NKPR'S Natasha Koifman knows her TIFF.

Aside from being charming and helpful, she's also easily the best dressed person in the room. A structured black leather dress (just my style), glowing natural makeup, and crisp eyes that would never betray the absence of sleep. Natasha is hard at work manning the IT Lounge in her NKPR home away from home on Adelaide St, and I stopped in to have her break the fest down for me...

Having her hand in countless TIFF events over the years has given her a pretty good idea of what to expect from the Festival, but just like the movies, every year it's just a little bit different.

So first off, how to maintain your look (hair specifically) on hour 18...

I always look like I ran through a hedge backwards after about the second interview of the day, but Natasha always looks completely put together, yet relaxed. Her tricks? 

1.) Spin Pins. I can agree, she's completely right. They're ingenius for giving you a seamless updo in seconds, and just happen to be featured in her IT Lounge this year. If you don't have access, dash into Walmart, they should have them. 

2.) Don't wash your hair. She says she refrains from washing her hair for 4 days (4 DAYS!) before a big night, because as she has naturally thick amazing hair, it's just about tamed by day 4. We hate her. (I kid...)

3.) Use Brennan Demelo. Brennan is awesome, and close-by. He's partnered with Goody in the IT Lounge to show everyone how to best use the tools. He'll have you looking stellar in seconds. (Resident studio: 316 Adelaide street west). 

Next, what always happens, that you never plan for?

Natasha says that in a game where you tend to expect the worst (no sleep, no time, no chance to see movies), the one thing you often don't expect is just how much fun you'll have. She told me a story about how she found herself out partying until 4am with Paul Haggis, and then took a second to go; "what is it I'm complaining about again?". I honestly think this is the best answer ever. I love that, and it makes me like Natasha even more. You may have seen mention of the SKYY VODKA event she organized last night, where she had men suspended from silk, performing on Martini glasses in the middle of Adelaide street? She just gets it..

Most anticipated movie?

Money Ball and Ides of March. She says people get too caught up in the 'Brangelina' phenomenon, and forget that Brad is actually a really good actor. Quite true, actually..

And, as someone who gets to go to the best parties every year, which are you most excited for this year? 

"The AmfAR event on Sunday night", she says.  She has a black, custom-made Greta Constantine gown ready for the event. "Oh- and it has a train", she exclaims. I die.

xo Holland

Photo by Kira Wakeam