THEWILL DOWNTOWN November 27, 2022 EDITION

Dancing Her Way Through Each Event

Many technicalities make up a creative process. From the idea’s inception to execution, the foundation is planning—this would include having a mood board to help guide you and visualise your final look for whatever you create. But that’s not all that is required. I find other skills, such as paying attention to detail, essential in many professions, especially in the creative space. Creativity also plays a significant role, as does having ‘the eye’ regarding colours and design and knowing the right vendor per project. The ability can make or mar the outcome of a creative process.

One who is no stranger to the technicalities of a creative process is our cover personality this week, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe. In over 20 years of events production, Bucknor-Obruthe has repeatedly proven that she has what it takes to pull off a fabulous wedding or any other event. This results from very particular skills; some are inborn, while others she had to learn. Let’s not forget her signature dance moves after every event, which has become ever so popular with the advent of social media, such that her clients now request she does a victory dance after the event.

She speaks about this and much more, including a new book—some of you may remember her last one, The Essential Bridal Handbook— most likely to be published in 2023.

It’s wedding season, so most people have probably already received their invitations and are now saddled with what to wear. As Nigerians, we generally like to play dress-up and outdress the next guest, so our fashion pages suggest a few looks that will have you standing out at that wedding.

For the bride-to-be, our beauty page spotlights a particular ingredient you must include in your beauty regimen to keep you radiant and ready for your big day. The travel pages reveal some fabulous honeymoon locations.

A wedding used to be the perfect place to find love but is that still the case, or have, as they are popularly known, Yoruba ’demons’ and ‘wicked’ Igbo girls taken over? Find out on page 6.

Until next week, enjoy your read.

Dorcas Akintoye

Dorcas Akintoye is a dedicated writer with more than 2 years prolific experience in writing articles ranging from food, entertainment, fashion and beauty.  She has a National Diploma in Mass Communication from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. She loves writing, listening to music and playing scrabble. She is a highly-skilled, enthusiastic, selfmotivated professional writer.

Valerie Lawson

OGANNAH

Editor-at-Large: Chalya Shagaya Writer: Kehindé Fagbule Graphic Design: Olaniyan John ‘Blake’ Social Media: Oladimeji Balogun Guest Art Director: Sunny Hughes ‘ SunZA’

Nigerian born, Valerie Lawson is a 20-year Oil & Gas Industry veteran, currently a Products & Technology Leader with Baker Hughes an Energy Technology Company, headquartered in Houston, Texas.

In 2002, she began her career in the United Kingdom as a Process Engineer in the Engineering Procurement & Construction segment of the Oil & Gas Industry. She has since worked with such companies as TechnipFMC, KBR and Worley Parsons. She also spent over four years with TOTAL E&P playing a pivotal role within its largest Deep-Water Field Development project.

Valerie has a Chemical Engineering (BEng) Degree from the University of Bradford, U.K, a MSc. From University College London (UCL) & London Business School (LBS) and expecting a Global Executive MBA from IESE Business School, Spain.

She’s passionate about, health, knowledge, cycling and traveling –and has lived, worked, and conducted business in over 15 countries across several continents.

She currently lives in Houston, Texas, USA.

Invited to a WEDDING?

HERE'S YOUR LOOKBOOK

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

There are few events we are not only expected to show up to but also show off. A Nigerian wedding is one. In this part of the world, weddings are some of the most elaborate celebrations in any given calendar year. And here’s the secret to why the day is a huge success: as much as the couple look forward to their big day—which they do a lot, especially the bride—the guests do just as much. For well-wishers, it is more than just the party jollof and the variety of other meals on the menu; it is the appearance. Who makes the biggest fashion statement on the day? If you have to be at an owambe, you have to look the part. Here, we made you a lookbook.

ROBE IT IN

You’re not the only man that will be spotted in an agbada on the big day neither are you the only woman who will be wearing the aso-ebi, but you can look the chicest. Like Tosin Ogundadegbe and Chioma Ikokwu, you can do it differently.

NOT THE GROOM BUT CLOSE

As we all know, men’s fashion staple is not as vast as women’s. For men, it’s either a suit if you are wearing an English look or a well-tailored agbada if traditional. While the bride might feel some type of way if one of her friends ‘outdresses’ her, there are not a lot of eyeballs if it involves the groom and his friends. If you’re wearing a suit that looks anything like this, there’s a strong possibility that you’re looking better than the groom. And that’s fine.

Toyosi & Daniel Etim Effiong

Chioma Ikokwu

Tosin 'The Style Infidel' Ogundadegbe

White Tuxe TWIF

Pink Suit TWIF

IF IT SWEEPS THE GROUND, IT IS GOOD

The bride is expected to mop the floor with her gown. And even though you are not in competition with her in any way, shape or form, we can’t ignore the fact that overflowing gowns are everything. We promise.

ELEGANTLY PRESENT

JUMPSUITS THE THIN LINE BETWEEN CASUAL AND CHIC

Depending on how you style them, jumpsuits are perfect for wedding receptions. For some weddings, you want to tone down your look in moderation to fit in with the theme of the occasion and what is expected of you as a guest. Jumpsuits bridge that gap between “show off” and conservative perfectly. Look at Chioma Akpotha’s slay statement, for instance.

Joke Dress & Tutu Pair EJIRO AMOS TAFIRI

Tarosh Dress & Roshini Dress EJIRO AMOS AFIRI

Chioma Akpotha

Grecian Drapped Metalic Dress EJIRO AMOS TAFIRI

Picking a wedding-appropriate outfit as a woman can be tricky. You have a lot of options, it could go any way. But you can show up in a really chic outfit like these.

RELATIONSHIP

LOVE AT AN OWAMBE

…is a Top 2 Must-have Experiences And it is Not Number 2

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

This has fuelled the owambe culture amongst young people over the years as they get glammed like the fairy godmother worked overtime to prepare them for the King’s ball.

For a long time, owambe was a meeting point for eligible bachelors and spinsters. Yes, married people and children are also present, but if you are single and ready to mingle, the hall starts to look a lot like the ballroom in Bridgerton. It makes sense, a wedding is perhaps the most likely place to experience real-life romance, and craving one for yourself is only normal. So people go prepared for the possibility of making their own memories.

Nowadays, it has become a natural habitat for Yoruba—for lack of a better word—men (I’m not allowed to say the word “demon” when we make the best partners in the world). Adopting a playboy reputation in pop culture, Yoruba men (let’s call them Femi −John Doe for a roué, so we don’t sound tribalistic) are historically known for looking the part. Usually outspoken and cerebral, welldressed (frequently in a white agbada), wearing a cologne that smells heavenly, and possessing the oomph that makes them often sought-after.

On the other end of the spectrum are playgirls who are either assertive in their manhunt or can do a good job of steering a man’s attention towards them without making a single move. Let’s call them Ada (but only because of her alluring qualities and not necessarily because she is a ‘wicked’ Igbo woman).

Between Femi’s charming antics and Ada’s flawless posturing, owambe guests often go with similar agendas to find love. For some people, the goal is a ‘happily ever after’ ending; for others, a temporary connection is the endgame.

Across traditions and cultures practised by every nation in the world, weddings are not just something to anticipate with bated breath, but also one of the biggest days of our lives—at least for those brave enough to embark on it. Of course, each society approaches it differently. Whether in India, where marriages are arranged and courtship is a myth or in California, where it is possible to be married by literally anyone who can get ordained online for free (or for a small fee), weddings mostly take on a common theme, love. And it doesn’t matter if the couple has spoken a word to each other before the big day; guests attend with lofty expectations of romance and so much mushiness it feels like a

interest can be very exciting.

If you’ve been in the dating pool for as long as breakups hurt, you can already discern between what you want in your spouse and the deal breakers. However, putting all of that into account on that one night of mushy love and merry is quite difficult. It is almost as though the brain recognises the urge to shoot some extra dose of gooeyness straight to the heart. And as we must all know by now, the heart doesn’t joke around with what it wants. But what do you do when your love interest is off the market? You look for the next aso-ebi to buy because although you can find love anywhere, even in a hopeless place like Rihanna revealed, an owambe is one of the most exciting places to scour.

Bollywood rom-com scene. In Nigeria, the headquarters of all things enjoyment, the mushy is turned up a thousand notches.

Known for its glitz and glam courtesy of the usually colourful display of opulence through fabric, itinerary and souvenirs, owambe is perhaps the most fun wedding to be at (I am obviously being biased here but if there are any objections, invite me to them, thanks). For guests, in addition to the vast array of food and drink options, capturing moments for the ‘gram, the prospect of meeting a potential love

INI DIMA-OKOJIE AND ABASI ENEOBONG

Ilay down on the bed, urging her to join me, sandwiching her knee between mine, and smiling as I brushed her hair from her face. My gaze jumped from her eyes to her mouth and back before finally leaning in to kiss her. She curled her fingers around my collar and deepened the kiss. Behind the arousal, a storm cloud lurked; I knew it was time to say goodbye. No matter how good this is, it might be the last opportunity to enjoy it. In a few short hours, I knew she wouldn’t be mine anymore; she would belong to everyone.

I pushed the painful thought aside and helped slide her top off, pulling her closer and groaning like she was the most delectable thing I’d ever tasted. Slipping my tongue between her teeth, my hands coiled around her, igniting places she didn’t think had the power to turn her on.

I loved how responsive she was to my simple touches— how she trembled when I pressed my lips to her wrists, the way she gasped when I licked her inner thigh, and when I sucked and nibbled on her breast, I felt strength seep out of her. She made me feel like I had a magic touch, and with every sigh and shiver, I got harder and hotter for her.

I slid my fingers up her thighs, but before reaching the apex, she bent in and stroked her tongue up my ‘Ego’. It was a long, dragging sweep; she looked at me and grinned as she watched the pleasure wash over my face. I let out a breath and clenched my fist; every nerve in my body zeroed in on the silky tongue and her steamy gaze that spoke of carnal intent. Electricity pulsed through me as I watched her slow,

DOWNTOWN CONFIDENTIAL

methodical moves. She licked it like it was a cool sensuous treat. As she took me in her mouth entirely, sliding her tongue to the base and then sucking a path back to the way she came, white heat boiled through me. The vibration of the touch nearly broke me in half. We switched positions, and she was on top of me; she braced her hands on my shoulder, guiding herself up against the base of my shaft.

I grabbed her hips and slid my ‘it’ between her folds. Then she started rocking against me in a slow, easy rhythm while I palmed my hands over her ass, circling the smooth mounds before moving on to her thighs and breast.

I enjoyed every bit of her; she was soft in all the right places, firm and strong everywhere else. Dora was that kind of woman who could make half a man whole; as that thought crossed my mind, I clasped my hands to the nape of her neck and pulled her mouth to mine. A soft moan of pleasure came like music to my ear, and I was not sure whether it was mine or hers. Our bodies were fully joined, my sex cloaked in her and her lulling smile of pleasure heating my blood. Slowly, I moved my hip, and we began a steady stroke, churning with a smooth rhythm that broadened and rose. As the tension built, I watched her; I wanted to study every expression and soak in every sound. I was hard, cresting on the brink of climax; but I had to hold off for longer and went back to studying her, trying hard to hold on longer.

Her taut nipples rubbed against my chest as she pumped and pumped, rising up and sinking down; I had to bite my tongue to stay focused.

The climax fist around my shaft, stroking and grinding until I lost myself with her. As her breath turned to pants, I knew it was time to let go. Her beautiful eyes squeezed in tragic splendour.

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

I tried to hold on, to watch the layers of sensation colour her face, but I came too hard, my body jerking and convulsing until all I could do was surrender to the crush. It tore through me, wave after wave, in a flood of rippling ecstasy. I wrapped my hands around her waist and pulled her close, emptying all I had inside her. The joy and relish in her moans fed the frenzy until the final surge passed, and the thrusts began to subside.

I was right, after all. Our last night together was not fated; it was a night that would change my life forever.

Studying her as she buttoned and zipped her jeans, I noticed the hesitance and resignation in her eyes. I could read every detail of what was going through her mind. I knew how badly she wanted me to do something to stop her from breaking up with me. I knew I had the power to save our relationship from crashing, but I had no choice but to let it crash.

Our relationship was supposed to be really simple, just the two of us hooking up and giving each other pleasure; the sex was supposed to quench our thirst for one another; instead, it deepened the craving.

Dora is such a wonderful girl; she deserves a man who can offer her what she is prepared to give. I know she wanted more than sex from me, but no matter how long it took, I knew I couldn’t be that guy and had nothing to offer her except sex.

If I had known from the onset that it would result in this, I would have formulated a plan to cut her loose as painlessly as possible, but it's too late now.

What Dora wants from me is a luxury I can’t afford. I can’t be anything extra to anybody besides my family at this point in my life. I can only make room for something else once I know I’ve done my job as a provider.

She decided to break up with me when she realised I was not ready to change my decision; coincidentally, on the week she left for the United Kingdom for her Master’s program. By tomorrow, she’d be three thousand miles away from me. We both agreed it would be our last night together; we had a nice time, but it was time to say the final goodbye. I was unsure what to do. Whether to grab her hand, pull her back or kiss her until I knew what to say to keep her from going or put a smile on her face. But my confidence was gone. I let her turn and walk out, watching her shadow in the walkway until she was gone.

Funke

Bucknor-Obruthe

Dancing Her Way Through Each Event

If you ask many people, the wedding day is the most important in a person’s life. It is not that difficult to piece together. In a society like ours that places so much significance on marriage, it is only expected that the ceremony to celebrate the union are some of the most elaborate events in the country. And although all attention is on the bride—or in other events, the host— someone is responsible for bringing the vision that resulted in that event to life.

Regarded as one of Nigeria’s pioneering event planners, Funke Bucknor-Obruthe is certainly not new to weddings and events. Despite getting called to bar in 2000, Funke’s love for event planning influenced her decision to start Zapphaire Events, an independent event planning enterprise, three years later. Her wealth of experience in this field is unrivalled. She has planned some of the highest-profiled events within and outside Nigeria, earning her a feature in CNN’s Inside Africa for planning a Nigerian royal wedding. The entrepreneur and book author sat with DOWNTOWN’s Editor, Onah Nwachukwu, to talk all things weddings and events.

We all know that you started as a lawyer and then had a stint with an advertising agency before settling as an event planner. Is this fulfilling for you?

When I started over 20 years ago, I didn’t even know that event planning would be this way or would take me this far. I just wanted to help my friends and take the stress off them when they were planning their events. When I studied law at the University of Lagos, I did it because of my parents. But along the way, after I finished, I realised that maybe law wasn’t what I wanted to do. So as soon as I finished law school, I worked in a law firm for a week, and immediately after that, I moved into an advertising agency for my NYSC. So I worked there for a year, having more time to gather my thoughts and understand what I wanted to do. While working there, I realised that I wanted to help my friends plan and set up their events. I would say it’s been fulfilling because it’s almost like I get to create joy and happiness in people’s lives.

Do you have different companies that cater to different kinds of events?

As your business grows, you realise what your customers’ needs are. It’s one company that plans different kinds of events. Apart from premium and non-premium events, we also plan events where we are accessible to certain strata of society. Some people want events that are not as premium but still with the Zapphaire touch. It’s the same brand; depending on expertise and experience, different project managers take care of your events. But you are still getting your premium Zapphaire service that the brand is known for.

What are some major character traits that event planners must equip themselves with to be successful?

I love this question. There are so many, but I will pick a few. One is the ability to organise− you are managing people, so you must know how to organise. You must be diplomatic. Pay attention to detail. Interpersonal skills are skills you must learn. There are also attributes such as knowing how to manage a crisis, being result-oriented, being very resourceful, being creative, and having the ability to manage a team. There are so many character traits that an event planner must have, but at the same time, there are nonnegotiable skills. You must learn how to negotiate, have good communication skills, and have good relationship skills. Some of these things are inborn, and others you have to learn. So as you and your business grow, you build on these attributes. There are many, but these are some of the main character traits and attributes anyone hoping to thrive as an events entrepreneur should have.

After equipping yourself with all these character traits, there might be difficult clients or situations. What do you do when you have done everything to the best of your ability but

things decide not to go to plan?

I’ve learnt that you will not get the perfect client every time. We always pray for the right client for us; however, when a client that seems difficult comes along, I often say that sometimes clients are not difficult; you need to understand their expectations and where they are coming from. That’s why they say patience is golden; you need to be patient, be diplomatic as much as possible, and be able to communicate. Now, when you have done everything—tried your best and given value, but the client is still difficult, you know that this may not be the right client. Sometimes you must make the painful decision to walk away from an event. If you’re already on the project and can’t walk away, then take it as a learning to know what to look for in the next client. In the years I’ve been doing this, I’ve met different types of clients that expect different things, so you learn to understand them. And that’s why I always say no client is the same— and I always say this to my team— don’t treat client A like B.

We are officially in wedding season in Nigeria, and you are no stranger to this sort of event. Would planning one wedding be the same as the last?

Each wedding or event is totally different because you’re dealing with new clients, stakeholders, vendors, experiences, styles and expectations. So what one person thinks is important is not important to the next person. This is why you must ensure that you understand each of your clients; you can’t treat everybody the same way. You may be planning a fashion show; for example, what do they want? What are their expectations? What is their priority? One day, you plan a wedding for 2000 guests, and the next time you plan for 400 people. And you must realise that priorities differ with people. For some people, their priority is their wardrobe. For some, it’s the guest experience, and for others, it’s entertainment, everyone has different priorities, so there are no two events that are the same. This is why you must carefully choose your vendors and partners after understanding your client. So you mustn’t treat two clients the same way because there is no one-sizefits-all.

Our culture is flamboyant with colours and loudness, which can sometimes be overwhelming. How do you work with those loud colours to create premium visuals for guests and clients?

People come to us because they want a personalised experience; they want something tailored to them. So when we look at projects, we ask ourselves, “how can we best serve our clients? How can we best deliver this? What do we need to do?” And people come to us because they trust the process, professionalism and level of excellence that we bring to every event, so what we do when you come is to

understand your vision and what you see at the end of the day for your event, especially your wedding. And all that starts with the process of creating a visual, a mood board. You need to see it. And then, you begin to create with a team of people that can bring that vision to life. So who are the best designers?

The best stylists, decorators, food vendors, and entertainers?

You must be able to look at everything and say these are the things that will fit into this vision. After you’ve created it, you begin to execute and on the day, you produce your vision. There’s a planning process in the process of producing, creating and executing. That’s the process that takes time; that’s the part where you weed out what you don’t want and put in what you want. Then on the day, you produce all that you’ve planned and created. That’s how to deliver an event from beginning to end with a vision of the visual that you see in your mind.

What makes your company different from others?

Everybody has their DNA, and every brand has what they are trying to deliver. For us, we are very particular about our customers and serving them. We are particular about our clients’ and guest experience, ensuring everything is well coordinated. So we want to deliver a seamless, bespoke

event excellently by ensuring that our clients, guests, team, stakeholders and vendors are all working at optimum levels and we do not compromise on excellence. That’s what everybody in the organisation lives by, that quality service is very important.

In planning a wedding, which do you prefer: Planning abroad or in Nigeria? What makes the difference?

To be very truthful, I love planning events in Nigeria because there’s just this soul it has. Planning events internationally can sometimes be very cold because, most of the time, everybody in the environment is working on a rigid routine, and nobody wants to be flexible. And for me, an event needs soul—it needs life. Our food is one of the things that are different, our culture, the flexibility of it. The joy of family coming together, people being around, you can do so much more. And that’s why I love planning events in Nigeria. Internationally, I love it because you can get things done quickly, but it is too rigid for me. At the same time, it can be fun, but I love to plan in Nigeria.

Do you cater to small-budget weddings and events? You can plan an event for 20 guests and spend as much as you will even in planning for 200 guests. So the number doesn’t affect the cost. It is the level of detail that you’re bringing into the event. For one of 20 guests, you may find out that you’re spending more because of the detailing. Size only matters when scaling towards a certain number, and there’s now a multiplying effect. So whether you do 200 or 500 people, your cost will always be high because even your sound has to be much louder (more speakers). After all, you are using a bigger room. Sometimes, however, you read certain budgets and know the client is unrealistic. Sometimes a client wants a certain level, but they don’t want to spend a specific budget to meet that level. So obviously, we know that that cannot work; that’s an event we probably wouldn’t handle. Budgets vary, and different factors determine them.

You wrote a book seven years ago. Do you intend on following up with another one?

Yes, I do. I’m actually working on it.

Amazing; when should we look forward to it? Definitely 2023.

Apart from the book, you also organise training courses.

“Each wedding or event is totally different because you're dealing with new clients, stakeholders, vendors, experiences, styles and expectations... So you mustn't treat two clients the same way because there is no one-size-fits-all”

Yes, we do. We have a training school, the Zapphaire Training School, where we train event planners. I have a business coaching course where I personally coach, teach and train people in the service-based industry such as hospitality, tourism, event planning, etc.

Is there a demand for it?

Yes, there is. Don’t forget that when I started 20 years ago, there was almost no school for event planning. You either studied law, engineering, and so on. So there is a demand for it. The creative industry is growing hugely.

What would you say is lacking in the event planning community in Nigeria?

One of the things I’d say is lacking is the lack of standard, in the sense that everybody is working to a standard where nobody understands what is expected. So there is not one law that governs the event space. That’s one thing I know we’ve been working on for a while, but hopefully, we will be able to achieve that in the next few years.

So there’s an association?

There are different associations in the industry— quite a few of them.

With the advent of technology, has that made work a lot easier for you? And do you have clients or brides looking to incorporate technology in one form or the other into their events?

Technology allows you to run your business more effectively and easier. As event entrepreneurs in the event space, technology is helping many of us in terms of productivity tools, how we have our meetings, and how we engage with our clients;

technology allows us to visualise our files. Also, with booking vendors, people are now having virtual events when you don’t need to bring in 10,000 people into a room, you can have 2000 people in a room, and everything is hybrid. It has definitely played a significant part in the events industry, and it’s still growing.

Would you say COVID helped the event industry?

Yes, COVID helped everybody to recalibrate, to look at a newer and better way of doing things.

What kind of event would you prefer—corporate, weddings, or social events, like baby birthdays...?

I hope people will not be jealous now [laughs]. I love planning weddings the most because I love being a part of people’s stories and journeys. But when we do corporate events, it also gives us something different. With weddings, you deal with people’s emotional side, whereas corporate is the professional side. With weddings, you deal with the family; with corporate events, the stakeholders are not as many. Then there are social events, funerals, and birthdays—you are part of a milestone. I love them all, but weddings have a special place in my heart.

We are crossing to the busiest time of the year− December, the peak period for events. Is this the most exciting time of the year for your job? How excited or not are you about the end of the year every year?

I love every part of the year, but I like what you said about December. It is always so exciting because people are in a festive mood, happy and excited. We are also excited in the office, and that’s how we see December. But every other part of the year is always interesting as well.

You are an extremely busy woman. It took a while to get to sit down for this interview finally. How easy is it for you to balance your work with family?

It’s not easy balancing it all, but the good thing is that at every stage of someone’s life, there are different ways to balance different parts of your life. How you balanced things when your children were younger differs from when they became teenagers or when you just got married. In every aspect of balancing, there are different levels and challenges. So one thing I’ve learnt on how to

you have that integrated work-life balance? So you delegate, both at work and otherwise and the things you can’t delegate, you do yourself. And I have learnt that sometimes, you must sacrifice in your business, home, relationship with friends, and so on. To get what you want, you have to sacrifice. Family is important, my children are important, and my business is also important, so it’s a question of how you juggle them. Sometimes the scales are not equal; sometimes, one is higher and the other lower, but the key is to ensure that nothing drops. And when it does drop— because no one gets it right all the time, don’t beat yourself up.

Everyone looks forward to your dancing videos during and after your events. How did that come about? Is that how you’ve always been, and social media has just put it in the spotlight?

I’ve always loved dancing. I’ve always danced ever since I was a child. I’ve always had that hyper, energetic, full-of-life personality. But I think that even planning an event and seeing the event at the end of the day fills me with joy, and I want to dance. It is a form of therapy for me, a form of connection with my clients; it’s a form of joy because there is fulfilment at the end of the day. In fact, clients come to me now and say, “you didn’t dance at my event. Why are you not dancing?”

Someone has said my dance is a gift; it radiates joy. Someone called it a victory dance. Other people have said my dance keeps them going and asked me not to stop dancing, and I love it.

“Sometimes the scales are not equal;sometimes one is higher and the other lower, but the key is to ensure that nothing drops. And when it does drop—because no one gets it right all the time, don't beat yourself up”

Why Every Bride-to-be

Should Include Grapefruit Oil in Their Beauty Regimen

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Grapefruit is a tropical citrus known for its sour-to-bittersweet taste.

When we think of grapefruit, chances are that we think mostly of Vitamin C, but we'll have you know, Vitamin C plays a vital role in both immune and skin health, and that's one of the things that makes grapefruit so powerful. In other words, citrus essential oils are an alternative to Vitamin C serums with many of the same skin benefits.

The grapefruit oil is extracted from grapefruit peel through cold pressing. The essential oil is known for its healing properties and as a natural remedy for healthy and clear skin. Additionally, grapefruit oil has a sweet citrus scent, making it a popular note in perfumes and aromatherapy.

To add grapefruit oil to your beauty regimen, you can either look for skincare products that contain grapefruit oil or purchase grapefruit essential oil in its pure form.

They can be mixed into your moisturiser for antiinflammatory benefits, or better still, you can use them directly on your skin.

If you use more than a drop or two, try to mix the oil with carrier oil so that the oil won't irritate your skin. You can use carrier oils like coconut, rosehip, and others to keep your skin calm and enhance the result. Here are a few reasons why every bride-to-be should use grapefruit in their beauty regimen.

(1) It Has Anti-Aging Effects

Free radicals from the sun, pollution, chemicals and even an unhealthy diet can produce oxidative stress, which can accelerate the skin ageing process, hyperpigmentation, dry skin and thinner skin texture in the body.

The Vitamin C in grapefruit oil helps neutralise, reverse, and protect us against future radical damage. It also helps in stimulating collagen and elastin production. These products help keep the skin cells hydrated, strong, and resilient and are the building blocks for a flexible, supple and smooth skin texture.

(2) Protection Against Infection

Grapefruit oil is made up of D-limonene, a compound that provides skin soothing, antibacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungi benefits.

The healing properties treat dry, itchy skin associated with weather changes, inflammatory conditions like eczema, after-care during the tattoo process or even cosmetic treatment healing process.

(3) It Clears Acne And Prevents Breakouts

Grapefruit essential oil contains antioxidants and bacteria-fighting properties that heal existing acne and protect the skin against future breakouts.

These properties break down bacteria or other microbes stuck in your pores to support acne clearing.

(4) It CelluliteReduces

Grapefruit is highly recommended for reducing Cellulite and water retention. For ages, grapefruit oil has been used to curb sugar cravings and help people shed extra pounds.

Researchers made sense of this method and found out that grapefruit oil inhibits adipogenesis, a formation of fat and fat cells.

HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

TOP 10 HONEYMOON DESTINATIONS

BY KEHINDÉ FAGBULE

Between picking the right wedding location, fabric, theme, cake, and so on, couples are perpetually going to be stressed through the process of wedding planning—even if they employ someone to worry on their behalf in the form of a wedding planner. Another important decision they must again make is what happens after the big day. What honeymoon destination is perfect for keeping the passion of the wedding night burning a little longer? If you’re engaged to be married, you can now scratch that off your worry list.

Tulum, Mexico

Tulum, one of the most romantic destinations in North America, is a true beauty. You can never go wrong with Tulum, which is home to idyllic beaches, fascinating historical sites, and breathtaking scenery. You can also enjoy tacos, ceviches, and other delicious street food.

Places to visit: The gran cenote, Tulum national park, Sian Ka’an biosphere reserve, Tulum archaeological site, Tulum beach, Punta laguna forest reserve.

Things to do: Take a dip in the cenotes, go snorkelling, enjoy a yoga session on the beach, visit the Mayan ruins, and try out nice street foods.

Best time to visit: Between November and December.

Maldives

Couples who enjoy the ocean frequently choose to vacation on this Asian island. There isn’t much greater than what the Maldives has to offer— crystal blue oceans, white sandy beaches, and much more. Island hopping is one of the best ways to take pleasure in your travels here.

Places to visit: Male, Maafushi, Meeru Island, Maafushi, Banana Reef, Kuredu.

Things to do: Submarine ride, Diving, Hiking, Boat ride, Swimming, City tour, Snorkeling, Scuba diving.

Best time to Visit: November to April.

Zanzibar, Tanzania

Zanzibar is the perfect setting for romance because of its white sandy beaches, gorgeous resorts, and crystal clear waters. This idyllic island in Tanzania epitomizes bliss. If you choose to spend your honeymoon here, you will indeed have a lifetime of memories.

Places to visit: Stone town, prison island, Cheetah’s rock, Nungwi beach, Jozani Chwaka bay national park, Nakupenda beach nature reserve.

Things to do: Go snorkelling at Mnemba island reef, go on a dolphin tour, and explore prison island and stone town.

Best time to visit: July – September

Santorini, Greece

Santorini is a popular honeymoon location because of its whitewashed structures and breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. There are countless options for organizing your Santorini honeymoon because there are so many locations to see. You may snap beautiful images for Instagram thanks to the attractive city.

Places to visit: OIa, Firá, Caldera, Thira, Pyrgos.

Things to do: Hike around Skardos rock, go for a walk on the black beaches of Kamari, watch the sunset by the Byzantine Castle, and go on boat trips.

Best time to visit: April to November.

Bali, Indonesia

Bali is incredibly beautiful, from its coral reefs and beaches to its temples, sunsets, and beaches. This island embodies tranquillity in all its purest forms. This is the best option if you want to spend some time on your honeymoon relaxing in nature.

Places to visit: Purah Tanah lot, Ubud monkey forest, Nusa dua beach, Kuta beach.

Things to do: Go for a wellness retreat, watch the beautiful sunset, go on the Bali swing, and go to the waterpark in Waterbom.

Best time to visit: April to May, September to October.

Lake Como, Italy

Lake Como has always been a popular destination for lovers looking to travel in style. You get to experience a honeymoon like a star in this location with its azure waters, lakes, breathtaking scenery, and charming hillside villages.

Places to visit: Duomo of Como, Villa del Balbianello, Jungle Raider Park, the botanical garden at Hotel Villa Cipressi, Font di Fuentes.

Things to do: Go hiking on Sentiero del Viandante, wine tasting at Enoteca Principessa, explore history at some of the historic sites and participate in fun activities at the jungle raider park.

Best time to visit: March to November, although July and August are the months where you get the best weather.

Cappadocia, Turkey

Couples who like to venture outside the norm would adore this place. There are numerous stunning cave hotels in Cappadocia, which blend luxury and the outdoors. The delectable food is the cherry on top.

Places to Visit: Göreme, the citadel of Kaymakli, fairy chimneys of Paşaba ı, Avanos, Kayseri, Ürgüp.

Things to do: Hot air balloon rides, go hiking in the red and rose valleys, and explore the underground cities in Kaymaklı and Derinkuyu.

Best time to visit: July and August.

Masai Mara, Kenya

The Masai Mara is the ideal location for avid wildlife enthusiasts. An African wildlife paradise, you may take in the scenery and see the continent’s “big 5” animals, including lions, rhinos, elephants, leopards, and buffalo. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of several animals in their natural habitat at Masai Mara.

Places to visit: Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara river, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Musiara Swamp, Olypunyata swamp, Eluai Plain, Nashulai Maasai Conservancy.

Things to do: Watch elephants at Eluai Plain, go on a balloon safari ride, watch animals during the great migration season, and watch a variety of animals at the swamps.

Best time to visit: The weather here is good all year round, but if you’re looking to experience wildlife migration, then July and October are the best months.

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, located in the heart of the rainbow nation, is the perfect location for honeymooners. This city is known for its exceptional beauty, pristine beaches, vibrant art, and friendly people. You will fall in love with Cape Town.

Places to visit: Table mountain, Camps bay, V&A Waterfront, Cape Peninsula, Robben Island, Zeitz MOCAA, Bo-Kaap.

Things to do: Go hiking on Table mountain, aerial cableway, Penguin watching at Boulders beach, Stellenbosch vineyards.

Best time to visit: March to May, September to November.

Paris, France

Without the city of love, what good is a honeymoon wish list? Paris offers you a honeymoon fit for a fantasy with its charming streets, countless lights, renowned structures, and lovely gardens. You must carefully plan your honeymoon because this city has a lot to see and do. You make the best memories as soon as you step off the plane.

Places to visit: The Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, Arc de triomphe, Eiffel tower, Notre dame cathedral, Jardin du Luxembourg, Marché Enfant Rouges.

Things to do: Go on a bus tour around the city, visit the Eiffel towers, enjoy French pastries, rent a vintage car to explore the city, and go outside the city to visit vineyards.

Best time to visit: April to August.

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

LDA UNVEILS RENAISSANCE SS ’23 COLLECTION

BY DORCAS AKINTOYE

Renowned fashion designer, Lanre Da Silva recently unveiled her Renaissance Spring/Summer ‘23 Collection at an elegant private fashion show in Ikoyi, Lagos. What would be the designer’s first stand-alone show featured well-thought-out designs made with luxurious fabrics, proving that Da Silva is no newbie to the business of fashion designing. The impressive guest list which consisted of Lagos’ high society and fashion industry leaders also enjoyed a musical performance.

The Lawals

Lanre Da Silva

Ebele Udo

Femi Da Silva

L-R Ruth Osime, Grace Osime & Linda Edozien

Mimi Onalaja

Morayo

Yemisi Wada & Toke Makinwa

Remi Adetiba

Laura

LDA Design on The Runway

LDA Design on The Runway

LDA Design on The Runway

THE SCENE DOWNTOWN

THE MACALLAN PARTNERS MAI ATAFO AS ATAFO SHOWCASES NEW FASHION COLLECTION - THE ATELIER

The Macallan, world’s most prestigious, single malt Scotch whisky, collaborated with Mai Atafo creative director of ATAFO as the brand showcases its Spring/Summer 23 collection ‘The Atelier’ and celebrates 12 years of industry relevance. The partnership, which is a nod to The Macallan’s competence in curating meaningful and bespoke experiences for ultra-high net worth individuals, was held at The Podium Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday, November 20, 2022.

Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, Uti Nwachukwu, Sharon Ooja, Ric Hassani, Mimi Onalaja, Ini Dima-Okojie were some of the celebrities at the exclusive show that had four collections of over 80 outfits displayed by 68 models on the runway.

Drawing from its ultra-prestige, exceptional quality and character, The Macallan’s collaboration within the fashion industry also emphasises its value for seasoned craftsmanship, unparalleled creativity, innovation, and sustainability, qualities the ATAFO brand has consistently displayed.

In celebration of 12 years of industry significance for the ATAFO brand and the introduction of a new collection, Mai Atafo, creative director of ATAFO and a brand influencer for The Macallan, unveiled his latest collection in all its sartorial elegance, clean lines, and innovative yet functional designs. After a three-year hiatus from the runway, Atafo’s latest collection - The Atelier - reflects the brand's continued relevance and evolution over time.

As part of its commitment to celebrating mastery and adding value to consumer engagement, The Macallan and ATAFO jointly curated the fashion show pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Abayomi Ajao, Edrington’s Customer Marketing Manager, West & North Africa, commented on the event. He said, “The Macallan is renowned as the world’s leading single malt whiskies and globally celebrated for its unique taste and style, methods and craftsmanship. For almost 200 years, The Macallan has maintained an outstanding quality and distinctive character. This legacy and reputation form the motivation for our collaboration with the highly respected Nigerian designer, Mai Atafo.

The Macallan recognises Nigeria’s vibrant fashion industry that is characterised by colour and beautiful expressions and this partnership is another investment in the exceptional talents within the industry .”

“Nigeria's fashion symbolises craftsmanship and nothing could inspire you more than The Macallan. Mai Atafo and Macallan’s partnership is Mastery at its finest! Thanks to Mai for his impeccable art of giving expression to our feelings with style and fashion. While Macallan adds style and luxury to our taste and nights,” Ioannis Simos, Premium Spirit & HoReCa Director, Coca-Cola Hellenic, commented during the show.

‘The Atelier’ collection pieces though stylish, remained functional, elevated, and structured, easily adaptable to individual styles. The designs echoed the distinctly robust and characterful ‘new make’ of The Macallan spirit; its captured design elements from over the last decade in new and inventive ways pleasantly reflected The Macallan’s rich legacy.

Speaking on the launch of his new collection, Mai Atafo shared, “The Atelier is a statement of passion, grit, and growth. I got into fashion out of a love of clothes, and now that love has evolved into a desire to create an experience people can wear and live. Atafo has had many challenges, but we have grown through them to become this exquisite brand changing the face of fashion globally, and we are delighted to have an iconic

our growth.”

brand like The Macallan here today to support

The Macallan has had a rich history of investing in Nigeria’s high art and food industries by supporting various art exhibitions and local culinary experiences in the country.

L-R: Premium Spirit & HoReCa Director, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Ioannis Simos; Creative Photographer Kelechi Amadi-Obi; Creative Director, ATAFO, Mai Atafo; Customer Marketing Manager, West & North Africa, Edrington, Abayomi Ajao; Brand Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Hammed Adebiyi; &Trade Marketing Manager, Edrington Portfolio, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Tsolaye Everett

Sharon Ooja at ATAFO Show in Partnership With Macallan

Tonye Garrick at ATAFO Show in Partnership With Macallan

Derin at ATAFO Show in Partnership With Macallan

BY BOLUWATIFE ADESINA

MOVIE REVIEW:

Glass Onion

particularly prone to following lockdown regulations anyway (the film is set in 2020, replete with all the COVID-era trappings), all are thrilled when they receive an elaborate puzzle box from their mysterious billionaire friend Miles (Edward Norton) that, when opened, invites them all out to his private island for a weekend of food, relaxation, and a planned murder mystery game. All are shocked not only when Blanc arrives, apparently having been invited, but so has Andi (Janelle Monáe), a mysterious piece of the puzzle who is clearly on the outs with the rest of the group. Of course, this isn’t a weekend that goes as planned, and eventually, Blanc grows suspicious of the ensemble and the true reason for this get-together.

Combine James Cameron’s Titanic with an especially unhinged helping of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror and the results might look something like Netflix’s 1899. This much-heralded new series from the creators of the streamer’s German-language sci-fi thriller Dark unfolds on an ocean liner waylaid by creepy events while chugging across the Atlantic in the final months of the 19th century. It’s eerie, disconcerting, cold to the touch and, unless you’re sitting bolt upright taking notes, occasionally indecipherable.

WATCH OF THE WEEK

the traditional green screen). In the case of 1899, the blending of the technological and the physical brings a dour grandeur, the Kerberos and the Prometheus looming menacingly in the gloom.

Just like a liner crossing the sea, 1899 proceeds at a blustering crawl. The presumption seems to be that the viewer will commit to the somnolent pacing, miserable protagonists and a murky plot. Might that, however, be a miscalculation on the part of Netflix?

Rian

Johnson is a big fanboy. It’s a facet of his personality that comes through in all of his work. His clever construction never undermines the genre hallmarks of his films, he loves them too much for that. But he wouldn’t be fulfilled without seeing into which new areas he can push these genres.

It’s the reason he made one of the only genuinely ambitious pieces of Star Wars media post-Disney buyout, and why 2019’s Knives Out felt like it was lightly tinkering with the expectations of a whodunnit mystery as much as it was fully embracing the archetypes. He’s had great success in being able to have his cake and eat it too, simultaneously subverting and celebrating the ostensible blueprint of any given film.

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is yet another pure distillation of the Johnson formula. In the continuing escapades of world-renowned detective Benoit Blanc (a perfect, hilarious Daniel Craig), Glass Onion trades in the cozy sweater-weather New England country house setting of its predecessor for a full-blown vacation-style destination murder mystery, set on the sunny shores of a Greek island. It’s completely standalone — you could tune in and not miss a beat if you skipped the first. If it isn’t immediately obvious, the Agatha Christie worship is on full display. Johnson’s clear reverence for the serialized detective fiction genre is striking, and his indulgence is a joyous amount of fun when it's this cleverly assembled.

The film introduces us to our potential suspects first: a disparate group of friends including floundering politician Claire (Kathryn Hahn), washed-up pop star Birdie Jay (Kate Hudson), scientist Lionel (Leslie Odom Jr.), and men’s rights Twitch streamer Duke (Dave Bautista). Though none seem

It’s difficult to talk about what this film does so well without completely ruining the whole point of it. However, if you’ve seen the first, you know that Johnson is an impressive architect when it comes to structuring the twisty rollercoaster of red herrings and story reveals something like this requires. It meanders for a while at the start, taking about a full hour to get to the central mystery, but cleverly recontextualizes things midway through with an ambitious swerve in the plotting that almost entirely switches what story you thought you were watching. It’s bold and pays off; even if you think you know who’s behind it all, the crafty way information is doled out ensures you would never know how or why.

Though this franchise revels in the tropes of classic whodunnits, both films are distinct contemporary products of their social, political, and social climate. Knives Out suffered some defects of the incessantly Logged On social media age, and though Glass Onion isn’t necessarily more subtle, it incorporates its commentary into the story with greater care. Norton is great to see back in a major role, and his mega-rich dummy tech-bro character feels less reminiscent of Elon Musk and more of a straight caricature, in a story reflecting the absurdity of society when it's so heavily influenced by such a bonehead (Okay, so maybe more like Musk than I initially thought).

It’s blunt but not grating, a result of Johnson’s deft touch as a filmmaker. He toes a line of getting too gratuitous (to be fair, there are maybe one too many celebrity cameos here), but there’s an infectious quality to the worlds he builds on-screen. It’s a shame most people will see this film on Netflix (releases on the streamer December 23, a full month after it drops in theaters) when it’s primed for the communal experience of an audience but any way for these films to be financed and released is a net positive. There’s one more confirmed outing for Blanc, but I would take as many of these as possible if they were all this much fun.

8.5/10

Fans of Dark will probably regard “indecipherable” as a recommendation. Set in a remote town bedevilled by uncanny forces, the show built a cult following by asking audiences to imagine what Stranger Things would look like if made by gloomy Germans with a license to confuse.

In 1899, Teutonic brain-blitzers Jantje Friese and Baran bo Odar have cranked up the “what the hell?” factor even further. And by their own standards, they’ve hit the bullseye. The increasingly feverish plot will thrill anyone who enjoys their prestige TV garnished with cerebellummulching psychological horror.

Our voyage commences late in…well, 1899, as ocean liner the Kerberos steams from Europe to America. Or at least it is doing so until it detects a beacon from sister ship the Prometheus – a surprise considering the second vessel vanished months earlier. Captain Eyk (Andreas Pietschmann) directs his crew to track the signal. But Eyk has more personal problems, not least nightly visions in which he sees his family perish in a fire back in Germany.

He isn’t the only one struggling to maintain a façade. Others with demons in their closet include Maura Franklin (Emily Beecham), desperate to flee

England and traumatised by dreams of her father. Haunting her in the real world is ghoulish Daniel (Aneurin Barnard). He’s a twitchy weirdo who appears to know more about the intertwining origins of the Kerberos and Prometheus than anyone – including the captain.

1899 creates history as the first series to be filmed entirely in a virtual environment, at Studio Babelsberg near Berlin. Disney has dabbled in the equivalent technology on The Mandalorian and Obi-Wan Kenobi, with actors performing against a fully animated digital backdrop (rather than

Beginning with JJ Abrams’s Lost in 2004, “mystery box” TV has been the hot trend for over a decade. And yet with the recent cancellation of the baffling Westworld, the buzz may have finally gone out of the genre. If so, 1899 sets sail at the worst possible moment.

On the other hand, this is an expertlycrafted puzzle which, from episode four on, goes to truly mind-bending places. It isn’t for the easily-bored or anyone partial to zoning out in front of the television. But for those who enjoy drama that challenges as much as it dazzles, 1899 is a date worth keeping.

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