Although, with the TIFF Bell Lightbox, the festival is moving downtown, there’s no denying that the hub of celebrity activity will remain fixed at Bay and Bloor. Beyond being the most trusted pit stop for A-listers seeking last minute wardrobe assistance, Holt Renfrew has always had a strong relationship with the festival. In fact, some of our most memorable TIFF moments to date were had in the menswear collection, and we have Moira to thank for the, um, fuzzy memories.

However, this year Holts will be trying on something new. Instead of a splashy party, where loyal customers mingle with celebrities, they will be hosting Variety Magazine’s Studio, for the entirety of TIFF 2010. Throughout the day, talent will be swooshing around the makeup counters and ducking in for photo shoots and interviews. Dip in for a spritz of Chanel because you are likely to collide with a Hollywood heavyweight.

How are you preparing for TIFF right now?
Looking forward to welcoming film talent to Variety Magazine’s Studio at Holt Renfrew.

During TIFF, where would we most likely find you at 2PM? At 2AM?
Sorry, not so exciting here: at the office at 2 pm and asleep at 2 am.

What has been your most memorable TIFF party to date?
Holt Renfrew’s 2008 TIFF party with MGMT playing in a Diner staged on our Concourse level. It was literally the first red carpet I’d ever planned, or stepped on for that matter. The amazing Holt Renfrew team is a fabulous force to behold. Steve Nash was an unexpected bonus arrival.

What’s your celebrity story, or moment, that gets rehashed most at dinner parties?
Meeting Christina Hendricks. She was gorgeous and bright – it’s hard to take your eyes off her. She and her husband were so gracious, and both had a wicked sense of humour.

What are three things you need to survive during TIFF?
1. An hour between work and events to have dinner with my husband and kids.
2. The Holts Salon.
3. Somewhat comfortable heels!

What film are you looking forward to most this year?
Barney’s Version – my favourite of Mordecai Richler’s books, and one of my favourite reads of all time. I believe there is an “earlier wife” character meant to have been working at Holt Renfrew Montreal.

What party are you most excited about this year?
Hello Canada! It will be a great opportunity to pay homage to Editor-in-Chief Ciara Hunt. She has built an incredible brand and truly changed the landscape in Canada in the short time she’s been here. She makes glamour fun and smart.

If you could pick the brain of one filmmaker, who would it be? Michelangelo Antonioni.

If you could grab a drink with one celeb who is attending TIFF this year, who would you choose?
Can I take two? Javier Bardem and Penelope Cruz.