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Review: TIFF 2015: Tastemakers Lounge blends fashion and cocktails (Includes first-hand account)

Each year the Toronto International Film Festival attracts hundreds of celebrities and industry professionals who come to the city to promote their latest projects and discover the newest submissions from their friends and colleagues. But between mingling at parties, posing for the cameras and doing hours of interviews, there’s also a little reverse promotion happening in exclusive lounges throughout the city. One such venue is the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge, which showcases quality fashion, accessories and libations for the discerning eye and palate.

Testing station for Rhône valley wines at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge

Testing station for Rhône valley wines at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge


On one side of the room is a selection of alcohols for any taste. At the first station, Michael Godel describes the distinct wine flavours generated in France’s Rhône river valley, where grapes are grown specifically for their famous Rosé rather than developed from leftovers. For the novice taster, he points out the subtle differences produced by various grapes and soil, while connoisseurs will appreciate the history he imparts about the region and winemakers. One walks away with a better understanding of what influences flavour and gift ideas for upcoming dinner parties.

Making cocktails at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge

Making cocktails at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge


Next is The Rémy Cointreau Group table with three specialty cocktails on offer, each featuring a different spirit and refreshing flavour. The concoction that incorporates Mount Gay Black Barrel Rum from Barbados, the oldest legally brewed in the world, is the perfect thirst-quencher on a warm day. The Black Barrel Daisy is a mix of lemon and lime juices, crushed raspberries and a splash of soda. And finally rather than a local craft beer maker, organizers put a spotlight on the up-and-coming alternative: cider. Pommies is made north of Toronto, launching their signature original dry cider a few years ago and introducing an even drier version, “Farmhouse,” earlier this year. A great find for anyone who doesn’t like sugary tasting beverages.

Tweezerman has it all on display at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge

Tweezerman has it all on display at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge


After taking care of the internal, it’s time to look at the outer. Tweezerman is ready with a very functional line of hair removers and soft, easy-to-clean makeup brushes. Besides, their cuticle cutter may be one of the most comfortable on the market. Next there’s a new line of skin products from Sahajan, also a local vendor, which offers series of naturally based nourishing oils and creams based on long-practiced techniques from India. And then to ease the stress of a hectic schedule, get a “fix” from Dr. Liza Egbogah, director of [the fix] Chiropractic + Massage in downtown Toronto. The personal adjustment is less than five minutes, but your neck and shoulders will be thankful.

Testing out the Samsung Gear VR at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge

Testing out the Samsung Gear VR at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge


Elle Canada is on-site with a unique experience that takes visitors to a cover shoot with Diane Kruger through virtual reality. Donning the Samsung Gear VR, the user is transported to a beautiful, earthy locale with leafy canopies and stone floors. Captured by Toronto’s PCP VR, the experience is a completely immersive 360-degree view. Moreover it’s self-guided, so tapping the side of the visor can reveal a photograph from the shoot or transport you to another section of the site, including the makeup room that shows Krueger being prepped at high-speed.

Sorel s new Fall line at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge

Sorel’s new Fall line at the 11th annual Tastemakers Lounge


And at the centre of all this is the Lounge’s title sponsor, Sorel. Not just for winter anymore, the brand recently launched a fall line of stylish footwear. Wedge heels, leather, suede and zero insulation dominate their new look, effectively making their products “seasonally relevant, not winter dependent,” says brand rep, Heidi Janzen. In addition, visitors get an exclusive sneak peek at Sorel’s new line of apparel — winter parkas with 800 fill European goose down and coyote fur trim — which is very similar to Canada Goose’s jackets.

Everyone leaving the lounge also get some goodies to-go in an iconic HBC striped tote bag provided by Canadian retailer, Hudson’s Bay Company.

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Sarah Gopaul is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for film news, a member of the Online Film Critics Society and a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved critic.

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