The meaning of Pinnacle: The highest level or degree attainable, peak of perfection, top level, and where some of the best gifts for celebrities are kept during the Toronto International Film Festival.
One of the most breath-taking views of the waterfront and city was at the BASK-IT-STYLE gifting (aka swag) lounge. Located on the 48th floor, the stunning 2-story Penthouse Suite at THE PINNACLE CENTRE (33 Bay Street Residence) left me in a dream state. This $4 million suite is unbelievable with ceiling to floor windows and outdoor kitchen on the terrace, if you are in the market you should really see it for your own eyes! AH-MAZING!
But this “by-invitation only” media preview was not only to check out the spectacular space but also to get a sneak peek into what the celebrities were getting at this year’s TIFF. The BASK-IT-STYLE Lounge hand-delivered top-shelf products to the hotel rooms of A-listers and goodie bags were given at some of the best celebrity parties. Some of the stars who had received the BASK-IT-STYLE Swag bags included Sir Elton John, Princess Charlotte of Monaco, Rachel McAdams, Greg Kinnear, Chris O’Dowd, Helen Hunt, Susan Saradon, William H. Macy, Jay Baruchel, Pierce Brosnan, Hugo Weaving, Catherine Keener, Meagan Ellison and the list goes on!
Soooo, what was inside the goody bags?
PC BLACK LABEL displayed some of their most popular products and introducing UMAMI PASTE – a hot trend with foodies around the world. Umami takes your taste buds to the 5th state beyond sweet, salty sour and bitter. It’s something that you can add to dishes while cooking to boost flavours. You’ve got to try it for yourself. I’ve included it in burgers just last weekend and had people curious – it’s delicious and subtle enough that it doesn’t take away any flavours of your main dish.
LOUIANNA ESTATES Premium Olive Oil is the top-selling brand at the luxe grocery shop Pusateri’s. It’s beautifully clean tasting and yummy with that crusty Italian loaf! Equally as perfect is the Organic Balsamic Vinegar. A food station was set up here for media to enjoy different nibblies at the lounge courtesy of Louianna.
WOLF BLASS WINES is a favourite among many. Did you know that Canada is the second biggest consumer of WOLF BLASS wines? No surprise though, their award winning label is perfect for any occasion. The 2009 Grey Label Shiraz Cabernet is definitely worth stocking up on.
Just in case any celebrities had any “downtime”, books were available including the new SH*T GIRLS SAY by Kyle Humphrey and Graydon Sheppard, a hilarious book that is a spin off of the internet sensation. Note! Perfect for the gift giving season! I had a chat with author Tanis Rideout of ABOVE ALL THINGS about the romantic notion of climbing Mt. Everest and author Andrea Kress was there signing her latest book, THE FRIDAY SOCIETY. DK BOOK PUBLISHERS were also at the lounge with titles in their latest Fall and h=Holiday collection. Celebrity goody bags included their popular travel guides, of course for Toronto!
Resident Artist DONNA KOSTER set up in this inspiring space showcasing some of her work. I loved this idea as a gift to the visiting celebrities as I like to bring a piece of artwork back as a momento from places I’ve travelled to. Koster creates abstract, contemporary paintings of acrylic with resin on canvas. Here, available to the stars were pieces of her work that depicted images of tall city buildings, corners and alley ways of local neighbourhoods. Being born and raised in Toronto I loved how her work captured the essence of the city perfectly. We’ve got a cosmopolitan feel and along with pockets of culturally rich communities- the hidden gems of the city. www.donnakoster.com
JOHN FRIEDA hair styling products (KAO Brands Canada) were in the bag including my favourite Full-Repair line – trust me, with all the events I do, this line is super in keeping hair styles activated and healthy looking.
F*CK CANCER set up at the lounge to raise awareness for cancer. This charitable organization appeals to the younger teen/college/university set with their fun events. It was founded by students who wanted to get involved in raising awareness and support for cancer research with events that weren’t in large ballrooms with corporations, tuxedos and large ticket prices. The idea of philanthropy needing to start younger is a great passion of mine personally and it’s not just about raising money but also “doing”. These kids are doing it right! Events are accessible and affordable.
The other charitable partner was FASHION CARES who recently held their final star-studded event that included Elton John & David Furnish, and Linda Evangelista in support of the AIDS Committee of Toronto.
Other great partners at this lounge include Alimento, Brown Shoes, ESKA Natural Spring Water, Foxy Originals, GOTSTYLE, Kings of Past vintage designer sunglasses, Mereadesso unisex all-in-one moisturizer and burgundy Lip Treats, Nutrisoya Organics, Old Dutch Foods Potato Chips, Sharp Magazine, SKMPEEZ men’s swimwear and underwear, Sully Wong travel bags in Carry ALL and Micro Traveller, and UBER Transportation the taxi/limo on demand app service.
Thanks to Bask-It-Style Lounge for giving us a peek inside the SWAG bags!
Oh..and if you haven’t seen the Youtube series of SH*T GIRLS SAY, here’s the first episode. Enjoy! It’s hilarious!!!