TIFF 2013 Insider’s Guide: Where To Go All Out

TIFF 2013 Insider’s Guide: Where To Go All Out

TIFF 2013 Insider's Guide: where to go all out
Bennington (Image: courtesy Bennington)

Celebrities are funny creatures. They travel with tiny dogs, employ entourages and rarely own any of the clothes they wear. Sounds like fun, right? These over-the-top services will help you do TIFF the way it was meant to be done.

Where to find a PERSONAL CONCIERGE

Absolutely Fab
197 Glengarry Ave., 416-666-9104

It may only last a week, but TIFF’s a full-time job. There are movies to watch, hotels to reserve, parties to attend and celebrities to gawk at. A personal concierge is invaluable. Absolutely Fab’s helpers will snag you a table at La Société, get their paws on film tickets for you, pay your bills (hey, why not?), clean your condo and feed your goldfish, freeing you up for the important stuff. From $25 an hour.

Where to get a Sweet ride

Affinity Luxury Rental
1110 Dupont St., 416-724-0724

At TIFF, the stars roll up to premieres in sponsored Audis, but those black SUVs are strictly utilitarian. You can do better. Affinity Luxury Rental delivers eye-popping exotics like Ferraris, Lambos and BMWs to the airport or your hotel, and their fleet has earned repeat customers in Elton John and Justin Bieber. Plus, they’re one of the only outfits in town where you can rent a Die Another Day–worthy Porsche 911. From $200 a day.

where to get a sweet driver

Bennington
905-670-5466

There’s a reason why it’s best to party-hop in limos, and it isn’t only for the paparazzi-eluding tinted glass. Bennington’s rides will dash you from gala to gala stocked with everything you need to keep on top of the hot goss, like Wi-Fi, USB chargers and laptop plugs. They also have mini-coaches that carry as many as 31 people—and as much bubbly as you dare. Bennington does huge business during the festival, so book early. From $60 an hour.

where to rent a dress

Rent Frock Repeat
35 Golden Ave., Ste. 102, 1-855-376-2548

The thing about movie premieres is that they’re one night only—and you can’t wear the same thing to more than one of them. Thankfully, Rent Frock Repeat loans out high-end dresses by the evening, eliminating the need for a frantic, expensive last-minute Holt’s run. They offer a huge selection from designers like Christian Siriano and Farah Khan at 15 to 20 per cent of the retail price, and frequently outfit visiting celebs and local talent (they sold out their showroom during the Canadian Screen Awards in March). The best part, though, is that they’ll come to your hotel room for fittings, and the dresses can be returned by mail. From $50.

where to send your dog

Unleashed in the City
45 Ossington Ave., 647-345-3306

Cannes awarded its first dog-related honour in 2001—and the Palm Dog award this year went to Liberace’s poodle for Behind the Candelabra—but not all festivals are as canine friendly. Unleashed in the City will take care of your pooch while you indulge your cinematic side. Their staff will arrange airport pickups, schedule hotel drop-ins and even welcome dogs for overnight stays; they call it a bed and breakfast. And you can keep tabs on your beloved by following #unleashedinthecity on Instagram.