Despite the
Golden Globe Awards being reduced from a swanky dinner party
to a no-frills news conference because of the writers'
strike, gift suites remain in full swag.
At least five
freebie-filled events beckoned nominees Friday. And since
the show is off, vendors hoped their wares -- which included
jewelry, evening gowns, and climate-controlled pet
carriers -- might take center stage. A few wondered if
gifting was appropriate this year, but most decided
stars need their swag.
''Even though
there's a writers' strike, it doesn't mean that we
shouldn't be honoring actors for their accomplishments
throughout the year,'' said Gavin Keilly, who
organized a gift suite in Beverly Hills. He's donating
a portion of its proceeds to the Writers Guild Foundation,
he said.
Still, a few of
his usual vendors canceled.
''They didn't
feel comfortable because of the strike,'' he said. ''They
didn't think people would come.''
Under threat of
union picketing and a boycott by nominated actors,
Sunday's Golden Globes switched from a live ceremony filled
with stars to a news conference at which winners
simply will be announced.
But gift spots
were bustling as though there were a big event around the
corner.
''We were afraid
no one was going to show up ... and we almost backed
out, but it really paid off,'' said Cindy Lott, who was
touting Xtreme Lashes eyelash extensions at another
event in Beverly Hills. ''There were more RSVPs
because people aren't at their stylists.''
''I knew the
actors would still be supporting the gifting,'' said Susan
Setz, who was showing her Wild Rose Tattoo Shirts at a gift
suite in Brentwood, a neighborhood known for its high
celeb quotient. ''I looked at it as a wonderful
opportunity.''
Besides, stars
might have extra time on their hands since they're not
preparing for the show -- and many aren't working because of
the strike.
They might also
need the publicity, said Barbara Moore, who offered
T-shirts and books at a Beverly Hills lounge.
''People are
going to want to have their picture taken since they're not
going to be on the red carpet,'' she said.
Press coverage of
the strike and Golden Globes cancellation brought more
attention to surrounding events -- another plus for people
with products to promote.
''We're getting
more exposure from people wanting to know what we're
doing and why we're here,'' said Matthew Miller, who was
giving away appetite-suppressant lozenges at the
Brentwood suite.
Like awards
shows, gifting is a Hollywood tradition. Maybe the Golden
Globe suites are proof that the industry hasn't entirely
shut down.
''Stars want to
come and celebrate,'' said vendor Niels Christiansen.
''They support the writers, but they still want to have
fun.'' (AP)
