxurious Screening Room, Thompson Toronto offers the ideal setting for conferences, meetings, weddings and more.

About Thompson Hotels
Founded in 2001, Thompson Hotels, a Commune Hotels & Resorts brand, is an international hospitality company that offers sophisticated luxury to its discerning clientele. The Thompson portfolio of lifestyle hotels includes the newly-opened Thompson Playa del Carmen in Riviera Maya, Mexico and the recently opened The Cape in Los Cabos, Mexico; Gild Hall and Smyth in New York City; Thompson Chicago; Thompson Toronto; Belgraves in London; and Thompson Miami Beach. Thompson Hotels also has multiple new projects in development, including The Beekman in Lower Manhattan, Thompson Seattle and Thompson Nashville. Follow @ThompsonHotels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for news and updates. For more information, please visit ThompsonHotels.com. 

Toronto Popcorn Company
It’s not your random popcorn!

Yardley London
Company overview: Yardley London is famous as a purveyor of luxury fragrances and soaps. The much-storied House of Yardley was born in England in the mid-seventeenth century, during the reign of King Charles I. Today's Yardley London embodies a rich and wonderful heritage with pride. They continue to create exquisite luxury items for discerning customers the world over, carrying on a tradition and lineage that other perfumery houses can only aspire to.

Photographer credit: Evan Bergstra / Ryan Emberley Photography