The scene

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That red-carpet feeling

Carell Augustus/Skinnygirl Cocktails




From top Franco Nero (Django Unchained) stopped by the Skinnygirl Cocktails bar, which served award-worthy cocktails at GBK’s 2013 Academy Awards Gift Lounge at the Hotel Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Bruce McGill (Lincoln) samples an SG signature cocktail, the Showstopper, a specialty awards’ season cocktail; Bruce’s wife chose to enjoy the Starlet, another specialty Skinnygirl cocktail. Richard Kind (Argo). Writer and co-director Chris Butler and director Sam Fell (ParaNorman) at the Skinnygirl Cocktails bar. Wayne Knight. Joanna Cassidy. Tempestt Bledsoe. Camilla Luddington (Californication). Below left Viva Diva wines. Below right Nvey Eco cosmetics.


Elyse Glickman

GBK
It seems like GBK just is not GBK without the presence of Revitalash, which we can now presume is in the toolbox of every make-up artist in LA. However, the main ballrooms of the Sofitel Beverly Hills reminded attendees of why they were there—at least in principle. Some of them included celebrities: Rob Morrow, Raphael Sbarge, Dennis Christopher, Chris Tucker, C. C. H. Pounder, Bruce Greenwood, Tim Daly, Wayne Knight, Penny Marshall, Tempestt Bledsoe and Tichina Arnold.

Gavin’s charities of choice this go round included: Global Green USA, the American affiliate of Green Cross International, founded by Mikhail Gorbachev to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future; the Sugar Ray Leonard Foundation, raising funds for research and awareness towards a cure for juvenile diabetes; Yes! Beat Liver Tumors, dedicated to providing information, resources and support to those who are affected by cancer of the liver and other advanced cancers; City of Hope, one of America’s best-established philanthropic organizations in America, known for their innovative research and education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes; and Guard a Heart, a non-profit foundation dedicated to raising awareness of heart disease prevention.

It was only fitting that GBK selected Danielle Rios (a luxury designer that specializes in creative innovations for high-end residential, hospitality and commercial designs), to bring a high-fashion runway edge to the event with lavish furniture and decorative touches inspired by Alexander McQueen and Valentino Oscar gowns of years past.

The winners

The Artisan Group: this has become sort of the Meryl Streep of perennial GBK vendors. They never cease to amaze us with the talents of the artists in their collective. The jewellery and the skin care offerings were particularly alluring. Featured artisans included Cindy Brunetti’s voluptuous SoapyBliss and Body line, along with sparkling and expressive jewellery from Brandi Collins, Judit Blumenfrucht, Brandi Bowen, Beatriz Fortez and Sandy and Steve d’Andrea.

Viva Diva Wines: this high-quality collection of Italian Moscato wines infused with natural flavours, Pinot Grigio and Sweet Red, was not only a hit as the official wine sponsor of the GBK Oscar bash, but also at our own Oscar party. The mellow Strawberry Moscato took the edge off the first awkward half hour of the telecast. We paired it with Vita Organic Foods’ raw and organic chocolate bars, which tasted too good to be better for you than other confections.

Skinnygirl Cocktails: say what you want about creator and bonne vivante–former ‘Housewife’ Bethenny Frankel. One thing we loved about this line of wines, spirits and pre-mixed cocktails is their donating $2,500 to Dress for Success (not-for-profit organization that helps disadvantaged women on their paths to financial independence) for every red dress worn on the Red Carpet at the Oscars.

Tiro Jewelry Design: Israeli designer Orit Harel wins for special effects and production value with her fine jewellery, which defies gravity and yet still looks tasteful when paired with a black or red gown.

Ajinomoto North America, Inc.: we were intrigued with the Japanese company’s newest supplement, gifting Capsiate Natura, the first and only vitamin with rare, non-pungent capsinoids extracted from the natural CH-19 sweet pepper, intended to stimulate metabolism naturally.

Nvey Eco Cosmetics: what makes Australian women seem so fresh and naturally beautiful (hello, best actress nominee Naomi Watts)? The creators of Nvey believe it has as much to do with what you put on your face and body as much as what you put into it. While this vibrant brand has been in business since 2005, it is going into wider distribution in the US and hoping GBK’s celebrity cache will help advance its cause and testimonials.

The turnout included several actors and crew from Oscar-nominated films, such as Reginald Hudlin (Django Unchained); Sam Fell and Chris Butler (ParaNorman); Malik Bendjelloul (Searching for Sugar Man); Pes (Fresh Guacamole) and Seamus McGarvey (Anna Karinina), as well as others representing the Oscar-nominated Lincoln and winning short Curfew.

The winners

Vitaphenol by Avidas Pharmaceuticals is a multi-tasking product that tones, cleanses and exfoliates in one step.

Kaia Naturals is tailor-made for travellers. The bamboo cleansing cloths come in their own handy, leak proof case. You never again have to do overnight flights with a dirty face, and you can wake up refreshed.

L’Arganium Argan Oil Creams and Lotions were welcome, not only for their exotic fragrances but also for our winter-dried skin.

Roger Neal
The most intriguing products at Roger Neal’s, staged at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills, included

Gentle Giants Rescue 9, founded by Burt Ward who starred as Robin on the TV series Batman, and manned his own booth to promote his charity and pet food line. Miracle Noodle fielded vegan pastas with no calories or fat and available as angel hair, fettuccini, and rice. Finally, Lorimar Wine & Champagne served their award-winning wines, champagnes and new dessert wines. •


Above Roger Neal and Sheryl Lee Ralph.



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Elyse Glickman is US west coast editor of Lucire.