Encomium
Elegance, class and glamour were practically on display when the 2014 edition of Aquafina Elite Model Look held. It was on Saturday, September 6, 2014, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. 20 models (male and female) who made it to the grand finale strutted on the runway, parading exciting designs from top clothiers in Nigeria. After a thorough scrutiny, Mayowa Nicholas and Victor became the winners of the female and male models competition.
THE ARRIVAL
The kick off time on the invite indicated 6pm. Guests only started coming into the venue, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos at 7pm. At this time, the hall was not ready so most people waited on the red carpet where networking went on ceaselessly, while TV crews approached celebrities for rare interviews.
AQUAFINA LABEL DOMINATES VENUE
The presence of Aquafina, the title sponsor of the Elite Model Look 2014 dominated the scene of the venue, Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. The company which produces table water and other drinks had their roll up banners, big banners everywhere around the venue.
WHEN THE EVENT STARTED
The event proper started at few minutes past 8pm. This time, guests had settled down in the hall while they were entertained with music from popular Nigerian acts.
MEET THE HOSTS AND THE JUDGES
The hosts were media personality Fade Ogunro who dazzled in Trish O Couture design and Ill Rhymz, a popular programme presenter. The panel of judges comprised former Miss World, Agbani Darego, Bola Balogun, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Lola Maja and Taofik Okoya.
THE PERFORMANCES
New music act, Ruby opened the floor to entertain. Another new music act, Traffic took over from her. Then came on stage RnB singer and Project Fame graduates, Praiz. Kedike crooner, Chidinma took to the floor late in the night before Yemi Alade rounded off the night with her hit track.
THE FASHION SHOW SEGMENT
The 20 model finalists strutted on the runway parading different designs from top Nigerian couturiers. There were on parade in designs from Belois Couture, Grey, Tzar, Yutee, Sanusi Lagos, AD by Agbani Darego, Okunnoren Twins, Iconic Invanity, Polo Avenue, Andre Iyamah swim wear, Mimi Lee of London, Sisiano and others. There was also a platform for selling the designs on parade.
MOET STYLE AWARDS
Dressing well to an event has its reward. The organisers of the event decided to do that as they rewarded individuals with the most captivating dress to the event. Four people were decorated with the Moet Style Awards 2014. They were former Miss Nigeria, Ene Lawani, super star actress, Genevieve Nnaji and two others.
WHY GINUWINE COULDN’T MAKE IT TO NIGERIA
American singer, Ginuwine was supposed to be the guest performer. The singer had agreed to be present at the event but days to the grand finale, his management called to cancel the engagement citing the outbreak of Ebola virus in Nigeria as reason.
THE JOURNEY SO FAR
The journey to the grand finale on Saturday, September 6, 2014, was not a smooth one for the organisers of the event. The team led by Beth Model’s Elohor Aisien combed the entire cities in Nigeria and shortlisted over 4,000 models. After months of drilling, only 20 made it (10 male and 10 female).
THE OKOYAS CAME TO TOWN
Leading the Okoya clan to the event was Chief Razak Okoya. He was with wife Chief (Mrs.) Shade Okoya. On their trail were Lanre Okoya and wife, Sophie.
BISOLA DEJONWO BACK AFTER CHILDBIRTH
Bisola, who delivered her second child recently in the US, is back on the scene. Being the friend of Beth Model boss, Elohor Aisien, she stood solidly behind her throughout.
ABOUT YUTEE
Yutee Rone is a big time designer based in Abuja. The tall and beautiful lady, who operates by the name Yutees Fashion had her collections on the runway.
ABOUT THE WINNERS AND THEIR PRIZES
After hours of suspense, two models (male and female) were pronounced winners of the Aquafina Elite Model Look 2014. The female model winner is Mayowa Nicholas and the male model winner is Victor Ndigwe. Both are signed on to Beth Modelling Agency operated by Elohor Aisien. The two winners went home with cash prize of $5,000 each. The winners will represent Nigeria alongside 80 other countries at the global contest in China and stand the chance of winning $150,000 (One hundred and fifty thousand U.S dollars). They also smiled home with Thermocool refrigerator and a lot of other mouth-watering prizes.
PAST WINNERS
Tracy Onyekachukwu won the maiden edition in 2008, Annette Begg won it in 2009. In 2010, it was Emmanuella Chika, who went home with the crown. Chinwe Ejere won in 2011, while Moyinoluwa Arowoshola and Nneoma Anosike won in 2012 and 2013 respectively.
WHO DID WHAT
The creative director of the Aquafina Elite Model Look 2014 is Elohor Aisien. The event coordinators were Laura Okoh, Cynthia Okah, Stephanie Eze, Uju Odunukwe. The venue decoration was perfected by Prive, an event company set up by Elohor Aisien. Models make up was by BlackUp, their stylist was Bubu Ogisi, their hair stylist was Sari Signature.
-FOLUSO SAMUEL
