Arts & Culture Gifting Suites

Distinctive Assets Rocks the GRAMMY’s with the Official Talent Lounge and Gift Bag

Cash for your car

Before the GRAMMY festivities kicked-off Sunday night, the stars of the show were able to stock up on lavish gifts and fabulous goodies courtesy of the creative minds at Distinctive Assets. That’s because Distinctive Assets once again collaborated with The Recording Academy to produce the official Talent Gift Baskets and Gift Lounge for the 49th Annual GRAMMY Awards. This year marked the seventh anniversary of their partnership.

Presented by Guitar Hero II, The GRAMMY Gift Lounge attracted artists such as Ciara, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Rihanna, James Blunt, Smokey Robinson, Chris Brown, Corinne Bailey Rae, Mary J. Blige, Stewart Copeland, Natalie Cole, Terence Howard, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Dane, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Natasha Beddingfield, Stevie Wonder and many others who were stopping by on route to rehearsals and pre-GRAMMY events at the Staples Center. Lionel Richie said it best when he said “I’m so excited, I’m so excited…you have no idea how excited I am to be here!”

Lash Fary, Pam Morrison

“The GRAMMY gifts have become legendary…the gold standard by which swag is measured,” says Lash Fary, CEO of Distinctive Assets. “There are occasionally gift baskets out there worth more, but none are as fun and fabulous as the eclectic assortment we create for the GRAMMYs.  From the basics to the decadent, we’ll yet again be pulling out all the stops to produce the best Gift Basket and Lounge of the year.”

The Gift Lounge welcomed presenters, performers and nominees into a lavish purple silk and crystal-adorned room designed by Pam Morrison of J. Gatsby Events.  The suite was filled with all lavish and exciting gifts.

Each of the talent received a Guitar Hero II, the follow-up sequel to the best music game of the year, Guitar Hero, published and developed by RedOctane. Representatives from Red Octane had the game set up so stars could play against each other in the Lounge. Guitar Hero II lets you jam against your friends to classics from the likes of Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith. Andy Sommers from The Police demo’d “Message in a Bottle” on the Guitar Hero II Guitar. He said that the song sounded “incredible.” Country group Rascal Flatts also stopped by and loved the game. www.guitarherogame.com

Guitar Hero

Best friends Cheryl and Shannon of joluka brought their line of embellished jean jackets. The female stars immediately fell in love with the unique designs. Natalie Cole and Reba McIntyre loved the jackets and had fun picking out their jackets from the various styles offered. Ciara thought that the crystal buttons on each jacket were so cool and Kate Flannery of The Office said, “All the girls back at The Office are going to be jealous. They are all going to want one.” Jennifer Love Hewitt not only chose a joluka jacket for herself, but also chose one to take back to Camryn Manheim on the set of The Ghost Whisperer.

Joluka specializes in creating unique denim jackets. Each embellished denim jacket is made of 100% cotton with a slight fade finish and stretch for added comfort. The collars and cuffs are finished with a variety of beads, fringe and fabrics.www.joluka.com

Joluka

The Prem Rawat Foundation gave out luxury gift sets to all the stars, including jewelry, a Swarovski-encrusted T-shirt and book written by the foundation’s namesake, Prem Rawat. Also known by the honorary title Maharaji, Rawat has traveled the world for more than four decades, inspiring people to find peace within. His message is simple but profound: “Peace needs to be in everyone’s life. Of all the things we have tried in this world, there is one thing we have never given a chance. That one thing is peace. … When people in the world are at peace within, the world will be at peace.” The Prem Rawat Foundation is dedicated to advancing the lectures, speeches, writings, art, music, humanitarian efforts, and public forums of Prem Rawat.

The Foundation made a lasting impression on all of the talent who came through the lounge. Ciara was very interested in the foundation’s work and autographed a T-shirt along with a personal message of peace. The shirt will be auctioned off to benefit the foundation. It read: “When you have peace within yourself, everything else falls in place. . . love, Ciara.” tprf.org

The Prem Rawat Foundation

 

 

To give the stars some bling for their trip down the red carpet, Lorenzo was there with stunning sterling silver and 18K gold jewelry. Mary J. Blige not only walked away with a Lorenzo pendant in Blue Topaz, but she also got the earrings to match. And all of the male artists were thrilled to have Valentine’s gifts to give to their significant others later this week!

Distinguished by its spectrum of vibrant colors, innovative designs and intricate craftsmanship, Lorenzo appeals to the discerning contemporary woman. The company designs, brands, markets, retails and distributes a full range of exquisite jewelry to fine jewelers, department stores, national jewelry chains and electronic and specialty retailers. Founded on its pioneering “mine to market” strategy and the unwavering commitment to quality and service, Lorenzo enjoys a global reach. Each guest received Lorenzo’s newest design, made specifically for the GRAMMY awards, which will debut to the general public later this year. www.ljinc.com

Lorenzo Jewelry

To get glowing for the show, SkinMedica gifted the celebrities with a deluxe set of their best skincare products. The gift include full sizes of TNS Illuminating Eye Cream, TNS Lip Plump System, TNS Body Lotion, Uplifting Eye Serum, Skin Polisher, and their innovative Acne System. Burt Bacharach made sure to pick up a bag of product for his wife, and Jennifer Love Hewitt took home four TNS Lip Plumps…it must really work!

SkinMedica is a cutting edge cosmeceutical company and pioneer of converging biotechnology with dermatology. Developed by internationally renowned dermatologist Dr. Richard E. Fitzpatrick, SkinMedica is the only skin care line to feature NouriCel-MD. Discovered through wound healing research, it contains a proprietary cocktail of multiple human growth factors, soluble collagen, matrix proteins, antioxidants and other elements essential to younger, healthy skin. www.skinmedicaaesthetics.com

SkinMedicaElliott Lucca brought their gorgeous collection of woven leather handbags.  A division of The Sak, the luxury handbags are both stylish and functional.  Celebrities could choose among the hottest new designs for spring. Ciara and Rihanna both picked out the Isadora Deluxe bag in khaki and Rihanna said she not only loved the color, but that the bag was really beautiful as well. Jennifer Love Hewitt was giddy over her Lucca Floral leather handbag and can’t wait to wear it this Spring. In fact, she loved it so much she said was going to sleep with it!

A colorful addition to every woman’s summer wardrobe, Jennifer’s chosen Lucca Floral doctor’s satchel is a breath of fresh air with it’s brightly colored flower designs. The floral graphic pops off the White leather with a bang, and the vintage-inspired look is finished with signature silver hardware, braided handles and natural-colored straw trim. No wonder Jennifer fell in love! www.elliottlucca.com

Elliott LuccaChinese Laundry gifted stars with their fabulous and trendy shoes in the latest styles. Attendees could choose from three distinct styles in various colors. James Blunt picked out the “Julian” in both black and pewter for a special someone he is taking to the GRAMMYs (supermodel Petra Nemcova, maybe?). Whoever she is, she wears a size 6! The girls were loving them, too, as Jennifer Love Hewitt confessed that Chinese Laundry Shoes are her favorite and picked up the “Julian” and the Dagger. Singer Ciara put is best when she said she thought the brass shoe was “fly.”

Chinese Laundry launched in 1982 with a collection of fashion forward footwear targeted to the young women’s market. From stylish daytime looks in innovative fabrics and leathers, to evening collections in dressy metallics and iridescents, Chinese Laundry continues to create and deliver style and fashion at an affordable price. www.chineselaundry.com

Chinese Laundry

Guests also received the Logitech AudioStation, an innovative new sound system made to work with all iPod’s. All they have to do is take it home, plug in their iPod and enjoy the audiophile acoustics that will fill their home with high-performance sound. It’s the ultimate system for any music aficionado, and perfect for the GRAMMY’s stars.  The system features two-way speakers with 1″ soft-dome tweeters and 4″ long-throw woofers.  The sleek-looking black system not only looks sophisticated but also is multifunctional with touch-sensitive controls and an integrated digital AM/FM radio tuner. www.logitech.com

LogitechNespresso USA, Inc. brought their unique espresso system so the stars can get the perfect jolt of java in the comfort f their own homes.  The machine—both functional and beautifull—brews single shots of espresso, so you get a fresh cup every time. The exclusive system of unique coffee capsules together with innovative machine technology enables Nespresso to capture all the character of a coffee and produce a genuine, high-quality espresso.

Lionel Richie was overheard saying to Smokey Robinson “Smokey, you have to see this, it’s coffee in a capsule!” He went on to say “You’re gonna give me a coffee machine? BLESS YOU!”  And John Legend? Well he just said, “I want to get my espresso machine.” TV personality Guiliana DePandi admitted that she and husband-to-be Bill Rancic of  “The Apprentice” could take the machine off of their registry now that they have it! www.nespresso.com

NespressoFOX Racing gave out surf, skate, and motocross apparel and accessories. A leader in sports apparel, Fox offers a variety of apparel and protective gear for action sports including MX, Surf, MTB and BMX. Guests were able to choose among boardshorts, flip-flops, towels, helmets, and many, many more items, all with the signature Fox styling. www.foxracing.com

Fox Racing

No celebrity is complete without a pair of shades, and Solstice Sunglass Boutique was there to make sure they dodge the paparazzi in style. They offered a wide selection of designer sunglasses from Gucci, Armani, Marc Jacobs Valentino, YSL and many others. Set up as a sunglass bar, guests could try on all the styles to find their perfect pair.

Best New Artist nominee Corinne Bailey Rae needed to find “some glasses to hide behind” ( the perils of new-found fame!) and picked up a pair of oversized ivory Kate and retro-looking black Marc Jacobs shades that would do the trick. Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussy Cat Dolls said “I want glasses that say ‘I’m a diva and I’m famous.’” Her new pair of Boucheron Rimless Shields (at $614, they were one of the most expensive pairs at Solstice Sunglass Boutique) will defiantly get the message across. www.solsticestores.com

Solstice Sunglass BoutiqueDermacia gave the gift of flawless skin.  Recommended by doctor’s and demanded by celebrities, Dermacia Breathable Foundation has found a permanent home in the kits of Hollywood’s leading makeup artists for one reason: Dermacia’s breathable, gel-based formula smoothes on beautifully to give you that flawless, glowing complexion you’ve always wanted without compromising the health of your skin. Developed under the guidance of trained physicians, Dermacia’s exclusive, gel-based formula allows air and moisture to pass through to your skin, keeping your complexion looking natural and flawless all day long.

Best New Artist winner Carrie Underwood sent her makeup artist to the Lounge to pick up some more for her. She has been wearing it for 3 years, and Natalie Cole was so impressed she said that the foundation was a miracle. www.dermacia.com

DermaciaCreative Nail Design was on hand to make the star’s nails red-carpet-ready for the big night. Creative Nail Design is the global leader in professional hand and foot beauty. Ciara was no Creative Nail newbie, as she already wears and loves their polishes. She picked out eight new polish colors at the suite, plus got the royal treatment when Creative Nail Design went to her hotel and gave her a custom blended manicure to perfect her GRAMMY red carpet look. Natalie Cole picked a dozen colors and said it was like candy. She also picked up a Stephanie Johnson bag of 50 nail colors.

John Legend got his family in on the gifting action and picked up a gift for his sister, who is currently attending beauty school. He took her home a Stephanie Johnson bag containing 50 Creative Nail Design polishes. www.creativenaildesign.com

Creative Nail DesignHair Dr. Spela brought their line of innovative hair products. Everyone received the 1-2-3 Home Hair Care System, which includes the Jade Hair Dryer, Dr. SCALP Massager and Spela 707 Shampoo. This system is truly “East Meets West” as it applies both western and eastern medicines and methods that aid hair care problems.

All of the artists swooned over the great design and lightness of the dryers, and all wanted to take home the special Swarovski edition dryer that was on display. Wyclef Jean ordered two Swarovski crystal dryers and Natalie Cole and Jennifer Love Hewitt asked for personalized ones as well. www.hairdrspela.com

All of the artists loved stopping by Gibson for their guitars and to jam a bit. Wyclef Jean did some freestyle rapping, Stewart Copeland jumped behind the drum kit and jammed in the Lounge, Natalie Cole sang “Imagine” and Chad Smith from The Red Hot Chili Peppers played the drums… and ended the song by kicking over the drum set. www.gibson.com

Many artists received original artwork by Jim Hayek . An innovative artist, Hayek creates paintings inspired by music. Several of the artists were able to pick up artwork inspired by their own songs.  The Dixie Chicks weren’t going to come in the Gift Lounge because of time constraints… but made sure to stop by and pick up their painting of  their GRAMMY-winning “Not Ready to Make Nice.” www.jimhayek.com

Jim Hayek

Guests also received a gift certificate from J.Gatsby Events. www.jgatsby.com 

And as if that wasn’t enough, the exclusive GRAMMY Gift Basket, sponsored by mark. by Avon,  overflowed with fun items: Flip For It Color Kit from mark. by Avon,  a Memorex SD TravelCard Flash Media Card (1GB) and Logo’d Bag, a Lifetime VIP Account for Online Photo Albums from SmugMug, Inc,  a One Year Bicoastal Membership to The Sports Club/LA, a luxury gift box from Gingi, ColourREVOLUTION The Mixer Root Touch Up System, Destiny Card Readings by Jai, a Six Month Online Movie Rental Subscription from Netflix, Human Rights Campaign Heatherette Tee, The Complete Dental Pet Kit from Keep it Clean, Baby Rock Records Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Baby’s Favorite Rock Bands, General Motors Soy Candles, Gift Certificate for Dinner for Two at Lola’s, an URBAN TOOL Design GmbH sportHolster, Hollywood Bowl Concert Package, HeelStraps Virtually Invisible Straps for Strapless Heels, a Gift Certificate for Gourmet Food Delivery from Impromptu Gourmet, Tres Chicas Bootie Pies Pedicure Boots, Peppermint Patty, Limoncello, Lavender Lace and Rose Garden Body Butter from Beauty Bar, IZ Haircare from Izzazu Salon, The Saint-Tropez Diet Book, Baja Traveler Magazine, Leather Zone Basketball Purse & Silk Scarf OR Snap Football Purse & Silk Scarf from Red24bags.com, hair care products from TIGI, Dark Chocolate Dipped Altoids, BALMSHELL, Gift Certificate for 2 Night Stay in Deluxe Studio at the Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa, hair care products from Cibu, Ferrara Pan Lemonheads, Auberge Resorts GRAMMY Getaway, four pack of Xtazy Energy Drink and Xtazy Polo Shirt, Voyant Chai Cream Liqueur, Gift Certificate for a Non-Surgical Eye Lift from The Skin Spa Las Vegas, Jimmy’Z Men’s and Women’s Graphic Tees, THE DOORS by The Doors from Hyperion Books, XM Pioneer inno XM2go Portable Satellite Radio and Mp3 Player, a YogaSmart Outfit from YoginiStyle, Skin Fitness Plus Therapeutic Medical Skin Care Services, Hustle Clothing Comfort Boot Line, L’Oréal Paris Telescopic Lengthening & Lash By Las Separating Mascara and Telescopic Liquid Eyeliner, Breathe Acupuncture by Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac, Adagio Teas, Corrupt Design Urban Jungle Shield Ring in Sterling Silver, Two Night Getaway in a Luxury Suite from Morongo Casino Resort Spa, Lady Lanell’s Swarovski Crystal Sandals, and a Aquasana Shower Filter.

Established in 1999, Distinctive Assets not only produces the Gift Baskets and Talent Lounges for many major award shows but also provides product placement, product introduction and branding opportunities within the entertainment industry. Other services include Corporate & Personal Gifting for every occasion. www.distinctiveassets.com

 

 

About the author

Kyra Lausmann