Sir Ian McKellen at DPA gifting suites
I had the pleasure and delight to attend the DPA Gifting Suite produced by Nathalie DuBois-Sissoko at the ritzy Peninsula Hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, CA.
I have attended past DPA gifting suites for the Oscars, and Golden Globes in previous years and it seems every year it gets better and better. What makes DPA better than all the other gifting suites around town during awards season? It is DuBois-Sissoko’s attention to detail, most unique gifts and experiences and the magnitude of luxury that exudes from all of her suites throughout the year and throughout the world. She hosts suites in Cannes, France, Venice, Italy and Dubai during their respective film festivals creating a timely momentum for the hottest and chicest stars to attend.
This year’s Golden Globe suite boasted the whimsical, Austrian jewelry designer, HENRI J. SILLAM. His elegant creations included a delicious ruby encrusted, gold strawberry ring (my favorite!). Some more fantastical pieces include a diamond and pearl encrusted swan, a deer necklace, frog brooches, and rhino rings all encrusted in rare and precious stones, like Black Diamonds, Green Persian Turquoise, and Lavender Jade. Some pieces at the suite were specially made for a special celebrity to wear on the Golden Globe red carpet.
me wearing a yummy Ruby and Gold Henri J. Sillam Strawberry ring
Kate Flannery wears Henri J. Sillam
Designer, EVA VARRO, unveiled their casual chic dresses in retro prints that Pucci would adore. Her fun, fresh designs have graced the bodies of many TV and movie stars, including Eva Longoria- Parker of ‘Desperate Housewives’. Her collections are available at Nordstrom’s and select Boutiques. As well as being travel friendly, the dresses are made in the US using high quality slinky fabrics perfect for the beach, a day of lunch and shopping or dress it up with accessories for a dashing evening about town.
AnneLynne and Racheal McCord for Eva Varro
Ever hear of elixir of Quartz Crystal being incorporated into your daily skin regimen? SPHATIKA prides itself on this unique line of products for any skin type. These ‘high quality pure, natural ad chemical-free botanical products’ are available as facial cleansers, facial toners, milk bath oil, and an intriguing ‘gold finish serum’. You may view all their wonderful products
Online. If you are lucky enough to be in my favorite city in the world, New York City, SPHATIKA has a beautiful spa near Columbus Circle offering probably your most tranquil time in the city that never sleeps.
Sir Ian McKellen and Sphatika owners
DPA offered a most unusual beauty treatment provided by LONGMI LASHES BY DANIEL. Lash extensions that are so real that I couldn’t tell if they were real lashes on one his models. Hollywood’s most sought after lash expert, Daniel, has provided Naomi Campbell, Miss Teen USA and Shannon Tweed, as well as many more celebrities with lashes to die for. Once each and individual lash is applied by hand, they will last about 4 weeks. Well worth it for not having to risk the Tammy Faye effect with mascara.
One exquisite gift that is truly unique to DPA gifting suites is the fabulous Tahiti, French Polynesia vacation provided by PEARL RESORTS and LA TAHA’A private island and resorts. This remarkable exotic escape is a signature of every DPA gifting suite.
Michael Madsen
Other notables at DPA were PUPPERAZI, a super stylish boutique for the most chic dogs and cats, who also give a charitable 5% to fight against puppy mills. BAMBOO HUGS, a great eco-friendly line of bath towels made with one of the most sustainable sources, Bamboo- for babies and children. One of her creations includes a cat-hooded towel made of a cuddly, soft purple bamboo. Colorado designers, VAMP BAGSshowed off their animal friendly and Eco-friendly stylish handbags- my favorite was a red clutch with a bracelet attached, just so you never lose that pocketbook.
Leashes by Pupperazi
Another jeweler was present called HENDERSON DESIGN, which is designed and run by a mother and daughter from Houston, TX. They’re signature is being able to mix and match necklace strands of delicate gold and faceted stones creating the most personal, unique look of your choice. To go with the gorgeous necklaces, DPA introduced Cindy Renée Mathieu for SODALISCIOUS for enchanting handmade gowns perfect for the avant-garde actress walking the red carpet.
Henderson Design
Sally Hawkins wearing Henderson Design
Ever wanted a shirt the exact color of the Mona Lisa’s eyes or Hyams Beach sand or the earth as seen from Apollo 17? French designer, BLUEBRETZAL specializes in those mythical colors translated into the most luxurious shirt you will ever own. The shirts are made from fair trade cotton mixed with either bamboo or cashmere for the softest touch.
As luxury is the focus of any DPA suite, beauty products were the highlight with treatments and products from the exclusive skincare line, NATURA BISSÈ with $1500 luxury gift boxes from their Diamond Collection; LEONOR GREYL, THE MASSAGE EXPRESS, along with SPHATIKA, and LONGMI LASHES BY DANIEL.
Leonor-Greyl beauty products
Other contributors to this lavish suite were Jil Sander eyewear provided by MARCHON, ROYAL BLUSH BAGS,SIGG eco-friendly bottles, SOLAVIE, CHOPRA CENTER, PLANET BOTANICALS, SPIRTUAL GANGSTER, Daryl Hannah’s DH LIFE, SOAPTOPIA, EXPRESSIVE FORTUNE COOKIES, BIOTENE, DR. FRESH, FRENCH SISTERS,BURRAY OLSON psychedelic canvas bags, PULL IN underwear, and BLUHORSE.
Expressive Fortune Cookies
Felix loves his Dr. Fresh singing Toothbrush
Spiritual Gangster
As I wrapped up my pampered visit to DPA’s elegant gifting suites, I left recharged, informed, and ready for my close up. I look forward to the next gifting suite that DuBois-Sissoko produces bringing talented new designers and unique products to the full attention of the Hollywood’s discriminating elite.
VOLVIC, BADOIT, STEAZ ICED TEAS, DRY SODA, DAMRAK GIN and ST. GERMAIN LIQUORS provided refreshments.
Me at the DPA gift lounge for the 2009 Golden Globe awards
Photo credits: Kerstin Alm and Zach Lipp
Other photo credits: vendor websites.
Teacups & Couture 