Kiss and tell? Never. RSVP and tell on the other hand, that’s a different story. From fashion week to film festivals, we’re checking out some of the biggest events and sharing every up-to-the-minute detail.
Hysteria is a film about the invention of vibrators, so naturally dozens of the pocket-sized toys –– wrapped in pretty red bows – were cheekily on display around the Thompson Hotel’s 1812 club.
That kind of overt playfulness set the tone for the entire affair, and served as one hell of an icebreaker. Example: “Excuse me, ma’am. Can you please pass me one of those pocket rockets over there? Thank you so very kindly.” I mean, how can you not instantly bond over something like that? It reinforced just how powerful props can be in social situations.
But not everyone was feeling chatty. Star Maggie Gyllenhaal, glowing in a beautiful floor length white gown, whisked past the media line with security in tow and headed to a private spot in the back. “No photos,” we were told. All I could think at that moment was that if I were rocking a dress like that, I’d even go up to strangers and ask them to take pictures of me. But alas, it was not meant to be.
Thankfully co-stars Hugh Dancy and Jonathan Pryce swooped in to save the day. Hugh, managing to look both adorable and elegant (a feat both invented and mastered by the Brits), posed for a few photos before being eagerly swallowed up by the party morass.
Jonathan was jovial, warm, and generous, cracking a few jokes, obliging every interview request, and elevating the energy in the room. A truly gracious star.
Guests snacked on a mix of warm Asian-inspired hors d’oeuvres and washed them down with premium white chocolate Magnum ice cream bars, which were stacked on fancy multi-tiered platters. Between the mini cupcakes, candy, and other sugar-laden party treats, my blood sugar levels are not impressed. My stomach, on the other hand, thinks it’s been my birthday all week.
And all in good time. As the festival winds down, the mood has also become more relaxed. Events no longer feel like a high stakes game of spot-the-celebrity. In fact, by this point the party-weary no longer bat an eyelash when a familiar face walks by. “Was that –? Oh, never mind. Where are the cupcakes?”
Instead, we get to kick back, mingle with new friends and enjoy these 10 nights for what they really are: Toronto at its party finest, with our city in the starring role.
As I wind down the late nights, I’d like to thank you all for being such wonderful plus-ones. You can be my party dates any time. So until the next big event, fellow sweetspotters. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to attend the opening of a three-day nap.