THE DPA OSCARS GIFT SUITE 2026
THE 2026 OSCARS DPA GIFT SUITE AT THE LUXE HOTEL:
MAY THE SHOW BEGIN!
There is only one place where we see the convergence of over 33 different brands on the eve of the last big award show, The Oscars. It is the 2026 Oscars DPA Gift Suite (https://dpagroup.org ), located, as always, at the enchanting Luxe Hotel on Sunset (https://www.luxehotels.com ). This is the pre-show event every star and crew nominated, attend, and get spoiled with so many great gifts. This year we could see the likes of Aidan Delbis (‘Bugonia’), Christalyn Hampton (director ‘The Devil is busy’), Florence Miailhe (director ‘Butterfly’), Julie Rov (producer of ‘The girl who cried pearls’, won the Oscar), Wummi Mosaku (‘Sinners’) and so many others.
As I got to the Luxe and I checked into the DPA lounge, I was thirsty and hungry, as I drove almost three hours, from Santa Barbara where I live, and with a heat wave as California knows, sometime, in the Spring. Lucky me as I was welcome by a little liquor testing from ‘The Shep’s bar’ (www.ShepTheRep.com ), a simple, stylish mobile bar for intimate events, open houses and small corporate happy hours. Ashley, the owner was so kind about giving me 2 little Tequilla shots that warmed up my body, ready to explore the rest of the lounge. Then I met the fantastic culinary team of www.MonaMilaCatering.com . This Armenian cuisine business is more than catering and they offer complete event planning services tailored to your wildest dreams. Whether it’s a wedding, corporate function, birthday or graduate celebration, call Mona Mila Catering for a unique Mediterranean experience. I especially indulged myself on their chicken and beef kebab with a side of basmati rice and some divine humus with pita bread.
Next to Mona Mila was the splendid catering company of https://jmcateringandevents.com . They had several French specialties such as ‘mini croque-monsieur’ but also Chef Huguette was gracing the ground. She offers a blend of the best contemporary cuisine with some vibrant flavors of Afro-Caribbean gastronomy! What a feast! Now that I had a full belly, I felt adventurous and I had one more mini cocktail, courtesy of Coit Spirits ( www.Coitspirits.com ). They focus, mainly on “boutique” Gin, even so they also have a “mean” Indian straight Bourbon Whiskey. I had a minty fresh drink made with their legendary ‘Earl Gray Gin’. It took 12 months to perfect the recipe of 10 botanicals in their Earl Grey Gin to achieve aroma, flavor, balance and stability. As I write this review, I’m sipping on an iced cup of this gin with a lemon twist, pure heaven!
As I move into the various suites of the DPA lounge I’m falling under the smelling spell of https://annassecretgarden.com ! Anna’s Secret Garden is a floral shop where all your wildest flower arrangement ideas come to life. I wish I had met them in time for Valentine’s Day but now I’m ready for next year.
After this enchanting, delightful moment I run into my friends of Garikimot Vacation Rentals (www.Garikimot.com ), a deluxe resort in the Palm Spring area. This is your dream destination for all your friends as the smallest rental is for 14 people in a luxurious 3 bedrooms 2 bath private set up with a jacuzzi. Don’t hesitate and book your next vacation: now!
As I was transitioning from one suite to another, I heard the calling from the wild rescued birds from www.ThePlumery.org , a nonprofit parrot sanctuary located in Ventura County, California. Most of birds have a tragic story but thanks to the kindness of founder Leslie Rugg and her devoted passionate team of amazing women like Erica Brege and Megan Bay, these birds have found peace and love, at last and forever. These ladies are angels on the feathers of these unique beautiful souls.
What was new and impressive was a humanitarian presence by two wonderful organizations. The first one is ‘Espero Atelier’ (@esperoatelier). They teach French sewing and embroidery skills to refugees from the fashion industry, aiming to facilitate their integration into luxury houses. Maya Persaud, the co-founder of this ‘not for profit’ endeavor is truly a savior to so many desperate men and women trying to rebuild their life in exile.
Then I was passionate about the work done by ‘Life Aid’ (www.LifeAidCa.com ). This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing practical assistance and community support to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances. Their work is all about connecting people with essential resources, assistance programs, and community-based support that improves stability, health and quality of life.
Now was the time to dwell into a fashion space and meet some of the most innovative creators. I was happy to re-connect with the talented Cameo Phillips from ‘Cameo de Boré’ (www.CameoDeBore.com ) and her breathtaking women handbag company. This St Louis native and covid survivor brings forth a line of “superstar” bags that will always put you into the spotlight. And she even created a line honoring her mother passing from cancer.
Next, I met the team of craftsmen behind the ‘Norvoch Body Jewelry’ line (www.Norvoch.com ). Their philosophy is simple and perfect: “Here at Norvoch, we believe that beauty, grace, and fashion have all been combined to develop individual style. We are constantly evolving to develop a company that builds strong working relationships, confidence, and trust from our customers.” This truly a testament to their excellence.
To round up the fashion experience at the DPA gifts suite lounge I had to meet again my friends from ‘Miliani Creations’ (@milianicreations) who have a glamorous line of jewel made with real pearls from Tahiti. This time, I got a necklace for my girlfriend, and I hope she enjoys its shine and magic. Miliani Creations just launched in the U.S and they are already profitable in France and Japan, proof that the quality and the artistic vision of their creations is getting loved all over the world. Connect with them and get your dream pearl.
Then came the time to spoil and rejuvenate my skin! First with a special skin treatment from ‘Nebulyft’ (https://nebulyft.com ). They specialize in anti-aging portable devices. I was lucky enough to get a treatment with one of their devices and I have to admit that my skin was immediately shining and less dry than it was before the experience. With ‘Nebulyft’ be ready to get a radiant and glowing skin. After this self-indulging moment, I met with the ‘Eve Perez’ team: “beauty beyond clean” (www.ErePerez.com ). Defining ‘clean beauty’ since 2002, Ere Perez fuses Australian beginning and Mexican heritage into natural, cruelty free, high-performing skincare and makeup. I highly recommend to dig into Ere Perez line of products and find the ones turning you into a Movie Star!
This year, DPA had, once again, created a small Japanese lounge with Soubou,where Japanese artisans showcased their products to the DPA guests and the US market. Brands such as Kashiwaya, Sawada Shuzo (www.Hakurou.com ), Harumaya Fukutarou, It Beauté (www.it-beaute.jp ) with their line of anti-aging tea, Keshiki Gallery, L’odeur de Kyoto, and Tatami Takaokaya (@Tatami.Takaokaya) who gave me a splendid mini tatami made by Naoki Tsunekawa the 5th generation owner! They will present centuries-old, traditional products and techniques to the guests, including handbags made with Bamboo handles, delicious teas, sake (embodying the passionate soul of the brewers!) , matcha, ikebana, tatamis, kimonos, and more.
Based in Japan and courtesy of DPA Partners (DPA’s Japanese branch), Mirai,showcased two beauty brands with innovative products: ‘I’m Pinch’ and ‘Ayune.’ I was given samples to both products, and I can testify about an evolving change of the plasticity of my skin, less dry, smoother and less irritated.
And let’s not forget about ‘Pele Malie Fllowers’ from Tokyo (@Kafuku) who offered a beautiful Japanese flower with its handmade pot.
Once again, Nathalie Dubois and her DPA Lounge delivered a “Tour de Force” experience to be remembered for. We all came together over that weekend to celebrate the Arts, the Peace and the Love! May all our Leaders hear our prayers and put in motion a better World for the sake of our children and grandchildren. I Am because We Are.
By Emmanuel Itier and Felix Itier
