January 22, 2002
Copyright © 1998-2001 FashionDish 

What do Sting and the ladies of Destiny's Child have in common? They both like to loll on the Ocean Wave Massage Bed. We got the same sensation, visiting the backstage "retreat" lounge at the American Music Awards recently. The bed, about 8 feet long, holds 35 gallons of water. The lucky customer reclines on top as jets inside the bed pulsate water to all the sensitive points–neck, knees, feet and back. It's a massage with no oils and without having to take your clothes off. "Sting liked it so much, he bought two," our ocean technician confided. Floating on a pool of blue water, staring up at the melon-colored Moorish tile at the ceiling of the Shrine Auditorium, hearing Luther Vandross croon in our ear at his soundcheck, only a few yards away...this was Heaven. At the same time, a therapist from the Rock Spa on Wheels of Marina del Rey caressed our toes with super-heated (but comfortable) smooth black rocks.

The only thing that could compete with the bed was the chance to peruse goodies in the lovely retreat, which was designed by W hotels. It held many of W's favorite touches, like oversized wooden balls that double as chairs or tables; soft drapes; and a bed that's used as everyday furniture, for making a cell phone call or sipping a Frappuccino. Niki Taylor, India.Arie, 'Nsync, Christina Applegate and Nelly Furtado all gathered presents. Wilsons Leather supplied a selection of trendy bags. The chain, best known for leather jackets, is actually the biggest seller of leather accessories in the US. The bags are up to date and charming. We fell for a red roll bag, just as AMA hostess Jenny McCarthy did. Niki grabbed a bigger version, a satchel that includes a zip-out bottom. This striking bag will hold goodies for presenters at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in March...The sweet new line My-Tee handed out tank tops emblazoned with vintage advertising logos and signs. Nelly Furtado grabbed two. The Red Engine Company's jeans were a perfect fit for Christina Applegate...Maurice Lacroix (the favorite watch of Sandra Bullock) made an impression on Bill Maher...We discovered a new haircare line, by Las Vegas hair stylist William Whatley. We chatted about Vegas style with one hairdresser, who says that hair in the desert is big. "You mean like Dallas? All blondes?" "No, I mean like Vegas–in Vegas, the blondes are yellow." Their tints, no matter how unnatural, get the best treatment with Whatley's goodies, including "For Keeps" color-friendly shampoo and Rock Star finishing spray. We'll touch up our own locks when we play outdoors with "Fondle" redefining serum, a protective spray...Aramis introduced its "Surface" line of cosmetics for men. No, not eyeshadows or lipsticks. These are gels and lotions that brighten up the skin, minimize pores and reduce shine...Tiffani Thiessen fell for MAXX New York's red, white and blue tote, and carried around backstage. It went nicely with her black dress by Iceberg.