THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 9, 1996 TAG: 9602090047
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, SPECIAL TO THE DAILY BREAK
LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
IT'S A PROM thing. And it's your thing. Soon. So get a little wild and crazy. Well, not really crazy, because you've still got plenty of time - if you start now.
Did you know that five high schools in Norfolk are having their proms on the same night? That means: reserve your tuxedo ahead of time, book your favorite hair stylist or makeup artist early, and don't wait until the last minute to scoop up that dress you want or someone else could already have it hanging in their closet.
They're already looking at gowns,says owner Lily Chang-Knauft of K. Lily Evenings & Formal in Virginia Beach. Beaded gowns, especially full-length, are moving quickly. For ring dances, Chang-Knauft recommends a short, cute look with a lot of swing, especially in chiffon with beaded accents. But when it comes to proms, a sophisticated, elegant look that is lean and form fitting with lots of sequins and beading is her gown of choice.
So let's talk about color. What, you say, there's actually life after black? Absolutely, and you'll be surprised at what you're going to see. Yes, black is alive and well, but navy is a dark and active contender, as well as a nice change. For shock value, red always gets a hot response, and this season you'll see it in satin, sequins and acetate.
Royal blue and teal are sure hits. But it's those sherbet tones in lemon, lime and raspberry that are certain to get your attention. Go even softer and you're talking cotton-candy coral pink and champagne beige.
The spectrum of colors seems to go on forever, so the only problem you're going to have is too many choices.
If there's a question on length, the answer is short: Go long.
Everyone is choosing a long gown so far, notes Angela Aunchman, manager of Gantos at Greenbrier Mall in Chesapeake. Especially in a full-length gown, Aunchman points out, sequins seem to be more popular this year than in the past. And a new Oriental look in satin with mandarin collar and Eastern accents is making a very strong statement.
If you love satin without all the embellishments, the long slip dress makes a pretty, simple but alluring statement. Be prepared to have the figure for it - satin is not kind if you have unwanted bulges.
Actually, every gown on the rack makes you want to start counting calories yesterday. Doing free-weight reps after homework may be required after you check out the cut-away arms. We're talking total exposure here. But, there's always a satin shawl or bolero jacket to come to your emotional rescue if baring it all is not the name of your game.
Jewelry is diminutive this season - that means a small and cute ``Y'' necklace with matching dainty earrings will do just fine.
OK, guys, we didn't forget about you. It's just that your part in all of this is easy. It's called, rent one.
There are tons of great designer tuxedos out there by Ralph Lauren, Christian Dior and Perry Ellis. They are available in lots of colors, and vests, cummerbunds and ties are available in almost unlimited patterns.
Manager Sylvia Johnson of Mitchell's Formal Wear at Military Circle in Norfolk says vests are the thing. They're always the first choice. And now you can get them with five, six or seven buttons. Metallics, brocades and lamego well with sequin and beaded gowns.
If nothing else, this will be a colorful prom season.
So, use this as a primer to get yourself at least thinking about the big event. Like everything else, it will be here before you know it, so why not get a jump on things and at least check out the options. Don't forget, whatever tux or gown you choose, your personality ultimately rules the look. So go a little wild. Get a little crazy. ILLUSTRATION: Color photos by Bill Tiernan/The Virginian-Pilot
[fashion photos: cutlines not available]
by CNB