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Drake Hotel Overdrive launch party gives a throwback to silver screen rebels

Photos by Connie Tsang

The Toronto International Film Festival kicked off with a ton of parties. The excitement was palpable, especially around the TIFF Bell Lightbox and the Hyatt Hotel where filmmakers and industry types congregate.

Rather than attend a red carpet party, I opted to walk the black carpet last night at the Drake Hotel Overdrive Launch Party celebrating TIFF. The line-up outside was ridiculous—and rightly so. Stella Artois and Sailor Jerry sponsored the event and were offering guests very personalized freebies… like tattoos. Real tattoos.

Parked on Queen Street in front of the hotel, the Sailor Jerry airstream trailer acted as a mobile tattoo shop, where guests can pick a pre-determined list of Sailor Jerry designs.

Room 222 was transformed into a pop-up barbershop, where the Sailor Jerry crew treated guests to free haircuts.

For those who wanted something a little less permanent, the Stella Artois team was on hand to carve signature Stella chalices with guests' names and personalized messages to take home.

On the main stage, indie superstars Still Life Still, Dinosaur Bones, and headliner act, The Darcys swayed the crowd.

The bartenders also created special cocktails inspired by some of Hollywood’s tragic heroes and rebels. Guests ordered cocktails such as the Dennis Hopper (American rye whiskey, cognac, Punt e Mes vermouth, Cherry Heering and bitters, $14), the Brigitte Bardot (Hennessey Black cognac, Drambuie, Green Chartreuse, lemon juice and grated ginger, $14), and the James Dean (tequila blanco, chili pepper syrup, mole bitters and lime juice, $13). These cocktails are available until September 16. For the full cocktail list, click here.

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