Vanessa Williams, Courtesy of Philip Holbrook
I’m not even going to try to be tactful or PC here – for giftees, gifting lounges are awesome. People just hand you stuff! Just cuz! On Thursday, I headed to the DPA/Nathalie Dubois-Sissoko gifting lounge at the Peninsula in Beverly Hills in celebration of the Emmys. (Nathalie’s a lovely Frenchwoman who’s been doing lounges for years at all the chicest venues around the world.) Basically, a lot of brands set up their booths (includes everything from travel destinations, beauty products/spas, fashion and so forth) and celebrities pick up the schwag. Honestly, it’s on par with Christmas. Here are a few highlights/products/people from this sweet suite:
Chris Harrison with Nettie Davis, Courtesy of Philip Holbrook
Beauty:
- Nettie Davis: she’s a celebrity manicurist (she currently works on-set at The United States of Tara and is doing nominee Toni Collette’s nails on Saturday); she cleaned up my paws beautifully. Nettie’s adorable, quick and makes her own all-natural soaps and lip glosses too (see nettiedavis.com for more info).
- Exhale offered complimentary visits to their amazing mind/body spas.
- Mercedes from Mercedes Perfume shared her absolutely delightful Jus D’amour fragrance, which is now one of my favorites (it has Tahitian vanilla, a little jasmine and sandalwood).
- Luxury spa Sphatika set up a mini version of their NYC outpost and provided relaxing spa treatments.
- Floyd’s Barbershop (where many of my male friends go) offered blow-outs for women and shaves for men.
- Guests also indulged in massages (outside!) from Massage Express therapists.
St. Regis Bora Bora
Travel, Drinks & Other:
- Nominees received a three-night trip to the St. Regis in Bora Bora and stay at this resort that’s literally built over the water or they could go to the Le Tahaa private island resort.
- The women who run Swing (a store in Harlem) came out to introduce Angelenos to their store, which sells everything from groovy fashion to unique home décor pieces.
- And then guests tried cocktails made from Cabana Cachaca. Cachaca is the traditional/most prominent liquor in Brazil. (I had a taste of a cocktail made by the master mixer from Cicada restaurant with cachaca, Elderflower liqueur, basil, tomato and cucumber – it was refreshing and would make an amazing pre-dinner drink (but also worked for me at 11 a.m.).
- Zengari Imports: they handed out gift bags with décor items and a discount for a custom-made tent. Think Moroccan den for your backyard, not REI for your hike.
Sarah McLachlan with Energetix on, Courtesy of Philip Holbrook
Fashion:
- Dresses from Eva Varro were on display to borrow.
- For something more intimate, Pull In boxers and panties were given to guests, as was Kumi Kookon silk loungewear that’s made with decadent fabric.
- And reps from star-favorite Energetix magnet therapy jewelry displayed and gifted pieces from their line, which is designed with magnets for well-being.
–Meg
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