“Tastemakers” Lounge

Rockitpromo’s Lounge inside the Intercontinental Hotel (22 Bloor Street West, Toronto, Ont.) was officially sponsored by “Movie Entertainment Magazine” and “Flare Magazine.” Featuring some classic brand names and fresh Canadian designers, Hollywood celebrities had the opportunity to discover some gems north of the border.

Annie Thompson
For 25 years, Toronto-based designer Annie Thompson has created a collection of uniquely bold garments for women. From shirts and dresses to hats, bags and paintings, adorning an Annie Thompson piece is like wearing art. One of a kind items lined a rack in the Tastemaker Lounge corner that stood out with a range of colors, intricate patterns and innovative never-been-seen-before designs. (www.anniethompson.ca)

Converse
Withstanding the test of time for several decades, celebrities still sport the original All Star Chuck Taylor low and high-cuts. From its original single colour conception, the new Converse comes in a variety of patterns and fabrics with over 400 versions of the traditional sneaker produced annually. Undeniably popular with over one billion pairs sold, both men and women can equally choose among Burberry-inspired Chucks, black and white checkers or flowers motifs.
( www.converse.com )

Grail Springs Spa
Located remotely outside of Toronto in the town of Bancroft, this is the spot to go and experience a holistic detox body cleanse. If that seems too extreme and you are just seeking to relax, the spa offers all the treatments you’d want – from mani/pedis and facials, to relaxing massages. Guests have the option to book themselves a retreat or visit for a day and escape the bustling city life. Rumour has it Avril Lavgine has indulged in a spa treatment or two! (www.grailsprings.com)

Joe Fresh Style
Joseph Mimran, the design guru behind big-name Canadian retailers like Club Monaco, Caban and Alfred Sung launched his own line, Jo Fresh Style with chic wardrobe staples that are on-trend and oh-so-pretty. Best part? They don’t even come close to breaking the bank! Stars selected items from the new fall line. (www.joefreshstyle.ca)


Smashbox Cosmetics

Ultra-hip beauty company Smashbox provided the stars with deluxe limited edition brush sets. (www.smashbox.com )

Celeb spotting:

* Christian Slater (Bobby) was almost too shy to snatch up a Nautica watch and a pair of Converse.

* Chantal Kreviazuk grabbed a gift certificate to Grail Springs, Smashbox cosmetics and brush set and a Joe Fresh cardigan.

* Sigourney Weaver walked away with a pearl Cupid & Psyche wrist coliseum cuff and two pairs of earrings, white leather Converse and a gift certificate to Grail Springs.

* Parker Posey gravitated towards Cupid & Psyche’s leather cuff; also got Banana Republic fragrance, Trind nail care and Smashbox.

* Joan Collins Annie Thompson Gwendolyn vest (“for rehearsals”), a white puffy Joe Fresh coat (for “when it’s cold here in Canada”), Cupid and Psyche turquoise flower cuff and black and crystal chandelier earrings, black Converse Mary Janes (that she knew her daughter, who is the same size, would want to steal!)

NKPR’s “IT” LOUNGE
Inside a luxurious suite at the prestigious Four Seasons Hotel in Yorkville, many celebrity guests didn’t have to go far to snag the goodies organized for them here:

Jewelry from the Right Hand Gal
Montreal-born sister team Randi and Shawna Herlich make amazingly funky jewelry that have attracted the likes of Joan Collins, Heather Graham, Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher, Gossip Lainey Lee, Jeanne Becker, Sarah Polly and more. For TIFF 2006, the diamond and silver “peace bullet” necklace was the most popular piece that is not only stylish, but allots some of its proceeds for Breast Cancer research. Check out some other Right Hand Gal hand-crafted earrings, bracelets, and necklaces made with real gemstones, diamonds and pearls on their website at www.therighthandgal.com. Each piece is multifunctional, to adorn any formal outfit, and equally dress up a casual pair of jeans.

Kiehl’s Cosmetics
The organic body care line that started in New York’s East Village 150 years ago magnetically drew the attention from celebrities by providing a wide range of luxurious products including their newest olive fruit oil nourishing hair care line that consists of a shampoo, conditioner and deep reparative hair mask. Other luscious body care goods included both a Coriander or Almond gentle shower cleanser and their ever-popular lip balm. For celebrities with babies, Kiehl’s assembled a special package of infant-friendly shampoo, after-bath moisturizer, and a super cute ‘Baby Kiehl’s’ t-shirt.

Margarita King
He’s partied with Paris Hilton, Pamela Andersen, Usher and many other eminent stars, and it’s easy to understand why. Straight from the hills of Hollywood, Giovanni has created what his famous friends call “the world’s best Margarita.” This pre-mixed and lip-smacking tasty cocktail is the perfect party drink for any social affair. A blend of blue agave double distilled tequila from the makers of Epsolon tequila, orange liqueur and natural lemon and lime juices exotically touch upon your palate, which is why it not only won a the 2004 Beverage Institute’s Gold Medal Award, but also why partying celebrities go up to the bar and just say “King Me, Baby!”BEST PR BOUTIQUE’S “RUNWAY LOUNGE”

Inside one of Toronto’s newest and trendiest restaurant/lounges, Kultura also happened to be the spot where Vince Vaughn hosted the after-party for his TIFF 2006 film Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show. Best PR set up a VIP private viewing room for an assortment of products. Here are some to look out for:

Pink Beauty Cosmetics
This brand new Canadian line of cosmetics speaks to the modern elegant woman. Reminiscent of the’40s era with its wholesomely baby pink packaging, applying make-up becomes a refined and uplifting activity. Whether or not you have a vanity table inside your home, Pink Beauty Cosmetics time travels back to give you that amazing special feeling in front of any mirror. Every lipstick is named after a sophisticated Victoria woman like “Beatrice” or “Abigail”, and each blush is meant to captivate, allure, and enchant onlookers. Primp your eyes or make them “Chi Chi”, and walk yourself over to a Pink Beauty Cosmetics counter at any Holt Renfrew counter this upcoming Holiday season.

Johnny Yiu
If you’re going to brave the barren cold, then why not do it in style with a pure Canadian down fur-trimmed coat from designer Johnny Yiu’s collection? Priced in the range between $800-$1000, rest assured, this will be a one-time investment since the impeccable quality and magnificent timeless model will surely remain a staple in your winter wardrobe for many years. Dina Pugliese from “Star Daily” and the new host of “Breakfast Television” is already wearing hers. (www.johnnyyiu.com)

Howard Barr Hair
From London to Beverley Hills to New York City, celebrity hairstylist Howard Barr is relatively new to the Toronto scene, having set up his chic salon on the trendy Queen West strip only three years ago. He’s worked on the manes of Donna Karan, Drew Barrymore, Charlize Theron and Bridget Fonda. Now, Torontonians can book themselves an appointment with this scissor stylist and color master. Carrying the Davines hair care line from Italy, Barr exclusively carries these deluxe products – especially the “Momo” shampoo and conditioner that have the Olsen Twins raving.
(www.howardbarr.com)