The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences may have discontinued its official Oscars goodie bag 20 years ago, but that hasn't stopped the tradition of lavish gift-giving in Hollywood. As reported by The Guardian, the IRS crackdown on the taxation of these gifts led to a new era of discreet yet intense gifting frenzy, with rooms in luxury hotels and spas being transformed into gifting suites for A-listers.
At the forefront of this gifting phenomenon is Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets, who has been showering expensive items on celebrities at awards ceremonies like the Grammys and the Oscars for years. His "Everybody Wins" gift bags are delivered directly to the lucky talent, featuring items like luxury T-shirts, state-of-the-art electric flossers, and even fully customized prenup agreements.
Fary's gifts are often quirky and eclectic, including a glittery "hydro jug" and five different cannabis brands. Each bag is valued at under $350,000 and is tailored to the individual celebrity, with some even requesting delivery to their homes or under aliases. As Fary notes, "They have to do nothing, they just enjoy the spoils."
The Art of Gifting
Nathalie Dubois of Dubois Pelin and Associates has also been in the gifting industry for two decades, specializing in traditional luxury brands like Gucci, Fendi, and Chopard. Unlike Fary, Dubois requires celebrities to pick up their gifts in-person, renting five hotel suites and a garden in the upmarket suburb of Brentwood to showcase her exclusive items.
Dubois' approach is more personalized, with a focus on surprising and intriguing celebrities with unique gifts. She recalls gifting diamond watches and high-end sunglasses, and has worked with brands like Lancôme and Chloe. However, her approach also comes with its own set of challenges, including "gifting crashers" who attempt to impersonate stars or claim to be part of a TV show's cast.
Fary and Dubois may have different approaches, but they both understand the value of social media exposure. Fary notes that the "best case scenario" is when celebrities post about their gifts on Instagram, citing examples like Viola Davis and Amy Adams. Dubois, on the other hand, relies on the exclusivity and luxury of her gifts to generate buzz.
The Business of Gifting
The gifting industry is a lucrative one, with brands paying fees to be included in Fary's gift bags and Dubois' suites. However, it's not just about the monetary value – it's also about the prestige and exposure that comes with being associated with Hollywood's elite. As Fary says, "If they don't post a single thing, that's fine. I've been doing this long enough that we used to get a handwritten thank you note, which was lovely."
For celebrities, the gifts are a welcome perk, but also a reminder of the intense scrutiny and attention that comes with being in the public eye. As the Oscars approach, the gifting suites will continue to be a hub of activity, with Fary and Dubois working tirelessly to create an unforgettable experience for their A-list clients.
Behind the Scenes
As the gifting frenzy reaches its peak, it's clear that the tradition of Oscar goodie bags is alive and well. With Fary and Dubois at the helm, the art of gifting has become a highly specialized and exclusive industry, catering to the unique tastes and preferences of Hollywood's elite. Whether it's a customized prenup agreement or a pair of "Mineral Undies" made from tree fibers, the gifts are a testament to the creativity and luxury that defines the Oscars.
