Encomium
Fresh from a well deserved holiday after she organized the 2013 Miss Nigeria pageant, Mrs. Elohor Aisien is back at work. This time, she wants to produce stunning models who will rule the world. Her annual modeling competition, Elite Model Look Nigeria, will take centre stage on Sunday, September 29, 2013, at the Expo Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The 14 finalists are ready to strut the runway and claim fantastic cash and other prizes.
THE 14 FINALIST
After months of rigorous scouting, organizers of the annual Elite Model Look Nigeria chose 14 girls, who will compete for the ultimate prizes. They are Akinyele Myever, Chinwedu, Ukoha, Foyinsayemi Oladimeji, Sandra Jumbo, Nneoma Awosika, Nora Omeire, Atinuke Ogundoile, Oyinda Orodeji, princess Dennar, Rachael Airewele, Sharon Ntan, Tope Peju, Gift Omeni and Momodu Mariam.
Before the grand finale, however, the 14 contestants will be engaged in a TV show where they will be mentored by a professional team. They will undergo series of makeovers, rehearsals, photo shoots and other luxury experiences.
HEADLINE DESIGNER
Acclaimed British designer, William Tempest has been contracted to clothe the models. William Tempest has been privileged to style stars like Victoria Beckham, Kate Moss, Emana Watson and others.
THE PRIZES
The winner has the chance of winning $150,000 at the world finals. She has a modeling contract with Elite Model Management Worldwide. She has a 2-year contract with Beth Modelling Management Africa. She has an all expense paid trip to Paris, France and a $1,000 shopping spree.
PAST WINNERS
Models who have come through the Elite Model Look Nigeria and are gracing the runway now are, Moyinoluwa Arowoshola, Chika Emmenuella, Ebere Chinwe, Annette Begg, Tracy Onyejachukwu.
ELOHOR AISIEN speaks on Miss Nigeria and Elite Model Look Nigeria
‘HOW I COPE COORDINATING THE TWO SHOWS’
What are the criteria you employ in choosing those models?
The height, eye balls, poise and how good they are on the runway. Those are the requirements for one to become a model which we at Elite Model hold very crucial in selecting the best. This has been going on for six years now and we thank God for going this far.
What are the prizes for this year’s event?
The winner will contest at the national level and she stands the chance of winning $150,000 at the international level. There is a contract with Elite Model Management Worldwide.
What is your motivation in this business?
My motivation is that I want to put down something strong in terms of models recruitment. I realized the business of modeling agency in Nigeria is not so strong so we operate on the international standard. Our brand is recognized around the world.
Many models have come through our agency and have gone to conquer the world. That’s the motivation for me, seeing some of our models doing well on the international scene.
Who is going to design the clothes for the models?
We have both Nigerian and our headline designers working for us. It’s going to be a fantastic show. We are banking on the experience of the past and correct lapses and present wonderful models to the world.
What is going to differentiate this from Miss Nigeria pageant?
So many things. This is a modeling competition. Miss Nigeria is a beauty pageant. Our models can wear bikini anywhere in the world. So, they are two different shows, though they are still in the beauty sector.
What are the challenges of coordinating the two events the same year?
Like I used to say, I love working and this is my passion. This is what I love to do. Every challenge gives us new opportunities. I have my team who work with me day and night to produce the best among the girls’ who now become world’s best.
We also have those who have helped us from day one and are still there for us. We have new partners on board too who make our work easier.
Shortly after the Miss Nigeria pageant, there were tales that you and the organizers are at loggerhead over the way some of your guests were treated?
Seriously, we are not at loggerhead, our relationship still continues and it is smooth. I am the creative director and that is it. My job is to produce the girls, scout for them and organize the show. And I am happy it all went well. I have a cordial relationship with the Miss Nigeria title owners.
What is your relationship with the current queen?
We don’t really have a relationship. My job is to organize the girls which I did. The remaining part in terms of managing the queen is for the organizers. I have done my own bit and have handed the queen over to the organizers.
How was your holiday?
It was refreshing. Immediately after the show, I was on holiday at a location near Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Rest is sweet after hard labour, now I am back to work.
How do you manage the home front?
There is no problem. I have a wonderful husband who understands my job schedule and has been supporting me from the start. If you notice, my husband is always at our shows to lend support. And I have a beautiful daughter, who is growing and doing well. My home is intact.
– FOLUSO SAMUEL
