Encomium
THE Black & White Ball, incorporating the Elegance and Style Awards and parading the spectacular fashion show has settled for summer.
The 6-hour extravaganza will hold after the Ramadan fast and the World Cup in Brazil.
Here are answers to some of our readers’ questions…
I’ve heard so much about this year’s Black & White Ball. When exactly is the date?
The Black & White Ball, incorporating the Elegance and Style Awards and parading the spectacular fashion show will hold in Summer 2014, like we announced in one of our promotional materials.
It takes enormous resources, time and energy to put together a spectacular show which leads in all categories. So, we are working at fine-tuning the details for the show.
Very soon, at least, six weeks before the event, we will announce a date, so that our guests can prepare well.
Don’t forget, this period is very busy. We have the World Cup in Brazil between June 12 and July 13. And there’s also the Ramadan fast which kicks off on June 28 or 29.
So, we have to allow these major events to wrap up before the ball.
When will the invite for the ball be ready? I need to have details since I’m on your guest list…
We can’t wait to host and pamper those we enjoy having on our guest list. We have a 7-star event with all the elements of extravaganza this year.
The invitation card will get to you at least four weeks before the event. The sample has already been perfected. We are just waiting to tie some loose ends.
We are lucky again this year to have Intercontinental Distillers Limited on our side as one of our major sponsors. We are still tidying up more sponsorships.
Once we are ready, you will know. We will begin to send SMS, and all our promotional materials will announce the details.
Where are you staging The Black & White Ball this year?
We are on the verge of signing the contract with an events venue –and very soon we will announce the details.
Don’t forget, we are still in Lagos for the fifth edition of the most glamorous ball this side of the Sahara.
Where we have our eyes on is called the gem of New Lagos, where the roads are expansive and the houses more beautiful. There, there are two marquees, planted on acres of land. There’s enough room for parking, and treating all to a blissful 6-hour extravaganza.
What does ‘black tie’ mean?
The dress code for The Black & White Ball is ‘black tie’, and the colour code is monochrome. Black tie means very formal attires. So, gentlemen must adorn formal garbs: tuxedo, crisp white shirt, black tie, waist coat, suspenders (braces) and gleaming black shoes.
Those who prefer traditional attires must choose regal and ceremonial ensembles.
Dames and damsels can opt for dresses of varying lengths, from floor sweeping to knee length, spaghetti straps to billowing sleeves. There are also traditional numbers – iro and buba, George wrapper and sequined lace tops, body caressing skirts and blouse.
Stiletto completes the look. Except you are over 60.
I am new in town, how can I get an invitation?
Once you can easily fit in the chic and glamour set, you are welcome to the ball. All you need to do is to send a text message to 08055002034, and we will give you details of how to participate.
What’s exactly the purpose of your Black & White Ball? Can’t you achieve the same objective with another event?
In 2009, we decided to stage a public presentation of our coffee table books, A Decade of ENCOMIUM, and we thought of a fitting ceremony.
Since the 900-page books were unique, a high-octane event would be an appropriate platform. So, we came up with a ball, instead of a launch.
And for the ball to adorn the garb of glamour, we decided on a dress and colour code.
The event was so beautiful that we knew we had to keep at it every year, after its debut in April 26, 2009 at KFA Events Centre.
Since then, we have introduced the Elegance and Style Awards to celebrate style icons and keen students.
The spectacular fashion show also exposes our serious and creative designers.
The platform again provides the opportunity to assemble some of Nigeria’s most engaging characters –from stars of movies and television, comedy and music to uncommon entrepreneurs and professionals and focused politicos.
The ball is the cream of our events every year. We have The White Gig and The Green and White Groove.
I like what you guys do. How can I support?
Like we are fond of saying, anything worthwhile needs a lot of support. And we have been lucky to count on our side, many beautiful people and organizations.
You can support by either coming in as co-sponsor or you pick one of our branded tables (of ten guests).
Co-sponsorship comes with many benefits. You can expose your company’s product to our select audience and the media.
The branded table of ten gets you planted in the hub of the party. Your company can erect some roll-up banners in our marquee, among others.
Kindly call or text 08055002034 or send a mail to [email protected] for details.
How can you succeed in serving eight courses at one event?
Our major preoccupation at the ball is to excite and ensure that our guests are pampered to bliss. We have succeeded in treating our guests as kings and queens over the years, and we have no intention of stopping.
Last year, we offered 7-course meal –and many remember fondly how their palates were pleased.
We have our own side about six caterers –Hot Pot, Mark’z Catering Services, Bissy Cat, Osho’s Celebrations, 12 Baskets, RL Desserts and more – attending to the food. Just keep your fingers crossed, we will swing the 8-course dinner.
I am a DJ, can I be part of your ball?
We are very lucky to count among our pillars, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Africa’s king. And ever since we began our events arm, he has solidly stood beside us.
The king who inspires and attracts adulation from all, is again with us this year.
We appreciate your offer.
When will you start advertising for models and ushers?
Very soon, those interested in swaying on the run way at the ball, and ushers, will be invited for audition.
We are planning the fashion show, deciding the designers. As soon as we are done, we will begin our model search. Same for ushers for the event.
Keep your eye on this page for details.
