MENU
SEARCHOur Alicia Marantz, West Coast and Entertainment Editor, was out getting engaged over Oscar weekend (yay!) so I had to go cross country to fill her shoes and GO TO THE OSCARS.
Our Alicia Marantz, West Coast and Entertainment Editor, was out getting engaged over Oscar weekend (yay!) so I had to go cross country to fill her shoes and GO TO THE OSCARS. Okay, maybe not the actual Oscars, but to do something even better: the "gifting suites and lounges." Wow…they know how to have fun in LA! My head is still spinning. Here's how it works: prior to any big award event, production companies rent space in a hotel or take over a local mansion, store or salon. Space is then offered (for a fee) to various vendors to show their products, tools or services. The production company in turn invites celebs and their "peeps" to come tour the suite in hopes that the celeb will wear, try, sample any of the items offered. Ideally it's a win win for everyone…the vendor gets free publicity, and the celeb (or other high profile person) gets a great whatever.
Andy Dick gets a trim courtesy of Aveda.
One of my favorites was the GBK Productions Oscar Suite, the gold standard of gift suites, known for its quality, quantity, and generosity. Called the Oscar Lounge, more than 10 suites over two floors in the Roosevelt Hotel were devoted to gifting. Fifty-two vendors including three jean designers, Metro Mint Water (the best beverage at the suites), Isaac Mizrahi shoes, Cinzia eyeglasses, Magellan GPS Systems, Gevril watches, Medi-Rub Foot Massager, Spirit Scrolls jewelry, 3Lab skin care, EZ Vision and EZ Wake iPod systems, Lazer Away Hair Removal and Bodega Chocolates were there for the sharing. Before hitting the gift zone, invited guests encountered Jane Iredale make up artists and Aveda hairdressers just waiting to touch up anyone interested. Zoya and Qtica Smart Spa were giving manicures and pedicures right and left. My favorite was Dominic of Barbar who made all he encountered feel like a celeb. Everyone walked out with a blow dryer and curling iron.
Dominic of Barbar with Penny Marshall.
Mere mortals are barred, but press is welcome to rub elbows with the Oscar folk. While there I encountered Helen Mirren, Penny Marshall and Andy Dick. I just missed Leo DiCaprio and Forest Whitaker. Bummer. What made us all feel good is that Gavin Keilly, GBK founder, takes a percentage of the profits and this year donated $15,000 in cash and $120,000 of products and services to multiple charities including Global Green and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. It makes us all feel better about being product pigs.
GBK founder Gavin Keilly with Helen Mirren.
From GBK my "posse" (okay, my daughter) and I went to the Beverly Hills home of brow expert Anastasia. Most impressive at her breathtaking mansion was the space devoted to services. Creative Nail Design actually took over a canopied area by the pool and set up about 6 stations for manicures and pedicures. All spots were taken so we sauntered over to the make up area. There was an empty seat near a very attractive, bobbed woman. I was about to ask her if she was the make up artist when my daughter grabbed my arm and said "watch out! That's Naomi Campbell." Wow…dodged a bullet (or phone) there. Like literally.
The $1 million dollar CHI flatiron! Stacy Kiebler with president of Farouk, Shauky Gulamani.
We left quickly and headed over to the Sunset Hyatt to the Platinum Suite. CHI dominated this penthouse set-up with a $1,000,000 diamond encrusted iron which was both beautiful and functional. We were drawn to the sparkling appliance which was featured in an imp
The BBR Beauty Show featured a prominent speaker lineup including Lacy Redway, Karrueche Tran, Danessa Myricks, Chelley B., Sabrina Elba, Jessica Harris-Dupart, and more.
The Professional Beauty Association and Pivot Point team up to develop an ongoing study that measures the confidence of salon owners, stylists, school owners, and students.
This shared recognition celebrates the strength of industry collaboration in advancing professional mobility.
In Dubai, a salon visit isn’t an appointment. It’s a weekly routine, and clients can spend $800 to $1,400 a month on it, according to Gaurav Tripathi of MADI International. On October 6-8, 2026, the market behind those numbers opens its doors as Beautyworld Dubai marks its 30th edition at the Dubai World Trade Centre, bringing together distributors, brands, stylists and salon owners from all over the world.
Sponsored by BeautyWorld Dubai
The Good Patch is a leading wearable wellness patch brand, offering wellness and skincare patches that support everyday needs including energy, sleep, relaxation and more.
Four publications for beauty industry professionals to enhance their leadership skills, financial awareness, professional growth, and joy!
Ulta Beauty has announced its partnership with Black Beauty Roster to launch the pilot of All Textures Certification (ATC). The new program is aimed at addressing gaps in education within the beauty industry and raising the level of skills and guest satisfaction for all.
Mireya Villarreal, founder of From Chair to Boss™, is bringing together beauty industry leaders for a new one-day educational event designed to help salon professionals strengthen the business side of their careers. From Chair to Boss Live! will take place September 28 at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center in Oak Brook, Illinois.
Salon owner, tech founder, and educator Universe Walker will bring her signature workshop, The Art of Dry Cutting, to Brooklyn on July 20, offering stylists a chance to deepen their understanding of shape, movement, texture, and dry cutting.
As part of our ongoing commitment to sharing resources that help beauty professionals stay informed, we thought it was worth introducing our audience to The Chatter and the unique perspective it brings to industry conversations.
Celebrating 60 years in haircare, Dippity-Do is honoring its styling heritage with its Girls with Curls collection, a reimagined Light Hold Gelée inspired by the brand's original 1965 styling gel.
Covet & Mane has expanded its Pro Color System with the launch of Color Boost Drops, completing what the company says is the first professional color system engineered specifically for hair extensions.
The 2026 Beauty Changes Lives Legacy Award has been awarded to Sam Villa for his trailblazing contribution, advocacy and mentorship that has profoundly transformed and elevated the professional beauty industry.
CND is relaunching its SHELLAC system with a new CND Visible Light Lamp, updated packaging, and an expanded shade offering.
Curl Cult founder Janine Jarman, a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, and product creator, is opening a community investment round that gives hairdressers and clients the opportunity to own a stake in the company they helped grow.
The night honored the artists and collections shaping the future of professional beauty during PBA NAHA 2026.
The ultra-lightweight, handle-free dryer is designed to reduce wrist strain while delivering powerful performance behind the chair.
