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Matrix went all out for the Oscars this year. Adjacent to the Luxury Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel, Matrix took over three rooms and turned them into an impressive "salon." One room was devoted to hair, one to nail services and a canopied balcony was designated for make up. The bathroom was converted to a shampoo room and I don't mean like "throw your head over the sink" for a wash, but a REAL shampoo chair set up over the tub for maximum client comfort.
Stylist Mark Townsend and Matrix VP Deborah Marquardt.
It was there that the Matrix team introduced Vavoom Celebrity Stylist Mark Townsend to the presenters, nominees and other invited guests. He and the Matrix Team including Matrix Artistic Designers Edwin Fontanez and Dan Csicsai, were there to debut the new Vavoom Gold Heat line of thermal styling products infused with real micronized gold. People were lined up for cuts, Prizms.plus Gloss Treatments, Cera-Repair Deep Conditioning treatments or blow-outs for all the Oscar parties and events. Townsend handled the pressure with the poise and grace of a truly seasoned professional.
Little Miss Sunshine's Abigail Breslin getting a trim from Mark Townsend.
Dozens of celebs and members of the press actually enjoyed the opportunity. While there I saw Stacey Keibler (Dancing with the Stars) and just missed Natasha Richardson, Rosario Dawson, Hayden Panettiere, Christina Ricci, Cheryl Hines and the little girl from Little Miss Sunshine, Abigail Breslin. All were hoping for the same magic that Mark bestowed on Reese Witherspoon with her latest style transformation (he is responsible for her fresh fringe!)
Rosario Dawson visiting the Matrix "salon."
It wouldn't be right not mention one of the absolute best give-aways from all the gifting suites. Matrix gave every guest visiting their "salon" a beautiful gold trimmed tote filled with the Vavoom Gold Heat products. The brains behind the beautiful and practical design is Deborah Marquardt, Vice President Matrix Integrated Communications. "Right after the 2001 Oscars," says Marquardt, "I bumped into Judi Dench on a flight and she literally had her Oscar sticking out of her tote along with her book and knitting! At the time I said to her ‘wow, you need a special bag for that!' I designed our gift tote with a 'padded secret compartment' for any of our guests who actually win an Oscar. This way anyone can transport something special in style!" Judi Dench never showed at this Matrix Salon, but the rest of us left carrying "something special" in the form of the new Vavoom Gold Heat products. No Oscar, but close!
Paula Abdul with the Matrix gold goody bag.
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