Everything Events Ja brings ‘Flair’ to The Distinguished
Published:Saturday | April 29, 2023 | 12:52 AMKrysta Anderson/Staff Reporter
Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani once said, “To create something exceptional, your mindset must be relentlessly focused on the smallest detail.” On Monday, The Gleaner’s Flair left no gemstones unturned, presenting the glitz and glamour of The Distinguished Awards Gala and Dinner. Seeing the stunning awardees arrive in red-carpet fashion was majestic enough. But witnessing their waltz into an elevated atmosphere, sparked by enchanting beauty and opulence, was equally breath-taking.
Responsible for the classic-meets-chic change in scenery, Everything Events Ja was excited to transport guests to the destination of style and class. “It was magical watching The Jamaica Pegasus ballroom transform into such a glamorous yet delicate feminine event,” owner Racquel Leslie told Saturday Living.
Specialising in event planning, management, and execution, Leslie has dedicated five years to bringing exciting and show-stopping looks to life; ones that echo the sentiments of a particular appeal or aesthetic.
This ‘girl boss’ is no stranger to The Distinguished. Like Monday night’s honourees, this event designer deserves to be celebrated for working assiduously in the decor department of this auspicious event for three years running.
“I was elated and humbled to have been a part of such an amazing execution. I am definitely grateful for the experience, not only for executing the event but also for the fact that Flair has once again entrusted me to bring the event’s vision to reality,” she shared.
A stylist in her own right, she explained that the inspiration for Year Five was a result of the collaborative efforts between herself and her client, “My client indicated that she wanted a look that was both delicate and head-turning, with the most elaborate of centerpieces,” she said.
Before this year’s staging, the award ceremony was usually a luncheon. Once it was confirmed that, for 2023, it would be a dinner banquet, Leslie’s creativity began churning with possible ideas.
It was there that, together, the dynamic duo decided to elevate the approach to exquisite proportions. Known for radiant blooming in spring, the natural beauty of cherry blossom trees was enrolled in the decor line-up. Leslie, along with her team, gave these trees the spotlight, making them the belles of the ball as the centre of several tables as well as the stage’s backdrop.
“We wanted the dinner to be fabulous and chic. So we went for that with the cherry blossom trees. The trees took a bit of time to set up, as they require installing each branch one at a time by hand. It was tedious work but I have the best staff,” she said enthusiastically.
Other centrepieces on fabulous display included lit candles and cylindrical vases with water-submerged flowers.
Being able to create the vision and watch it unfold remarkably is something that the designer will forever cherish. “I was told by guests that this was the ‘mother of all executions’. They were in love with the centrepieces,” she proudly added.
With plans to “… execute an even more elaborate event in the near future,” Leslie is grateful for the journey that has presented continuous learning and non-stop work experience. “The best part about my job is watching a space transform from a blank canvas to a masterpiece.”