Holt & catch fire
Luxury retailer’s marquee events draw starry-eyed crowds
When news rippled through town that Gwyneth Paltrow would be making a personal appearance at Holt Renfrew, Goop lovers were all clamouring for an invitation. The Academy Award- winning actress and GOOP founder breezed in wearing a soft pink Michael Kors silk bow blouse and matching trousers. A gorgeous gaggle of girls arrived for the meet and greet with the star and to hear more about the launch of Juice Beauty.
The difference with Juice Beauty products you ask? Instead of filling creams with chemicals and water, Juice chemists start with an organic botanical juice base and then add powerful skin care ingredients. Formulations are packed with nutrients so every antioxidant- rich drop can feed the skin. The discussion between Juice Beauty
founder Karen Behnke and Gwyneth Paltrow was moderated by Elle USA Beauty Director, Emily Doherty who unabashedly admitted to “fan- girling” over the actress, admitting that, in her dreams they were “best friends.” She called Gwyneth “the ultimate curator” and said that she when buying mayonnaise, she asked herself, “What would Gwyneth do?” We could tell that many of those in the audience felt the same way. Juice Beauty products are available at Holt Renfrew stores across the country and online as well.
And because we couldn’t get enough of Holt Renfrew, it was off to Square One where over 800 guests were the first to lay eyes on the sparkling new location. Well- heeled attendees enjoyed a preview of au courant fall fashions while enjoying cocktails and shopping. On opening day, hundreds gathered outside of the store in anticipation to be the first to shop. The Hon. Hilary M. Weston and W. Galen Weston delighted the crowd as they cut the magenta ribbon with giant his- and- hers scissors and entered the store with a standing ovation by all of the staff who were so happy to have their first customers come in and shop!
“As we prepare to celebrate our 180th anniversary next year, I am thrilled to welcome customers to a milestone moment in our history with the unveiling of our new shop at Square One, a world- class destination that reinforces Holt Renfrew’s position as Canada’s specialty luxury retailer,” enthused Mark Derbyshire, president, Holt Renfrew. As if the designer pieces weren’t enough eye- candy, the Lamborghini Aventador on display in the men’s department certainly head heads turning as well. Shop till you drop!