For celebrities, fame can come with some unexpected perks, including access to products that most people would have to buy. Brands understand the value of having their products seen in the hands of major stars, especially when those celebrities can expose them to millions of followers. That simple connection between fame and promotion has created a specialized industry where luxury brands, emerging designers, and unusual products compete for a place in celebrity gift bags. Behind many of these high-profile gifting experiences is Nathalie Dubois, a French entrepreneur who turned an unexpected opportunity into an international business.
Dubois discovered the potential of celebrity gifting almost by accident. While traveling in Tahiti with her husband, she met jewelry entrepreneur Frederic Mercier, who repeatedly encouraged her to handle public relations for his company. Dubois was producing events at the time rather than working in traditional PR, but eventually suggested an unusual idea involving the Golden Globes. She decided to assemble a gift bag for celebrities attending the event, even though her company was not officially affiliated with the awards. Her first gift bag reportedly represented about $38,000 in products, and the experiment quickly revealed the potential of connecting brands with entertainment’s biggest names.
The concept grew rapidly as both celebrities and companies responded positively. Dubois began creating gifting experiences for major events around the world, adapting the selection of products to each location. When working in Dubai, she included more Middle Eastern companies, while events in Paris featured French brands alongside international names. Rather than focusing only on established luxury labels, her approach emphasizes distinctive products and smaller brands with compelling stories. This allows companies that might not otherwise have access to Hollywood’s elite to place their products directly in front of influential stars.
At the 2024 Golden Globes, Dubois’s gifting suite offered a wide range of products that went far beyond conventional celebrity accessories. Guests could explore permanent jewelry, create personalized gemstone bracelets, and receive special lucky charms. Designers also showcased items such as distinctive shoes and an elegant smartwatch designed to resemble jewelry while quietly tracking metrics including stress, sleep, and activity. The variety demonstrates how modern celebrity gifting has expanded beyond simple promotional merchandise into curated experiences that combine fashion, technology, wellness, and personal expression.
The selection also included illustrated books focused on mental health, mindfulness, and connections between people, with editions designed for both children and adults. That mixture of luxury products and meaningful lifestyle items reflects the broader philosophy behind Dubois’s work. Celebrity gifting is no longer simply about placing a product into a famous person’s hands. It is about creating an environment where stars can discover unusual brands, experience new products, and potentially introduce them to much larger audiences. For companies, that exposure can be extraordinarily valuable, while for celebrities, it offers a constantly changing window into emerging ideas, designers, and products from around the world.
