Katherine Raso on the F1 VIP lounge: ‘we have a ping-pong table, a spa and the Mahiki-esque dancers’

Katherine Raso is the co-founder and general manager of Global Communications Agency. Courtesy VIP Lounge

Katherine Raso, co-founder and general manager of Global Communications Agency, reveals what’s new in the F1 VIP lounge this year, the exclusive guest list, and the designer must-haves in the celebrity goody bags.

Which famous faces are you looking forward to welcoming this season?

Enrique Iglesias, the members of Blur, Florence and the Machine, Cheb Khaled, J Cole and Pixie Lott.

Aside from the inclusion of new brands, in what way does the F1 VIP lounge differ from last year?

The big difference is Mahiki, our entertainment partner. It’s not just a gifting lounge, it’s about providing a backstage area for entertaining the celebrities and VIPs that we host. We have a ping-pong table, a spa and the Mahiki–esque [Polynesian-themed] dancers and music. Mahiki have essentially moved their boat to our backstage area, so stay tuned for the “who’s who” of the celebrity world to visit. Prince Harry was on their boat in the past.

Are guests given samples from all the brands or do they pick and choose what they like?

The guests are taken around to the different brands who present them what they have in store. We always have a mix of international brands and Middle Eastern designers, so the gifts the VIPs tend to pick up from each brand are always well thought out.

Regional designers such as Asayo Boutique’s kaftans and Caliente’s caps fit perfectly with those attending – not to mention bespoke Eisenberg fragrances and Lacoste eyewear’s latest collection, which will arrive in stores in January.

Which Caliente caps will be on offer this year? Are there any specific F1 Abu Dhabi-branded ones or only the current collection?

Caliente hasn’t created a new piece for this event, although that’s an option for the future. That said, the brand will be showing some new pieces.

What have been some of the most memorable celebrity encounters in the VIP lounge?

We have been lucky to host some amazing artists and celebrities.

A few years ago we had Nickelback, Wyclef Jean and Travie McCoy, all in the lounge at the same time. Wyclef ended up grabbing his guitar and, before we knew it, there was an impromptu jamming session happening. Kylie Minogue tweeting her new pair of earrings before heading onstage was pretty cool as well.