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Lonely At The Top: Oscar Gifting For Non-Celebs
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
Elina Shoots The View
Ando
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Niecy Nash
Finger Sandwiches
Remains Of A Smoothie - Magic Berries From The Amazon w/ Granola
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Elina The Ice Queen 1
Elina The Ice Queen 2
Afternoon Stash
Red Wine "Energy Drink"
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Moroccan Disco Tent Party
My Lunch
Red Carpet
Revlon Beauty
Serendipity Frozen Hot Chocolate
Trimspa Waters
Caddy and NFT
Guitar
Creative Coalition
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
