THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, March 10, 1995 TAG: 9503100524
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E12 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: Medium: 100 lines
Each year we flip through ``Seventeen'' ``YM'' and ``Sassy'' attempting to figure out what is cool to wear to the prom. But why rely on the experts?
Instead, the newspaper sent eight local teens to Lynnhaven Mall, told them to pick out an ideal prom outfit, then got them to model for a group of six teenagers who rated the looks in 10 categories including comfort, originality, parent appeal and date appeal.
Most of the results were mixed, which only proves that everyone was being honest. For example, judges comments on one tux ranged from ``that vest is wild, it's going to glow on the dance floor and look like a disco ball'' to ``it doesn't blend well.''
Here's how they fared.
- by Gina Ginn, high school correspondent, Norview High ILLUSTRATION: Color photos
1. Mae Munoz, Tallwood High
-Dress by Bari-Jay ($142), shoes by Rafferty ($34). From J.C.
Penney. Score: 8.8
``The color was stunning!'' Antonio
2. Alicia Luma, homeschooled
-Dress ($46) and shirt ($19) from Up Against the Wall. Boots
available at Bakers ($29). Score: 7.7
``It looked pretty cool - a sort of grungy-vogue type thing. It
really grows on you if done well.'' John
``Not a mother's favorite.'' Michael
3. Dee Dee Love, Oscar Smith High
-Dress by Zum Zum Jump Apparel Co., ($100). Worthington shoes
($44). From J.C. Penney. Score: 8.5
``The color is close to Barney, but it looks good anyway.''
Michael
``It's a pretty dress, but not practical for everybody.'' Venita
4. Johnny Dunn, Cox High
-Christian Dior ``Toulon'' tuxedo with double-breasted, gold lame
paisley vest and bowtie. ($49.95 if reserved by March 31). From The
Formal House. Score: 8.5
``Very `Fred Astaire' - gold vest and bow tie add a nice touch.''
Maria
``He looks sooooooooooo nice!'' Cynthia
5. Alonzo Holmes, Western Branch High
-Ralph Lauren ``Shawl'' tuxedo with black, silver and gold vest
by Kenta. From Mitchell's Formal Wear. ($69.95, $10-off coupon
available at the store). Score: 8.8
``That vest is wild, it's going to glow on the dance floor and
look like a disco ball. Cool, though.'' Michael
6. Marshall Leathers, Indian River High
-Pierre Cardin ``Dream Coat'' tuxedo with silver vest by Odyssey.
From Mitchell's Formal Wear. ($69.95, $10-off coupon available at
the store). Score: 8.7
``The vest makes the tux.'' Antonio
Photos
D. KEVIN ELLIOTT/Staff
7. Joey Potts, Churchland High
-Karl Lagerfeld ``Lisbon'' tuxedo with purple vest by Odyssey.
From Mitchell's Formal Wear. ($69.95, $10-off coupon available at
the store). Score: 8.2
``Doesn't cause very much excitement. The purple vest is too
dark.'' Maria
Judges
Venita Taylor, Western Branch High; Cynthia Manz, Lake Taylor
High; Maria Lawson, Green Run High; Michael Culpepper, Kellam High;
Antonio Conyers, Norview High; John Eischeid, Franklin High.
Girls' hair by Tony Hibben and Stephanie Phillips at J.C. Penney
styling salon. Styles from $12 to $15. Taren's makeup: Vickie Cruse,
J.C. Penney, Color Me Beautiful cosmetics. Others by Dionne Blake,
J.C. Penney, Iman cosmetics.
Taren Goss, Green Run High
Score: 8.7
Dress by Ever Beauty ($152), Ann Marino shoes ($54). From
Hecht's.
John: ``I love those shoes!''
Maria: ``Very classy, sleek black looks very elegant on almost
everyone.''
Joey Potts, Churchland High
Score: 8.2
Karl Lagerfeld ``Lisbon'' tuxedo with purple vest by Odyssey.
From Mitchell's Formal Wear. ($69.95, $10-off coupon available at
the store).
Maria: ``Doesn't cause very much excitement. The purple vest is
too dark.''
Maria Lawson and Cyndy Manz were among eight local judges who rated
the prom fashion of teens, including those above.
by CNB