Inside NKPR’s IT House, the invite-only gifting lounge during the Toronto Film Festival
Plus what visitors got in their VIP gift bag
When the hubbub of TIFF dies down and the celebrities have gone home, what’s left—besides memories of some fantastic films, of course? The swag from the festival’s best gift bags. An invitation to NKPR’s IT House is one of the most coveted of the film festival and a chance to chat up the PR firm’s president Natasha Koifman is not to be missed. In its 18th year, the gifting lounge gives industry visitors a chance to recharge—and offers them an impressive experience. Here’s what VIPs experienced.
Old Mill Cadillac
Visitors to the IT House didn’t need the services of a rideshare app. NKPR sent a Cadillac Escalade provided by Old Mill Cadillac to pick up guests and deliver them to the luxe lounge. The SUV was emblazoned with the IT House logo so passersby could see the VIPs coming.
La Mer
The active ingredient in Crème de la Mer, created by a German aerospace physicist in the 1950s, actually comes from Canada. Giant sea kelp, one of the fastest-growing plants in the world, is harvested off the coast of Vancouver Island. The resulting moisturizer is loved by celebrities like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Demi Moore.
Guests at the IT House had an opportunity to test products from La Mer’s collection, including The Treatment Lotion, The Concentrate and The Eye Concentrate and select guests took home the famous namesake cream—a 60ml tub that’s worth more than $500.
Melanie Lyne
The Canadian fashion brand showcased its fall/winter collection, a sumptuous assortment of elevated knits, tweed jackets and scene-stealing dresses, plus some amazing sailor pants. Guests at the IT House were invited to peruse the pieces, try them on and even take one favourite item home.
SMEG
IT House attendees were treated to a cup of espresso from one of the most stylish coffee machines available, and made-in-Italy appliances from SMEG were on display in their bold hues and glamorous metallic finishes. A fan favourite? The Union Jack toaster.
No Sugar Company
Gearing up for No Sugar Day on Oct. 3, this sucrose-free company makes keto treats even carb eaters will love. Candy-coated chocolate-covered peanut Keto Gems, mint and chocolate Keto Bombs and Snack Trax edible cookie dough were all on offer, alongside protein bars and Joyburst hydration drinks.
Tia Maria
The espresso martini is having a moment, and Tia Maria, a sweet vanilla-flavoured coffee liqueur made with Jamaican rum, is a great base for this trendy drink. Also available at the IT House were frozen coffee cocktails, perfect for the September heat wave we experienced during TIFF.
Cookin
The after-work—or after-a-day-full-of-junkets—collapse is real. It’s hard to cook when you’re exhausted, but sometimes a homemade meal is the only thing that will hit the spot. This new food delivery app relies on the talents of home chefs, allowing you to order meals from cooks in your area—and don’t worry, chefs take food safety courses and their home kitchens are inspected regularly. Guests at the IT House sampled delicious snacks from local chefs and took home a gift card so they could try the service for themselves.
Patrick Assaraf
This Toronto-based line of luxury menswear includes Italian-made knit sweaters, cardigans and blazers, plus jackets and the perfect T-shirt. Made of Peruvian pima cotton, the tee can go in the washer and the dryer and still come out looking silky and luxurious. Lucky guests each took one home.
Nars
Who doesn’t need a makeup touch-up during a day filled with movies and press events? VIPs sat back and let a Nars makeup artist paint and powder their faces with new and best-selling beauty products. Then, they got to pop their favourite shade of lipstick into their NKPR gift bag.
