Did you recognize the Jet Ski Jimmy Kimmel offered for the shortest acceptance speech at the 90th Academy Awards?
The Ultra 310LX model came from Orange County, or to be more specific, Kawasaki Motors Corp. U.S.A. in Foothill Ranch.
“Why waste precious time thanking your mom when you could be taking her for the ride of her life, on a brand-new Jet Ski!” Kimmel said as actress Helen Mirren showcased the black and green model perched on the stage.
“This is not a joke. I will be timing you. I have a stopwatch … Helen Mirren is not included.”
Mark Bridges, who won the Oscar in the costume design category for “Phantom Thread,” had the shortest speech—36 seconds, so he’ll be riding the waves.
“We were honored to be approached by the Academy’s production team to act as a prize provider of a Kawasaki Jet Ski,” Kawasaki Motors Vice President of Marketing Chris Brull said in a statement. “We were blown away with how the Jet Ski was integrated into the show by Jimmy (Kimmel) and that so many winners made mention of the Jet Ski on stage as well as on social media.”
That should’ve won an award for the best free advertising.
No Expense Spared
It’s still a ways away, but happen to be looking to usher in 2019 in style? Have $7.6 million to spare?
Well, Montage Hotels & Resorts has a spot for you—Montage Los Cabos, which is scheduled to open in May. The resort will host New Year’s To Remember, a weeklong buyout of the entire property for “250 of your best friends and family.” New Year’s Eve “will be a night to remember with a dinner celebration and a private performance by Sammy Hagar and The Circle.”
And hurry—the package must be booked by April 1—no joke.
Now—if Mexico is too far or your budget is limited to six figures, don’t despair. You can experience “the ultimate day of fashion with blogger and style icon Jacey Duprie, known to many as Damsel in Dior.” The $175,000 promotion includes “three luxurious nights at Montage Laguna Beach in the Catalina Suite overlooking the Pacific Ocean … You and your guests will be whisked away in a private car to South Coast Plaza where … Jacey Duprie will help you select your new $100,000 wardrobe and arrange private appointments at selected boutiques such as Christian Dior, Valentino, Gucci, Tory Burch and many more.”
Montage Hotels & Resorts is a division of Montage International in Irvine. The promotions are part of its 15th anniversary celebration.
ASICS Digs
Last month ASICS Corp. officially opened a Creation Studio in Boston, which houses its design, commerce and marketing teams, including Vice President of Commerce Andrew Richard, Vice President of Footwear Merchandising Ian Dickinson and Vice President of Apparel David Ayers.
The 18,818-foot space epitomizes “the brand’s Japanese craftsmanship and attention to detail, encouraging the pursuit of mental and physical health and well-being.” It has six offices, 76 workstations, two showrooms, cafe space with a whiskey bar, and a branded wall of plants.
Bits & Pieces
Hyundai Motor America Inc. in Fountain Valley hired Victoria Walden as manager of social media and influencer engagement. Most recently she served as head of social media at SnackNation. … Home Franchise Concepts in Orange hired Adele Dagher Nasr as vice president of digital marketing, a new position. … Realty ONE Group in Irvine hired David King to oversee “all branding, communication and marketing.”… El Pollo Loco Holdings Inc. has a new corporate logo, developed by On the Edge Design in Costa Mesa and inspired by “vibrant Los Angeles roots and its commitment to offering fresh, authentic Mexican-inspired flavors.”
