Malik Yusef stops by the Vie Lorie display at the DPA Music Lounge. His “All Of The Lights” was a GRAMMY winner at the 54th Awards. Photo: Olivier Pojzman
LOS ANGELES, CA (LA ELEMENTS) 2/8/2026 – “All natural, organic, sourced from our farm in Senegal. We plant everything and we break the plants down to make supplements, skincare, things like that.” says Vaquora Hicks, the Siyah Organics rep. “Our “Precious” line is our newest release. We started making roll-ons that are anti-migraine, anti-stress, anti-acne, insect bite relief roll-ons. We also have teas like Artemesia.”
Siyah Organics was just one of the outstanding luxury vendors at the 2026 DPA Music Lounge. Held on January 30 and 31 at the Sunset Luxe Hotel, GRAMMY nominees and winners mingled with founders and representatives of innovative gift brands, all in celebration of music’s biggest night.
Among the music industry luminaries in attendance were: Carla Patullo (winner Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album Nomadica), Leon Thomas (winner Best R&B Album Mutt) Allison Charney (nominee Best Classical Solo Vocal Album, Alike-My Mother’s Dream), Carol Connors (nominee Best Audio Book, Elvis, Rocky and Me: The Carol Connors Story), Ben Blliss (nominee Best Opera Recording, Tesori: Grounded), Charu Suri (nominee Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Shayan), Cheryl B Engelhardt (nominee Best New Age Ambient or Chant Album, According to the Moon), Ciro Hurtado (nominee Best Global Music Performance “Cantando en el Camino”), Dave Koz (nominee Best Contemporary Instrumental Album Just Us), Danny Zelibor (nominee Best Classical Solo Vocal Album InThis Short Life), Septimius the Great (nominee Best Spoken Word Poetry Album Black Shaman), and Queen Sheba (nominee Best Spoken Word Poetry Album A Hurricane in Heels: Healed People Don’t Act Like That).
There were quite a few outstanding gift vendors at this invitation only event. Here are a few of our favorites:
Returning luxury gift sponsor Vie Lorie by Dr. Verniese Moore, delighted VIP guests with her exquisite line of luxury handbags. Handcrafted from Italian leather, GRAMMY nominees were gifted one to take home.
Also a returning luxury gift sponsor, Balacia was on hand to gift their selection of diamond jewelry. A classic look for any red-carpet event.
(far right) Septimius the Great stops by the Aurelie display at the DPA Music Lounge. Photo: Michael Bunning
Aurelie is a Japanese skincare line created by actress, Megumi. The products are all plant-derived which is great news for even sensitive complexions Their hero product would be the “Rich Serum,” which uses the powerhouse ingredients of Niacinamide and plant stem cells to brighten and fight the signs of aging. GRAMMY nominees went home with both the “Rich Serum” and Moisturizing Oil in Cleansing Water.
If you prefer your skin care on the high-tech side, then Cellulam Beauty Systems offered guests a short version of their signature treatment incorporating nano/micro frequency. Owned by Michael Jackson’s number one dancer Yuko Sumida Jackson, this was definitely one of the most popular destinations of the DPA Music Lounge.
Author Maureen Meehan was on hand to sign copies of her books. One, 60 Dates in Six Months, explores dating after grief- and all the cast of characters that a newly single lady must deal with. Available at Barnes and Noble, her book has already been made into a movie and is currently in post-production.
Awards season is far from over. So how fortunate that DPA offered not one but two luxury getaways for the ultimate relaxation destination.
GRAMMY Winner Leon Thomas will be enjoying a luxurious desert retreat courtesy of GarikiMot. Photo: Michael Bunning.
For VIP guest who can’t be too far away from LA, GarikiMot offered a three-day stay at one of their Indio/Palm Springs properties. Saltwater pool, spa and outdoor lounge are just a few of the amenities offered.
For the ultimate getaway, select nominees received a vacation package from le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts in French Polynesia, just 5 minutes away from Bora Bora. Accommodations include overwater suites that give the sensation of floating above the crystal blue lagoon, or the beach villas with direct access to the beach and a private pool surrounded by a tropical garden.
And finally, every party needs a festive selection of cocktails and Shep the Rep was there to deliver. “I represent a lot of new and emerging liquor brands, trying to make a presence here in Southern California,” says Ashley Sheperd a.k.a Shep the Rep. “I’ve got two of my favorites. I’ve got Cola Blanca which is a bacanora. It’s not tequila, it’s not mezcal, but it is an agave spirit. It only comes from agave pacifica.”
Shepard’s other favorite is Above Board, a zero-sugar liqueur brand. They offer options such as their spin on Coffee Liqueur and orange Triple Sec.
Guests enjoyed refreshing “bacaritas.”at this event.
This article has been updated with a photo of Leon Thomas.
About DPA and Nathalie Dubois: Nathalie Dubois, CEO of DPA, is a distinguished leader in curating luxury experiences for high-profile events. With a career spanning decade, 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.
Cover photo (l. to r.) of Queen Sheba and Siyah Organics representative Vaquora Hicks by Michael Bunning.
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