Seeing Stars at the Oscar Gifting Suites

GBK's 2016 Oscars gift and style lounge on Feb. 26-27 partnered with LifeCell to host an amazing party at the London West Hollywood.  Guests received huge goodie bags including Alessi Institute's SculpSure, José Eber's (yes please!) travel-size infrared hair dryer, American Hat Makers (Have my child, you amazing owl hat you!), Jewelinx, Egard Watch Company, Loulou LOLLIPOP and (favorite!) Lula Mena , gifting a variety of their ethical fashion jewelry and handwoven textiles. Lula Mena helps women from third-world countries start their own business and escape poverty by not only teaching them marketable skills like weaving but also giving them ownership in their tools and fair wages. 

Other participants included Swagway (favorite!) — called the “hottest gift on the planet” by Ellen DeGeneres on her show, it's the original manufacturer of the “hands-free smart board”; the Trtl Pillow; GuruNanda, an ultrasonic aromatherapy diffuser kit with essential oils; and the San Diego Zoo (tiny lion just for me). Guests ate and drank deliciousness with the help of Confetti Sweets, Baron Chocolatier, FulHum by EarthWater and Ike’s Place – Award-Winning Sandwiches. 

The nonprofits benefiting from the suite were Face Forward, which provides pro bono reconstructive surgery and emotional support for victims of domestic violence, human trafficking and other cruel acts; and Lambda Legal, a national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender people and those with HIV through impact litigation, education and public policy work. Photos by Star Foreman