Encomium
CLIP clop, clip clop, clippity clop, clippity clop!That’s the sound of a horse’s hooves – walking, trotting and sometimes galloping –in our bosoms. We are so exhilarated that the Black & White Ball incorporating the Elegance, Style and Substance Awards, and showcasing jaw-dropping drapes and duds is settling well on the League of One. The Sunday, August 10, 2014, themed 7-star ceremony at Ruby Gardens, Lekki, Lagos, has garnered landslide votes from quite a number of big businesses and scores of game-changing enterprises, along with a platoon of beautiful people who elevate rewarding endeavours.
Our bosoms exude an indescribable joy akin to those who have found favour. And this high-octane ball which means the world to legions will be anchored on the harbour of glitz and glamour.
And the beneficiaries are the enchanting and engaging characters we are honoured to host. The stars of movies and music, television and comedy, uncommon professionals, serious politicos and wave-making entrepreneurs are in for an incomparable ball.
From the moment they approach Kilometre 11, Lekk-Epe Expressway venue around 4 p.m, till they leave at 10 p.m, wonderment is on offer. The painstakingly plotted and planned event is an assemblage of exciting and enthralling twists and turns which warms the bosom and leaves a sweet after-taste for a long time.
From your approach into the Gem of New Lagos, Ruby Gardens, nothing is left to chance…
Well dressed and kitted men of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) are ubiquitous around that corridor, ensuring free flow of traffic. Guests are directed to the car parks, and enjoined to be considerate and obedient.
Our friends, the Police are everywhere, keeping mischief makers at bay, and planting confidence and courage in our hearts.
Once you are properly parked, check that you have your invite handy –and proceed to immigration where the well-mannered but no-nonsense men of K-Square Security man the entrance. As you present your invitation card, your name is checked on the master list –and once you pass the dress and colour code, you are ushered in.
Then you step on the crisp, lush and expansive black carpet! That’s the welcome reception arena full of paparazzi and reporters. Here, stars and star makers and those exceptionally draped are interviewed and photographed.
Friends and acquaintances will network, back slap and chit-chat. There’s the long and unending backdrop where more official photographs are staged.
Under Tent Event’s protective canopies, the welcome reception arena adorns courtly robes. The whole length of the black carpet is shaded by Tent Event.
What’s more, we have the studio decorated like a billionaire’s pad where more professional photographs are plotted for a token. Replica Digital Photo Studio, our partners of many years, is on duty here.
There’s a sea of lovely people, a mix of the good, the great, the gorgeous and the glamorous all in white and black formal duds. And lining a side of the carpet are well draped mannequins exhibiting some of the clothes of frontline designers and clothiers. Clothes horses and those whose passion is fashion will ogle, gawk and gape at the wondrous ensembles from MUDI, Bunor Creazioni, Message and more…
Intercontinental Distillers Ltd. is at a corner, mixing cocktails and keeping our guests happy. Hundreds of well dressed ladies and gentleman are sipping colourful drinks from the bar of the company with world class products –from Veleta Sparkling Fruit Drink, Finlays Tonic Wine, Squadron Blended Dark Rum, Chelsea London Dry Gin to Chapeau wine.
For the discerning, there are luxury automobiles on our black carpet. The vehicles on exhibit parade hostesses who enlighten you more on the wonders on wheels.
All the time, unobtrusive music from a saxophonist rent the air, caressing your ears and making you nod in agreement.
The spectacle and activities on the black carpet are heartwarming and never overwhelming…
Now you step into the magical marquee and your heart skips a bit or several. You marvel at the magnificent décor and ambience assembled by Mrs. Ibidunni Ituah Ighodalo’s Elizabeth R. From the floor to the ceiling, left and right, the splendour is pleasant and welcoming.
And before you miss your steps, gracious ushers come to your aid. Dressed in heart-thumping black and white numbers, the courteous ladies guide you to your seat.
And before you realize it, you are nodding again –to the melodious tunes wafting from the speakers. Your gaze wanders, and you see Julius ‘D’ Genius Agwu’s Reel Laif Band at a raised platform. For many minutes, the music makes you sway on your seat.
Pronto, waiters appear with drinks –from beverages to beer, spirits to champagne from the inexhaustible bars of Bonix (the husband and wife duo who understand the lexicon of pleasure like a professor emeritus in his study after years of specialization).
Your eyes dart hither and thither, and settle on another raised stage where the king who rules without a whimper and reigns for the benefit of all sits on his throne. DJ Jimmy Jatt (celebrating 25 years of disc jockeying and over a decade as the monarch) stands tall in his corner, ready to treat you to an avalanche of hits of today and yesterday.
The main stage by Zmirage Multimedia (the company steered by the amiable Alhaji Teju Kareem) looms large and beautiful. The logos of our supporters and sponsors dot the backdrop, and there are two huge screens where events relayed live are beamed.
The lights, by Zmirage, set the mood at every point in time.
From the different stages (main, DJ and band), events jog from one to another throughout the evening of excitement and fun.
The anchor (still under-wraps), a maestro of stage, movie and music, is in charge all through the evening –introducing performers, presenters and much more.
Not long after you are properly settled, the 10-course dinner –orchestrated by Bissy Catering Services, Osho’s Celebrations, Hot Pots, Mark’z Catering Services, Phoebe’s, 12 Baskets and RL Desserts –are underway. One after the other, the sumptuous menu is served, for many hours.
Don’t forget that Labash is at a corner, attending to teetotalers, serving colourful cocktails without additives in tall, small, large and short glasses.
The assemblage of colourful characters dressed to the nines at a ceremony with laugher merchants, the cream of comedy, and first rate music, is gratifying.
On many occasions, a brigade of merry makers, jiggle and wriggle, enjoying the music from Reel Laif Band and DJ Jimmy Jatt.
Mirth and gaiety are entwined, with jollity and revelry in perpetual romance.
A DIFFERENT KIND OF AWARDS AND HONOUR
We here at ENCOMIUM, the magazine and awards company, are mesmerized by the band of dandies, fashionistas and clothes horses our country parades. And decorating style icons and leaders and pioneers of the sector gives us an indescribable high.
And this year, we have raised the bar higher, by adding ‘Substance’ to the label of our awards. The ‘Elesho’ totem is now known and addressed as Elegance, Style and Substance Awards, and recipients are more than clothes and accessories, elegance and sophistication. They bring to the table industry – and amplify the atmosphere with inspiring grace.
From pioneering designers and clothiers, and those in fashion and beauty industry as well as leaders and icons, will be decorated (* see list of awards right!)
SET AND READY?
Our simple but elegant invitation cards are already on the tables of the colourful characters we enjoy hosting. And we are following up with text messages with details of the event.
So, we guess you are set and ready. Set and ready with your formal monochrome garbs. Remember, it is a ball –and balls demand very formal gears.
For the Black & White Ball, the colour code is monochrome – all-white, all-black or black and white! No other colour is acceptable.
Gentlemen should adorn a tuxedo, crisp white shirt, black tie, suspenders or braces, cummerbund or waist coat, gleaming black shoes.
Those who favour traditional apparels should choose babariga, agbada or ceremonial attires of any ethnic group.
Dames and damsels are spoilt for choice. They can pick dresses (knee length or floor sweeping), with different sleeves to suit their shape.
For traditional attires, iro and buba, skirt and blouse or blouse and wrapper are allowed.
WE CAN’T STOP COUNTING OUT BLESSINGS
We are full of gratitude that we are blessed with supporters for our endeavours. And we never fail to count our blessings, itemizing all and offering prayers of benediction.
At every point of our need, we have organizations and people who find us worthy of assistance. From Intercontinental Distillers Ltd., to banks and many big and small businesses and an army of good people, experts in various fields, we are perching on the shoulders of giants.
Because of them, we are confident that a 7-star ball will reel before thousands of eyes on Sunday, August 10, 2014.
YOU CAN STILL JOIN THE LUXURY JET
The luxury jet ferrying glamozons and glitterati is still on the tarmac –and you can join us.
Your organization can still be part of the fifth season of the roller-coaster ball which has coloured our social calendar crimson and cheerful.
You can still co-sponsor the high-octane ceremony with exciting and dramatic twists and turns.
Kindly call, text or send a mail to 08055002034 or [email protected].
YOUR TABLE IS WAITING
The branded tables parading ten guests with enormous benefits are still on offer. Interested in enjoying the ball from the hub?
Please, call, text or email 08055002034 or [email protected] for details of how to be in front row at the incomparable ball.
YOU CAN MIX WITH THE CHIC AND GLAM SET
Are you new in town, chic and glamorous, sophisticated and graceful? You can join the chic and glamour set at the unmatchable ball on Sunday, August 10, 2014.
Please, call or text 08055002034 for how to be among Nigeria’s most colourful and engaging characters…
ELEGANCE, STYLE AND SUBSTANCE AWARDS 2014:
CATEGORIES AND NOMINEES
- Best Occasions’ Wear Designer
- BEST AFROCENTRIC DESIGNER
- Most Elegant Woman (30+)
- Most Elegant Woman (40+)
- Most Elegant Woman (50+)
- Most Elegant Woman (60+)
- Most Stylish Man (30+)
- Most Stylish Man (40+)
- Most Stylish Man (50+)
- Most Stylish Man (60+)
- Most Stylish Man (70+)
- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT, SUBSTANCE AND ELEGANCE
- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT, SUBSTANCE AND STYLE
- Special Recognition Award, Style Leader
- Special Recognition Award, Pace-setting Designer
- Best Promoter of Style
- Special Recognition Award, Pacesetting Clothier
- Most Elegant First Lady
- Most ADORABLE First Lady
- MOST STYLISH GOVERNOR (Northern Nigeria)
- Most Stylish Governor
- Most Elegant NATIONAL ASSEMBLY member
- MOST ELEGANT LEGISLATOR
- Most Stylish Senator
- MOST ELEGANT DEPUTY GOVERNOR
- MOST STYLISH SPEAKER
- FASTEST GROWING BRAND
- MOST STYLISH ENTERTAINER
- MOST ELEGANT ENTERTAINER
- BEST CLOTHIER
- MOST INFLUENTIAL FASHION BRAND
- MAKE-UP ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
- FASHION SHOW-PLACE OF THE YEAR
- MOST STYLISH MONARCH
- FORERUNNER, STYLE AND FASHION EDITOR
- MOST STYLISH MAN, CORPORATE NIGERIA
- MOST ELEGANT WOMAN, CORPORATE NIGERIA
- MOST STYLISH LEADER OF THE FAITHFUL
- ALL-TIME BEAUTY QUEEN
- SKIN THERAPIST OF THE YEAR
