The InterContinental Toronto Centre on Front Street welcomed the Dubois, Pelin and Associates (DPA) Gifting Lounge during the Toronto International Film Festival. The Presidential Suite, which has this amazing wrap around terrace and fantastic views, was the location. Sponsors for the DPA Gifting Lounge included: MICALLA, FeenieBeadie, ANZIE, Ruby Wow!, Royal Blush, Glass Harp Gallery and Susan Hood designs, Michique, Roots, LouLou Bell, SwissTEC, Imperfect Indulgence, RevitaLash, Sula Beauty, Bathing Belle Swimwear, Snoflake, Barbara Bela, Sodaliscious, Turbine, Eva Varro, Pearl Resorts & Spa, Jumeirah Hotels and Resort Kusmi Teas, FUZE, The Berry Company, Galloping Cows, Ridiculous by Jilli, Manitobah Mukluks, Marchon Eyewear, AMC, Author Ann Kaplan and Lomography.

There were a lot of great Canadian brands at the lounge, too many to talk about individually. It was great to see Canadian content getting pushed to the celebs. ANZIE jewellery initially invited me to the DPA Gifting Lounge so I could get a look at the collection. I was familiar with the brand as I’ve seen them at Holt Renfrew before. I didn’t know that they were Canadian and based out of Montreal.

It was great to talk to Ana of Imperfect Indulgence about her beautiful handcrafted leather bags. They are available at Pho Pa in Toronto.  I love the Butterfly handbags (posted above) and the Armor Necklaces.

Manitobah Mukluks is a great Canadian success story. This native owned business produces everything in Canada with a focus on helping the Native community. Mukluks aren’t really my taste but I can see the benefits of them outside of the city where the snow is fluffy and white. However, they do make them with rubbers soles which helps for city dwellers. I don’t really look at them as any type of fashion statement, they are purely a functional boot. That being said the Limited Edition Tall Wrap and Half Wrap boots are kinda nice. They’d be perfect for Whistler.

Susan Hood is an amazing glass artist that creates wonderful jewellery.  I’m dying over her Phantasea shell necklaces.  I’ve never seen anything like it in glass.  There were no Phantasea shell necklaces on hand at the lounge but she had some lovely blown glass pieces.

This lounge had the a lot of stations and it took much longer to get through than I anticipated.  I didn’t learn anything about the Lomography cameras that were being gifted to the celebs. It would have been nice to learn a bit more about the company and see some units up close. I didn’t even know about the resort gifting to Tahiti and Dubai till I started doing research for the post.

DPA Gifting Lounge Gift Bag Favourites (These are products I found interesting. In some cases I’ve tried them and in others I’ve excited to try them):

• Flower Silver Bracelet by ANZIE – I got a lovely purple Flower Silver Bracelet that hasn’t really left wrist since.
• Kusmi Teas – I love tea and the sample pack from Kusmi will go to great use. The packaging is just beautiful
• Ridiculous by Jilli – The best biscotti I’ve ever tasted.
• Sula Beauty Paint & Peel nail polish – I find the idea of paint and peel nail polish very interesting. I wonder how it treats your nails.
• Ruby Wow! – I love the beautiful Surfer wrap bracelet made from leather and silver.
• SwissTEC skin care products – I’m always interested in high end skin care. This line of products can only be bought through a physician.
• Snoflake tank – It’s cute but I wish I picked a bigger size.  A Snoflake small is tiny.
• Bathing Bell – I received the Anchor Baby monokini. After trying it on I’ve come to realize that monokinis and my shortwaist don’t go together. I think I’d be more suited to Fancy Fanny or Taj.
• Brandy Cranberry Marmalade by Galloping Cows – It’s easy for food to be on my favourites list. I wonder what this would taste like with some soft cheese.