Fan favorite Adina Porter and Gerry Rowland from Coit Spirits. Photo: Michael Bunning
LOS ANGELES, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 3/23/2026 – “We employ primarily refugee women, so 90% of my employees are refugees,” says Espero Atelier Founder and Director, Maya Persaud. “From Afghanistan, from Ukraine to Chechnya. They’re so resilient and so strong. It changed my life. It made me stronger.”
Founded in 2020 and based in Paris, Espero Atelier has successfully placed six former employees at Chanel and one at Hermes. “We have two ateliers where we make clothing and work with some of the biggest luxury houses in the world,” says Persaud. “I employ people from six months to two years and then we work on any blockages to employment like housing, learning the French language, because most of them don’t speak French and you have to know the language to get a job.”
Espero Atelier delighted VIP guests at the 2026 DPA Diamond Lounge with their line of T-shirts bedazzled with the whimsical, Lotti Dolli. The Lotti Dolli is always a trend setter as her wardrobe is created using haute couture fabric scraps. Attendees had the chance to play fashion designer and select an outfit for their own Lotti Dolli.
Espero Atelier was among the standout gift sponsors at this year’s DPA Diamond Lounge. An event that saw an impressive array of Oscar nominees and winners, gathered to celebrate the Academy Awards.
The exclusive industry event took place March 13 and 14 at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel. Among the Academy Award winners and nominees in attendance were: Christine Noël (Winner-Best Animated Short Film, The Girl Who Cried Pearls) Cliona Furey (Winner-Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling Frankenstein), Daniel Barrett and Eric Saindon (Winners-Best Achievement in Visual Effects Avatar: Fire and Ash) Gareth John (Winner- Best Sound F1: The Movie), Wunmi Mosaku ( Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Sinners), Geeta Gandbir ( The Devil is Busy Best Documentary Short Film and The Perfect Neighbor Best Documentary Feature) Christalyn Hampton (director The Devil is Busy Best Documentary Short Film), Florence Mialhe (Best Animated Short Film, Papillon), Maïlys Vallade and Henri Magalon (Best Animated Feature Film Little Amélie) Amanda Villavieja (Best Sound Sirat), Anne Catherine Suaerberg (Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling The Ugly Stepsister), Brad Zoern (Best Sound Frankenstein), Christopher Scarabosio (Best Sound One Battle After Another).
The gift sponsors at the DPA Diamond Lounge treated their A-list guests to a variety of outstanding gifts. Here are a few of our favorites:
Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts in French Polynesia A luxury getaway to the stunning islet (motu) of Motu Tautau was gifted to the Oscar winners and nominees at the DPA Diamond Lounge. The five-star resort is located off the coast of Taha’a island (known as the Vanilla Island for its famous fragrant vanilla production). Guests may choose accommodations of either an overwater suite or a beach villa with a private plunge pool.
Ere Perez This cruelty-free and mostly vegan skincare and cosmetic line works beautifully on all skin types. Yes, even sensitive skin. This Australian brand grew in popularity here in the states partly because of rave reviews from Goop.
Maïlys Vallade with her gift from Cameo DeBoré Phillips of Cameo DeBoré Clutches.
Photo: Michael Bunning
Cameo de Boré Clutches “Quality Italian leather and all hand made,” says founder and CEO Cameo DeBore Phillips of her eponymous curated selection of clutches. This accessory line has garnered so much attention that they will be participating in a number of elite fashion events. “We are slated to show at Paris Fashion Week in October and New York Fashion Week in September. We also customize. That’s probably what I’m best known for.”
Attendees of the DPA Diamond Lounge had the chance to meet not one but two authors
Oshri Hakak is the NAMI Westside Los Angeles School Program Coordinator. He is also the founder of Butterflyon books, a series that focuses on issues of mental health for kids of all ages. Hakak was at DPA to gift copies of his books including, Walruses Wallow, Too. This book stresses that it’s OK to feel disappointment when things don’t go your way. After all, disappointment can be part of the journey to much better things.
Maureen Anne Meehan Her book, 60 Dates in Six Months With a Broken Neck, has been adapted into a feature film that will screen on Apple next month. Perhaps the book’s breakout success stems from how universal the woes of SoCal dating can be? “It’s relatable to all ages,” says Maureen Meehan. “I took it to LA Festival of Books a year ago. I did a QR code to everyone saying, “Bookmark. Tell me your worst date.” I got two sequels out of it. From 80-year-old women to 18 year old boys, I got feedback from men and women of all age ranges. So, I think it’s relatable to all ages. Men, women, anyone whose ever dared to go into the dating world or know somebody who has. I think that’s why the movie is so relatable and very fun.”
Eme’s Baked Goods All products are gluten free. We tried their chocolate chip cookies and loved the rich buttery taste and velvety texture.
Soubou A showcase for Japanese artisans had a special room reserved for them at the DPA Diamond Lounge. Brands Kashiwaya, Sawada Shuzo, Harumaya Fukutarou and more, presented centuries old traditional products such as kimonos, tatamis and more.
Miliani Creations returned to DPA with an exquisite collection of Tahitian black pearl jewelry. A perfect accessory for any red-carpet event.
Oscar nominee (Team Sinners) Michael Shawver receives a gift of precious Tahitian Black pearl jewelry from Miliani Creations.
Photo: Olivier Pojzman
A special occasion calls for outstanding refreshments and they were delivered in full.
Coit Spirits offered thirst-quenching, delicious cocktails crafted from their line of tea-based gins. From Bloody Mary’s to other classic favorites, Coit Spirits kept the party going.
Mona Mila Catering created delicious traditional Armenian dishes that were a huge hit with the industry crowd. Chef Ara revealed that Mona Mila Catering Restaurant and Banquet Hall will open next month in Northridge. “We organize whole parties. I am an event planner too. One call and I will fix your problem.”
About DPA and Nathalie Dubois: Nathatlie Dubois, CEO of DPA , is a distinguished leader in curating luxury experiences for high-profile events. She has redefined the art of celebrity gifting through her visionary approach to creating exceptional gift suites. For more information on DPA and the luxury gift sponsors mentioned in this article, please visit their sites.
On our cover (l. to r.) Maya Persaud, Suzanne Guèvremont, Christine Noël and Shirin Hashem.
Photo: Michael Bunning
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