The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) has taken over the downtown core and the celebrities are steadily streaming in. There’s no shortage of parties and events to keep A-listers and the public hopping for the next couple of weeks.
In addition to this high profile festival there’s the “swag” or as we prefer to say, “gifting lounges” who invite celebrities to enjoy their offerings and chill out spaces.
Media types (like us!) are invited to experience the lounges and we’re here to give YOU the scoop on what’s inside those heavily guarded doors! Each lounge is different so, this report has become a series!
NKPR’s IT Lounge – is gifting with a purpose.
This year’s IT Lounge includes an exclusive portrait studio to the celebrities featuring legendary fashion and beauty photographer, Patrick Demarchelier. In collaboration with clothing retailer RW&CO and additional partners, NKPR has also extended the “photo call” by inviting some of Canada’s most influential people in culture, fashion and beauty to contribute their talent to the photo studio including Caitlin Cronenberg, who’s photographed Robert Pattinson, Iggy Pop and Michael Fassbender as well as photographing for countless fashion publications.
And it’s not all about the goodies. NKPR and the IT Lounge continue their tradition of charitable giving with Kandy with a K — an online candy boutique created by NKPR in May 2012 to raise funds for ten different causes including: Artists for Peace and Justice, At My Best, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Camp Oochigeas, Can Fund, Girls on the Run, Musicounts, Partners for Mental Health, and Paws for the Cause.
“Giving back is an integral part of NKPR’s philosophy. While we certainly love the glamour and buzz of this time, it’s important to keep sight of the things that matter most,” says Natasha Koifman, Founder and President of NKPR.
Another charity component is FOLLOWING-FOR-A-CAUSE.
Using social media to raise awareness and funds for Kandy with a K through celebrity-supported online push. Funds will be donated from NKPR for each new Twitter follower and Facebook fan received during the campaign at @natashankpr. Each of the ten days during the film festival will highlight one of the charities. Funds will be donated for retweets and shares.
In addition, NKPR and the IT Lounge are proud partners with MAC VIVA GLAM Fashion Cares 25th Gala (Sept.9) in support of the AIDS Committee of Canada and the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The IT Lounge has attracted celebrities like Catherine Deneuve, Olivia Wild, Ryan Gosling, AnnaLynne McCord and more, the IT Lounge is known for the latest in fashion and beauty. Many celebrities walk through the doors to this “by-invitation only” space.
Keep an eye on NKPR’s microsite www.itlounge.nkpr.net to see who’s been there, fundraising efforts, and news from the red carpet parties. Many celebrities like Elton John & David Furnish, Jude Law, Daniel Radcliffe, Linda Evangelista and many others expected to attend. Already spotted were Darren Criss, Keisha Chante, FeFe Dobson, Paul Haggis, Gabrielle Miller, Mickey Sumner, and Trudie Styler.
Here are some of the partners that are at the IT Lounge this year…
The Style Snapshot Lounge:
RW&CO’s pop up boutique
lia sophia’s Red Carpet fashion jewellery collection.
Tweezerman‘s brown and nail bars
STiKS Gaming: where the celebrities play XBOX and Playstation online games against the public in support of Artists for Justice and Peace during TIFF. Currently with over 100 million worldwide playing online. 100% of the funds raised during TIFF will go directly to the cause.
Yogurty’s: to chill and enjoy froyo desserts
bottlegreen: refreshing drinks
SKYY Vodka: needs no explanation
AquaHydrate: thirst quenching drinks
Rdio: a ground breaking digital music service
RECHARGE, REFUEL AND RELAX station
Visitors to the The Refueling Station sponsored by Grain Famers of Ontario and Great Lakes Biodiesel can refuel with delicious food products made with Ontario’s finest grains and created by the Food Dudes, and relax on environmentally conscious furniture.
Remember to …
1. Follow @natashapr on Twitter for “following for a cause”
2. Check into the IT Lounge microsite http://itlounge.net for up to date news on celebrities going through and fundraising efforts.
3. Make your candy order through http://kandywithak
Thank you to Natasha Koifman, the NKPR IT Lounge staff, and the Lounge Partners for giving us the sneak peek!
Keep an eye out for us as we’re the official TIFF reporters for UrbanMoms.ca Follow us on twitter @gossipdish @thecultureperal and @urbanmomsca as we bring you everything from film screenings to celebrity sightings and everything in between!