Encomium BLACK And WHITE Ball 2013

The Black & White Ball, incorporating the Elegance and Style Awards and showcasing jaw-dropping drapes and duds, on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Ruby Gardens, Lekki, Lagos, will surpass all benchmarks of glamour and glitz as the 6-hour extravaganza will parade more exciting twists and turns.

With A-listers dressed to the nines in their formal attires in monochrome, episodes to thrill and titillate are on the cards –and from the moment the good, the great, the glamorous and the gorgeous step on our black carpet, magical fun are on offer.

 

 

JEWEL OF NEW LAGOS, RUBY GARDENS ALL SET TO HOST THE BALL LIKE NO OTHER

 

We have been perpetually enraptured by the beauty and functionality of the Jewel of New Lagos, Ruby Gardens, on Kilometre 11, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lekki, Lagos, ever since we discovered it.  Set in an expansive compound with a magical marquee that can sit over a thousand, a smaller tent, ample car park, and facilities we have composed arias for, we have been ecstatic ever since.

And on Sunday, April 14, 2013, as we host and pamper our stars of movies and music, television and comedy, serious entrepreneurs and uncommon professionals, as well as captains of industry and wave-making politicos, the arena will be transformed to resemble the porch of paradise.

Those who are familiar with New Lagos, the posher part of town –where the adorable governor of the good people of Lagos (Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN) has transformed to a modern locale, will be astounded by what they see.

Our aim at ENCOMIUM, the magazine and events company, is to stage a ball that will redefine good from and enjoyment.

 

KEEP YOUR INVITE IN SIGHT

At this year’s ball, our intention is to stage a more exclusive event for glamozons and glamorati, where there are ample spaces between tables, and enough room for our runway and stage and dance floor.

So, we are working on a very exclusive Black & White Ball which will warm the bosoms of the charming and graceful.

And our invitation cards should be on your table by now, if you are one of our distinguished guests!  Our courier company had been on the road for many days, combing the corners of the city of chic and commerce and jollification.

And if you don’t have your invite by now, it can only mean that we don’t have your current postal address.

But if you are on our guest list, you can still save the day.  Kindly text your name and postal address to 08055002034…

 

LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE

Keen students of style and those who can hold their own anywhere can be part of the ball like no other.  And be our guest on Sunday, April1 4, 2013, as we pamper those who make Nigeria sizzle and razzle dazzle.

For N15,000, limited tickets are available.  All you need to do is call or text 08055002034.  And your ticket will either be delivered or picked from ENCOMIUM’s Place.

 

What’s more, you get the 900 page, three-part coffee table books, A Decade of ENCOMIUM, 1997-2007 (which cost N25,000) as bonus.

 

DRESS TO THE NINES IN FORMAL MONOCHROME DUDS

Glamorous formal attires in monochrome allow you free access to the ball, once you have the invitation card.  Anything short of obeying the dress and colour code is unacceptable.

And we can’t wait to thrill and pamper those on our right side on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Ruby Gardens.

What’s acceptable?

 

Gentlemen should adorn tuxedo or suit, white shirt, black tie (bow or long), cummerbund or waist coat, suspenders or braces, socks and glittering black shoes.

If you are a fan of traditional garbs, then any ceremonial attire of your ethnic group will do as long as it is formal and regal.

Beautiful dames and damsels have an array of lovely pieces to choose from.  But dresses are compulsory when you choose Western drapes.  They can be floor-sweeping or knee length.  And arms can be of any variety.  (Please, don’t do skirt or trouser suits: those are office attires).

And if you fancy traditional wear, two-piece skirt and blouse combo of the flamboyant and radiant type will do. Or iro and buba.

Please, don’t forget those killer heels.  Except you are old and gracefully charming and aging.

All your ensembles, gentlemen and ladies, must be black and white.  Either all black, all white or black and white.

Nothing else will do!

 

THE RULES OF ENJOYMENT (2)

What guarantees enjoyment at the Black & White Ball 2013?  What should our guests consider if they want to rule and reign at the ball?

 

Kind consideration of others, tops the list!  Once you are considerate, and you treat others well, especially those who cannot match you in many ways, then you qualify to be a gentleman or lady we love to be around.

Only small minded people shout who they are!  Those who possess good form and are well bred are unobtrusive and warm and tolerant and law abiding.

 

So, as you approach Ruby Gardens, drive with care and consideration.

Listen to our LASTMA officials (our partners from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority) as they direct traffic and guide you to your parking spot.

 

Men of Nigerian Police, our friends, will be on hand to ensure that mischief makers and those who court trouble are not near the venue.  Be nice and polite to them, and keep a ready smile on your face.

 

Once you alight from your automobile, and step out carefully, hold your invite ready as you put your best foot forward.

K-Square security men, those bulky and no-nonsense but polite guards will assist you at the gate.  Hand over your invite once you are cleared with our master list.

 

Step in gingerly, go near another gate where Kiss Events’ crash barriers, adorned with backdrops welcome you to the arena.

And once inside, you will have a taste of what’s on offer as you are warmly received at our black carpet welcome reception. With photographers, TV camera men and reporters, learn the art of posing well. And if you are a celebrity, be ready for quick and short interviews.

Networking and rekindling old relationships are permitted on our black carpet.  Exchange hellos and small talk, and hugs and back slap.

You can now move to our studio, Replical Digital Photo Studios, decorated like a billionaire’s pad to freeze your image for posterity.  Don’t forget, it is not every day that you look this beautiful and glamorous.

 

Now you are inside the magical marquee of Ruby Gardens.  And as your gaze dash hither and thither, you are in awe of the décor and ambience as put together by Open Hands.  As you look under your feet, at the runner which spans the length of the marquee, a warmth in your heart is noticeable.  Then your eyes settle on the well-decorated tables and exquisite chairs, the runway and stage.

Objects of desire and pleasure litter everywhere in a well-coordinated manner.

 

As you are gleefully dazed by the décor, our well-mannered ushers, by leading pro, Elizabeth R (that’s Ibidun Ituah-Ighodalo’s outfit), dressed in winning black numbers step to your side. And you are shown your seat.

 

Ego Ogbaro, the songbird who used to be the lead singer in the phenomenal Lagbaja’s band, is on stage.  Rocking and shuffling, her melodious voice rings soothingly in your ears.  With Indigo Band (her band) providing rhythms and melodies which bring tears of joy to your eyes.

In no time, Labash’s men and women are by your table, offering thirst quenching and nutritious cocktails. In small, tall and large glasses, the colourful drinks make you roll your eyes.

And 12 Baskets’ small chops, many varieties of the hot, finger licking and delicious, bite-size snacks are placed on your table.  And as you munch, you whisper odes.

 

The table are laden with chargers, cutlery and glasses for champagne, wine and water.  With napkins. In readiness for the three course meal of soup, main dish and fruit salad, ice cream, and more, especially prepared by the quartet of Bissy Cat, Osho’s Celebrations, Hot Pot and Mark’z Catering Services.

There are a variety of drinks for your pleasure, courtesy of Bonix.  And they know their game when it comes to all sorts of drinks, from beverages, beer, stout, wine, spirits and champagne.

And there are four bars by Bonix for those who enjoy having a good time undisturbed.

 

RL Desserts, Lolade Otuyemi’s outfit, will provide those indulgent cakes and chocolate fountain many of us love to bits.

The white chocolate fountain has delicious dips of strawberries, mash mellows, doughnuts, apple, grapes and wafers.  And there are caramel cakes, chocolate gateau, white and black forest gateaux, cream caramel, cheese cake and ice cream.

The entertainment content will pleasantly surprise you.  With our anchor man, the abundantly talented Julius de Genius Agwu navigating the show, you will enjoy every minute of it as comedians and musicians swap places on stage to multiply your fun.

With the awards and fashion show over, you can ‘put on your dancing shoes’ –and rock to the music provided by Africa’s number one disc jockey, DJ Jimmy Jatt.  He will ensure that you cannot sit still as grooves of Nigeria’s top artistes’ boom.

For six hours, from 4 till 10 p.m, you would have had doses and tones of fun to last you for a long time…

 

JULIUS AGWU JOINS THE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN

The list of extraordinary gentlemen has a new member.  And Julius Agwu, who’s 40 this Sunday, April 7, 2013, has been admitted as a distinguished card holder.

And he’s welcomed to the club of our hosts of colourful men of toast masters.  Following on the heels of Femi Segun, Ademola Oyinlola, Chidi Mokeme and Basorge Tariah, Jnr, Julius Agwu is the host for the 2013 edition of the Black & White Ball.

The dandy who won Most Stylish Man (30s category) in 2010 at the Elegance and Style Awards, is prepared to lead you seamlessly from one segment to the other at the ball like no other.

 

8 DESIGNERS SET FOR APPLAUSE AND CHEER

Our eight designers –Olaedo Collections (Sharon George), Imol (Yinka Jonah), Anjoreen (Babatunde Anjorin), Vans Kere (Evans Akere), Rikaoto by me (Mariam Elisha), Tesslo Concepts (Tessy Oliseh), Oge’s Language (Aminu Fatimoh) and Omah (Barbara Akporugo) -are ready with jaw dropping drapes and dudes.

And on Saturday, March 30, 2013, they were at Replica Digital Photo Studios (3, Allen Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos), for a fabulous photo shoot in preparation for the exhibition.

The camaraderie and friendship displayed by all showed we will have an exhibit we will applaud and cheer.

 

SUPPORT FLOWS INTO A LAKE OF KINDNESS

The torrents of support flowing our way by big businesses and entrepreneurs, and friends and associates, settle in a lake of kindness we are glad to soak in.  We have many on our side, leading us on with encouragement and sponsorship to ensure that the Black & White Ball is successful.

And we can’t thank them enough as we get nearer our dream of hosting a ball like no other on Sunday, April 14, 2013.

You can still join our league of supporters by co-sponsoring or buying a branded table of ten (with enormous benefits).

Please, call or text 08055002034.

 

ACCREDITATION OF JOURNALISTS UNDERWAY

Accreditation of our friends and partners in the media is underway.  So, if you are a journalist –print, radio, television or online, you are with us.

Kindly contact 08057511772 for more details.

 

SURPRISE HONOUREES EMERGE FOR ELEGANCE AND STYLE AWARDS

The honourees for the Elegance and Style Awards have emerged from our Council of Judges –but no revelation yet until D-day.

What is certain is that many pillars and icons of style and fashion are on the winners’ list –and their Elesho totems, the trophies designed and produced by Okey Ibem, are ready.

We cannot wait to reveal our distinguished list of winners…