Taking a break from the gyms, hardwoods and playing fields, professional athletes dropped their training schedules for an outdoor man-cave of personal grooming at the Bid Network Online (BNO) pre-ESPY Gentlemen’s Lounge gifting suite.
A true “gentlemen” pampering experience was offered, as each outdoor cabana was decked out with a stations catering to the spa needs of men who might not otherwise partake in such luxuries.
From follicles to fingernails, specialists were there offering barbershop fades, manicures, straight razor shaves, and massages, all with the aroma of cognac and hand rolled cigar smoke wafting through the warm LA air. Each giving athletes and celebrities a chance to wind down, and freshen up before the ESPY awards show.
Guests were greeted with a large bar showcasing Conjure, a cognac both endorsed and distilled with the help of rapper, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges.
Ludacris' Conjure Cognac.
Ludacris, who traveled to Cognac, France himself in order to develop the spirit to his liking, has an emphasis on smoothness and appealing to the female demographic, said Devi Registre, Conjure’s Brand Ambassador.
Signature “Conjure” cocktails such as the Conjito, and Ludabomb, help introduce cognac into the hands of those more partial to mojitos or vodka sodas.
Once guests had their beverages, they were given the opportunity to sample hand rolled cigars from Leon Cigars. A local LA staple, the cigar shop has been a family owned Cuban business in the community for more than 30 years.
“You’re not going to get a fresher cigar in LA,” said Marie Cabrera, Leon Cigar’s roller. Gilberto Leon, a Cuban immigrant and the founder of Leon’s, taught Cabrera.
Marie Cabrera showcases here authentic hand rolled cigars.
With beverages and cigars in hand, guests could indulge in the plethora of personal care.
E.V. the Barber, and personal hairstylist Chris Ulibas were on hand to bring out the buzzers and the styling scissors. The Barber Dollz also had their own station, offering their own special “style” of salon experience, complete with model-esque hairdressers, and additional entertainment in the form of SportsCenter and video games.
Nothing epitomized the “Gentlemen Lounge” more than straight razor shaves courtesy of the Brighton Shave Company. Complete with hot and cold towels, specialized shaving cream, and barbers wearing three-piece suits, guests were able to experience the luxury of the roaring ‘20’s with a modern twist.
Tim Yanchun from The Brighton Shave Co. practices the art of the straight razor shave.
“It’s the last real place for men to be men,” said Tim Yanchun, a master barber at Brighton.
Hailing from the Northeast and bringing the art of the straight razor shave to Beverly Hills, Yanchun has been perfecting his blade skills since starting his own business at age 19.
Assorted skin care products, along with manicures and massages were also available from Lawrence Ray Concepts, dermHA, Treats for the Face, and Heavenly Hands.
The gentlemen enjoyed the TLC from Lawrence Ray Concepts.
The royal lineup of treatment was blinged out with the addition of Jason of Beverly Hills. With a showcase of lavish diamond studded rings, chains, and watches. Jason of Beverly Hills has designed a variety of championship rings for professional sports teams, and provides flashy custom jewelry to more than 300 different professional athletes.
Along with a great opportunity to receive world-class spa treatment, the Gentlemen’s Lounge also provided donations for the Challenger Boys and Girls Club. The organization, which specializes in providing afterschool activities for kids throughout the country, strikes close to many of the athletes who grew up in their neighborhood athletic programs.
The Gentlemen’s Lounge was presented by Karlyn Mitchel PR & Eventsand took place at J Restaurant and Lounge, located at 1119 South Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles.
