| EVENT REPORT 09.14.09 3:23 PM |
PRINT | SEND TO A FRIEND |
|
| Caught on Film |
| Holt Renfrew premiered two short films showcasing fall fashions with a party at the Burroughes Building during the Toronto International Film Festival's opening weekend—the first time the retailer has held a TIFF event outside its flagship Bloor Street store. |
|
Luxury retailer Holt Renfrew premiered Vignettes, two short films of its own, at a Toronto International Film Festival party for more than 1,000 people at the Burroughes Building Saturday. "To have a party during the film festival is great. There's such a buzz in the air," said Gwen Gibson, director of special events, who noted that the videos—featuring fall fashions and starring the Montreal band the Stills and supermodels Coco Rocha and Behati Prinsloo—served as the inspiration for this year's party.
The films, shot in a street-like setting, included images of Rocha and Prinsloo at the Gladstone Hotel and shots of the entrance to the Burroughes Building in the men's video. "We thought we should really try to incorporate that idea into the look [of the party], which is more downtown and more eclectic," Gibson said. "We went to several different venues and this one really caught us because of the size and where it's located, that was important. We didn't want to be too far off the beaten track. We are so used to having the parties in the store." |
|
CONTINUED > |
|
|
PHOTO GALLERY |
 | Holt Renfrew's event team chose to host the party at the Burroughes Building, which has exposed brick walls and plank wood floors, to reflect the imagery in the retailer's two short films and to give the event a street feel.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
 | Custom bars made of plywood added to the raw decor.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
 | The Montreal band the Stills, featured in Holt Renfrew's new videos, played for guests at the Burroughes Building.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
 | Supermodel Coco Rocha, who stars in the women's film, introduced the screening at the event.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
 | Holt Renfrew executive chef Corbin Tomaszeski created a menu with items like mini burgers, bacon-wrapped shrimp, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, and crabcakes.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
 | DJs at the event included Jeff Kirkwood and special guest Alexa Chung.
Photo: Alison Whittington for BizBash |
|
|
|
|
This is the first time the retailer has hosted a TIFF party off site. "It has its own different requirements," Gibson said. "We're lucky in the fact that the space was not occupied [on Friday], so we had the luxury of actually setting up and starting to load in. Whereas when it's in the store, we have to wait until the store closes."
Holt Renfrew also moved the event, traditionally held on the first Friday of TIFF, to Saturday night. "There have been so many parties on Friday night, so we thought, well, maybe it would be nice to try the Saturday and it wouldn't be quite so hectic for our guests and celebrities and the press to get from one to the other," Gibson said.
Gibson and her team chose to play up the raw feel of the space, which has exposed brick walls and wood floors. Servers offered cocktails with names like the Paparazzi and Red Carpet at two custom bars topped with plywood. Refurbished black chairs and sofas provided seating for guests. "As far as lighting is concerned we've done strings of lights, just bulbs. It's quite old-fashioned looking, but they go with the building," Gibson said, noting that the retailer's visual team, headed by Tracey Peters, coordinated the decor and lighting design.
Rocha introduced the two short films, which organizers projected onto a kabuki drop curtain situated in front of the stage. When the videos ended, the curtain fell to the floor and the Stills launched into their set. Alexa Chung, host of MTV's It's On, spun tunes for guests, and the videos played on a loop on walls throughout the sixth-floor space.
Holt Renfrew executive chef Corbin Tomaszeski catered the event. "At that time in the evening we know people have had something to eat, but we still wanted to have fun things," Gibson said. That meant comfort food like mini burgers with grilled mushrooms, a mini shepherd's pie, bacon-wrapped shrimp, cheddar baskets with macaroni and cheese, mini grilled cheese sandwiches, and mini crab cakes with tartar sauce. For dessert Tomaszeski served lollipop brownies, candied popcorn, mini profiteroles, mini caramel apples (with toppings in small paper bags), and mini carrot cakes with cream cheese frosting.
Beverage sponsors included Smart Water, VitaminWater, Stella Artois, and Grey Goose.
—Susan O'Neill
RELATED TOPICS
Toronto International Film Festival, Holt Renfrew, Coco Rocha, The Stills, Stella Artois, Grey Goose, Smart Water, VitaminWater
MORE EVENT REPORT STORIES
OCAD Gala Kicks Off Mystery Art Sale
MoMA Gets Suitably Whimsical and Macabre for Tim Burton Tribute
Developer Hosts Green Cocktail Party, Mini Trade Show to Unveil Eco-Friendly Homes
New Moon Premiere Beckons 10,000 People and 2 Live Wolves
Dark and Moody Accents, Animal-Inspired Decor Appear on Tabletops at Diffa's Dining by Design
MORE STORIES ABOUT TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
TIFF Highlights: Live Music, Live Art, Live Goats Spotted at Festival Events
Natural Selection Presents 50 Cent Performance at TIFF Party
TIFF Wraps With Film Awards, Gala for The Young Victoria
MORE STORIES ABOUT HOLT RENFREW
Feist Steps in to Perform at Holt Renfrew's Holiday Window Unveiling
LG Product Launch, L'Oréal Retrospective, Shakespearean Fashions Kick Off Fashion Week
| More Suppliers/Venues to Consider |
ADVERTISEMENT |
|
|
|
Allen Lambert Galleria, Brookfield Place
Unique, Prestigious, Spectacular
Brookfield Place represents the ultimate expression of modern urban commerce and culture. It is a landmark address deeply rooted in the commercial, cultural and social fabric of Toronto. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Snapshot Photobooth, powered by Flow Photo
Instantly capture the fun of your event and unleash your creativity with the Snapshot Photobooth—a fully automated, unique, interactive photobooth experience your guests will love! Guests fill the frame, pose, click, and leave with a branded print available in 4 x 6 , 5 x 7 or vintage-style 2 x 6 strips with four poses in either colour or black-and-white. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
|
Malabar Ltd.
Malabar has long held a reputation for being Canada's top source for costume supplies (it was voted Best Costume Shop in 2008 by NOW Magazine), but did you know it can help with your event planning too? Malabar's special event division will work with you through every stage to make your event spectacular. More >>
EMAIL THIS RESOURCE |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
