BY YEMISI SULEIMAN

As CEO and founder of Enthyst Event Management, cooperate and party event planner Ndidi Obioha has created memorable moments for companies and individuals. With years of experience and expertise on the job, the very fashionable event planer is set to ease the stress of would be brides with the official launch of her bridal outlets.. The one-stop bridal shop, located in Ikoyi caters for the needs of prospective brides and grooms, from wedding dresses, veils, hair accessories, jewelry, shoes to grooms outfit, waist coats etc. She also crowns this with a saloon and makeup studio.

What the idea behind the latest bridal collections?

I have been into events, I discovered that at some weddings the way the bride look is very disturbing because I do know they can look better. That is what prompted this, it is more like becoming a wedding stylist, and you can’t style people if you don’t have what to show them. If you are saying to somebody, you are not looking right or what you are wearing is not good, then you need to be able to have a perfect substitute; which is why we decided to open a one stop centre for all the needs of brides.

How would you describe these bridal collections and red carpet dresses?

Stunning and exclusive outfit, they are trendy, because we work with the trends, and we also have classy bridal outfit for brides that want to look classy but very chic at the same time.

The red carpet outfits are dresses that the western world call mother of the day kind of dresses. What I have realized in the last few years is that in 2011 there is a deviation from the Aso-Ebi because people are tried of it. So people are going back to the English collections wanting to look very western, which is why I decided to bring outfits that are exactly the kind of outfit you feel comfortable wearing to a wedding that you’ll look stunning in and can be worn to red carpet function or weddings because both intertwined.

What is your definition of style?

Simple and glam, I am a sucker of stunning clothes, but at the same time keeping it simple and real. I also love comfort, because when you are comfortable with what you are wearing, the confidence is there, and you carry it very well. It is not all about trends for me, it is about what suits me and been comfortable in it.

How do you like your clothes?

I like to show skin but not in an indecent way. You will always see me wear a lot of off shoulders, halter necks. You rarely you see me all covered up, but even if I am wearing an outfit that is all covered up, it is fitted. I try to focus on a particular piece of item, it could be my accessories, it could be the outfit itself, it could be my bag, shoes, but I don’t let everything speak at the same time, but at the end of the day it is all put together.

Are you one for designer stuff or you mix and match?

Totally what fits, I do lots of designer, but I also do non designer, the reason why we all go for designers is that they have taken time out to put it together; the finishing and all that, and I am very much after the finishing, because it is the finishing that helps an outfit sit well. You would probably do some not popular, not so cheap outfit but, when you wear it, it will not sit right that is always the problem. But as long as it fits well I am okay. And locally I am willing to encourage Nigeria designers, when I used to be the style editor for TW, I showcase our local talent, mostly the new ones to help project and encourage them.

What can’t you be caught wearing?

My dear, I am becoming very daring these days, but I don’t do the micro minis, or the macro minis. I am very adventurous really, so I won’t say there is something you will never catch me in because I love to try new stuff.

In Nigeria who is your favourite designer?

JD7, for me JD7 is very daring and very creative and I like that about her, she is not scared to express herself, and she totally understands your style and your person and does stuff to fit that personality and that for me is very important.

Are you a bag, shoe or jewelry person?

I am a shoe, bag, accessories and dress person, I am all of it.

What is your preference for perfumes?

I love Romance by Ralph Lauren, and Euphoria by Calvin Klein

What is your favourite red carpet look?

Bling, I am a bling person, I love the bling that is my weakness.

Best beauty secret and routine?

I will not sleep with my make up on at night, I will always do my usual facial wash at night, I would cleanse and tone everyday, I scrub three times a week, I don’t do the facials because I don’t have the time, I would love to but I never have the time.

Best make-up products?

I am also very adventurous with products, I don’t stick to one product for too long because at a point, it stops to work for me. But in terms of cosmetic products I use MUD, Sleek, I like Iman a lot, I do like MAC but not so much because it is sort of very oily.

What is your favourite holiday spot and why?

Lebanon, they are amazingly friendly, it is a total hospitable country, you get in there and it just welcomes you, I have gone there before and I go there again and again. I love Lebanon.