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This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts and Entertainment

Lonely At The Top: Oscar Gifting For Non-Celebs

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It's not about presence, it's about presents. And "gift suites," the latest rage in Hollywood tax-dodging, have been in full swing this week, with the Oscar masses foaming at the mouth for the latest in fashion handouts, scented swag, diamonds, massages, fancy cheese and chocolate luxuries.

In a Beverly Hills mansion situated high above Hamburger Hamlet, LAist went undercover yesterday to one of these special events, called Haven -- a glam affair put on by the Echelon Club and sponsored by Elle, Premiere, Metropolitan Home and American Photo. There, varied products from single-use panties to camouflaged dog harnesses were showcased and “gifted” to celebrities, media folk, and invited civilians.

Citizen Cake greeted us at the door with scones. Serendipity escorted us through the pool area with some ice-blended love. Reo Starr hooked us up downstairs with dark corduroy rocker pants, and Scanty gave us the cutest little tanks with flying pirate skulls. Nikki Sixx’s “Royal Underground” clothing line also made the scene along with Jumpin Jammerz’ grown-up-sized feety pajamas. Trimspa also made a bold appearance in the form of flavored water. We’d hoped for greatness, but sadly, the Honey-Grapefruit screamed cough syrup and the Lemon-Citrus tasted like a melted Snoopy sno cone.

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Elina, film editor to the stars, dialed-up her fab factor at the soiree with a Revlon makeover that left her dewy and metallicized -- as if she’d wandered into the party having spent the morning a-frolic in an enchanted forest.

All these photos and more after the jump...

View From The Top

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Elina Shoots The View

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Ando

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Niecy Nash

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Finger Sandwiches

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Remains Of A Smoothie - Magic Berries From The Amazon w/ Granola

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Elina The Ice Queen 1

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Elina The Ice Queen 2

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Afternoon Stash

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Red Wine "Energy Drink"

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Moroccan Disco Tent Party

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My Lunch

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Red Carpet

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Revlon Beauty

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Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate

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Trimspa Waters

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Caddy and NFT

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Guitar

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Creative Coalition

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