Article by Brendan Lopez
Over the past decade, the Hot Import Nights franchise has set the standard for top-notch automotive-centric entertainment with shows featuring the best of tuner cars, import models and performers. Last year, HIN developed a new concept for automotive shows and thus was born VIP Auto Fashion; a mix of luxury cars, fashion shows and the accouterments of success. In keeping with its upscale theme, this year VIP headed north from last year's Anaheim venue, to LA LA Land, the home of beautiful cars and even more beautiful women.
As cars are the focal point upon which VIP is based, the number and diversity of luxury cars left little on the wish list. It's not every day when a Gallardo is a common sight, and there was a row in attendance each with its own subtle variation. In addition to the Italian sports cars, which are inextricably associated with VIPs (the people, not the show,) there was a wide assortment of sports cars, luxury sedans and a few pleasant oddities like the open-top Smart cars (www.smart.com.)
    
The level of vendor displays was impressive with Dunlop, Valvoline, Meguiar's and GMG pulling out their big rigs displays. Nitto Tires was on hand with its updated 1320 game, free Import Tuner calendars (signed by the models,) and a DJ stage. Many other vendors were on hand to display their objects d'art and wares. J Tuned went so far as to have its own room off to the side, which in years past has been reserved for Porsche's LA Auto Show introductions.
The fashion show, the other key component for the event, took place on the Mazda Fashion Stage three times during the afternoon, and was produced by model/producer Polina Raygorodskaya, who also doubled as HIN's 2006 tour fashion show producer. The three shows featured tall, gorgeous beauties wearing fashionable dresses, swimwear and lingerie from Liinok, Pinar Eris, Donna L'orens and Aqualara. Queen of the Scene, Hosted by Miss HIN 2005, Ursula Mayes, heated up the stage between fashion shows with participants vying for the audience's appreciation to garner the loudest responses and resulting win.
   
Also in attendance at VIP were Amber Lancaster, Miss HIN 2006; Playboy Playmates Jillian Grace and Pilar Lastra, Hawaiian Tropic model Monique Palma and a number of notable scene models and poster girls.
Finally, weary VIPs and industry participants could rest and recharge with libations and conversation at the Driven Sports Marketing/Playboy Magazine and XM Satellite/Karma Foundation private lounges at either end of the hall. The Driven/Playboy lounge was identified by the two boats, DJ music and Playboy models, while the Karma lounge was a little more sedate with couches, cabana rooms and unique cars, such as a Saleen S7 and a 1950s-vintage Mercedes Benz 300SL Gullwing Coupe.
Look forward to a pair of VIP shows next year to give fans on both coasts a taste of the VIP lifestyle.
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