It’s a place we’d probably all like to while away a few hours at – or even get a glimpse inside. Instead, it will be VIPs only from this week, at the luxury gifting lounge at the Dubai International Film Festival. In years past, the lounge has welcomed a bevy of stars from the big screen including Cate Blanchett, Mark Ruffalo, Eva Longoria and Martin Sheen. This year? Kelsey Grammer, Emily Blunt, Paul Bettany and the director Lee Daniels are all confirmed guests. Here’s a peek inside the gift bags from the VIP Lounge at Diff 2014.
Accessories
A standout in this year’s VIP Lounge are the luxury Baraboux accessories made by Princess Reema Bandar Al Saud. We’re loving the latest collection of python envelope clutches and a signature range dubbed The Reema, which start from Dh4,861. They come in delicate antique rose snakeskin and glamorous black stingray. All of Baraboux’s bags are made in Italy and come with adjustable straps and multiple sections sewn into their silk linings. The Saudi princess and entrepreneur has crafted her bags with busy, style-conscious ladies in mind, with pieces suitable for the boardroom and the ballroom.
Aromatics
The fragrance house Initio has teamed up with the Diff VIP Lounge to gift guests scents from two of its ranges, the Absolutes and the Magnetics. Some of the best noses in the business are credited with crafting the fragrances, not least master perfumer Alberto Morillas, recipient of the prestigious Prix Francois Coty and the man behind countless designer fragrances. Initio continues to forge ties with high-profile movie events, having also partnered with the 67th Cannes Film Festival.
Apparel
The Dubai-based independent French clothing brand Cute Edition will be showing its wares at Diff this year. The label caters for children age 1 to 10 and includes T-shirt dresses, polo shirts and trousers made of soft cotton. Some of the best-selling designs feature the brand’s teddy bear logo, Toby. New styles this season include monochromed Arabian pop-art guthras, horse-riding toddlers and babies wearing fez hats. The VIP Lounge will be gifting select invitees key seasonal pieces for mini-fashionistas. The designs start from Dh99.
• Diff 2014 takes place from December 10 to 17. The VIP Lounge is by invitation only and located in Al Qasr hotel in Dubai
rduane@thenational.ae
