The Kanekalon Night Of 1000 Braids

Braids is a well guarded heritage of the African woman and it depicts royalty, with a blend of ancient and modern sophistication. It is therefore small wonder that many fashionable women and celebrities turned out in large numbers to the tastefully decorated hall of The Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos, on Saturday, the 27th November, 2010, for the display of the most exquisite braid hairstyles.

It was unmistakably a kanekalon’s night, and kanekalon fibre was the order of the event. It was indeed a tribute to the quality and superiority of the kanekalon fibre, as Kaneka corporation, Osaka, Japan, makers of the world’s finest fibre,the kanekalon fibre, hosted the hair industry and their loyal partners to a glamorous dinner party tagged “ Kanekalon Night of 1000 Braids”. The event was geared towards promoting the African beauty, which was a sequel to the “Naija Kanekalon Braids Parade” held at the Eko Hotel, On September 2nd, 2010. Their three partners are: Ayman Enterprises Limited, makers of the Amigos and Darling brands; Solpia Group Ltd. Makers of the Xpression brand; and Venus-Nina Ltd. Makers of the Nina  Xciting brand.

Kanekalon fibre is the raw material used in the manufacturing of most of the world’s best synthetic wigs, weavons and braids, with its Hot Water Set capability, which gives the user the freedom to create any desired style. It is itch-free,flame retardant, scalp friendly, natural and easy to maintain. Popular brands such as Amigos; Darling; Xpression; solpia and Nina identify with the Kanekalon fibre. With braids as the unifying factor, guests from various races and tribes and from all walks of life chatted amicably amongst themselves for the love of braids. The event opened on a red carpet which showcased lovely guests with the very best of braids; all charming, proudly displaying their unique braid Styles made in gorgeous styles and colours as they bared their minds on “Hair” and “hair issues”. The décor of the hall was friendly by all standards, with lovely colour combination, oozing elegance and style, with the Kanekalon banners at strategic locations, indicating that the host, Kaneka Corporation and the organizers, left no stone unturned in ensuring the quality of the event.

The huge turn out of guests, coupled with a high level of orderliness added gusto to the event. The event was anchored by a spectacular duo, the master comedian, Koffi Idowu Nuel and Gbemi Olatero, the golden voice of beats F.M, Lagos. The event was well attended by the crème de la crème of the hair industry and a few celebrities. The welcome address was given by Mr. Hidesuke Amachi, General Manager, Kanekalon division of the Kaneka corporation, Osaka, Japan. Also in attendance were Mr. Hideaki Nakamura of Kaneka corporation, Mr. Adel Khalil and Sadalar khalil of the Amigos and Darling Hair Brand, Mr. Shin and Mr. Diamond of the Solpia Group, Mr. Jang and Man-Jong, Joo of Venus-Nina, makers of the Nina Xciting Hair Brand, , Mr. Rufai Ladipo, Managing Director of STB Maccann, MD of Universal Haircare (Plaza) Ltd. A top hair distribution company, Mr. Anthony Smith of African HairTV, Mr. Emmanuel Ntia of African Hair and Beauty Magazine, Mrs. Funmi Ladipo, of Regalia Fashion Designer, Dr. (Mrs.) E. A. Osisanya of Elegant Twins School of Cosmetology, Deaconess C. Tom, President, Nigerian Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetology, Lagos State. Others who added glamour to the event were Olu Maintain, Saheed Balogun, Azeezat Allen, Carol Ekanem, Mr & Mrs Edward Ntia and a host of others.

The event included a parade of gorgeous models with creative and spectacular hairstyles by Salon D’ Eve, winner, “Naija Kanekalon Braids Parade, 2010”. This was followed by the energetic and tactical performance by ‘Salsa Dance Group of Africa”. There was a raffle draw which produced joyous winners of fantastic prizes. This was followed by a breathtaking performance by star artiste, singer, songwriter, Obiwon, who wowed the audience with his sonorous voice and charismatic performance , it was a complete package as provision Was made for a Hair Clinic with Ms. Bolaji Adedimilehin of Fibaths Cosmetology School who also gave a lecture on ‘Braids Maintenance / handling”. Following shortly was an enchanting performance by Akinloye Tofowomo and his ‘Shuga Band Entertainment’ who was at his very best.

Corporate braid hairstyles were paraded by the beautiful models of Rich Look Fashion House, followed by Braids for both casual and formal occasion modeled by House of Modella and Queenly braids designs in combination with African Prints was introduced by Regalia Fashion Designer. Another side attraction was the models of the Darling Attraction Luxury braid that were as beautiful as their hair. Men were not left out as some had their braids on (insert Sundance ko). A scintillating performance was done by the wakaman movement, which was a combination of humour, talent and style. It was really an eventful evening of hairstyles galore with everyone in a    light mood, enjoying and breathing in the aesthetics of the evening.

The beautiful models from Salon `De’ Eve; Darling Attractive Luxury braid; House of Modella; Richlook Fashion; and regalia fashion designer won the hearts of many with their fascinating hairstyles and magnetic carriage; igniting the desire to capture their adorable and avant-garde hairstyles by all and Sundry. “The best hairdo award” was earnestly contested by several women, which saw three finalist  smiling home with fantastic prizes. It was indeed a `Night of 1000 Braids with lovely ladies in a vast array of fabulous braid hairstyles.

Known for high standards, STB MacCann, organizers of the event lived up to expectation as an achiever. They succeeded in creating lingering memories of the kanekalon fibre, in the minds of all present. It is no doubt that, kanekalon fibre, recognized as the best of its kind, now a household name in Nigeria,  brought beauty and joy to the Nigerian women. There was enough to eat and drink as sumptuous meal, buffet – style was brought from the stable of The Federal Palace Kitchen.  The guests went home, jealously clutching their gift packs, filled with lots of branded kanekalon items including hair pieces called, ‘Ultima organic protein hair’.

The ‘Kanekalon Night of 1000 Braids’ recorded a huge success and will have a positive ripple-effect on the Nigerian hair industry. It was indeed a worthwhile experience. Truly memorable! Truly Kanekalon fibre!