What's hot for Prom 2001

From Cinderella fantasy gowns to sexy, slinky styles, Prom 2001 dresses offer a wide range of choices. Here’s what retailers told us is selling well for prom this season:

At Ethel’s, assistant manager Lyndi Doi said pastel colors and iridescent layers of fabric (sheer outside, satin inside) are in. The necklines are nearly all strapless. The most popular silhouette is a bustier top with a "pouffy" bottom skirt with layers of crinolines. Strapless long columns are also selling well.

The "Cinderella, fairy-tale look" is what’s selling at Cache, said manager Kimberly Ferreira.

Preferred colors are pink and lavender. They have full-flared skirts and structured tops that lace up the back. These are made to be tea length.

At Ohelo Road in Kahala Mall, manager Sheila Kawakami said the girls are looking for a form-fitting silhouette. The most popular prom dress is a Betsey Johnson design that is a layer of gold over black. The black ends above the knee and the gold continues about 4 inches below it. The spaghetti straps are black with gold sequins.

Wildflowers Ala Moana’s manager Lori Sato said, "They want to be a fairy princess." It’s a sweet, romantic, feminine look. White is selling the best, with pale blue and lilac close behind. The silhouette is fitted on top with a full skirt with layers of tulle to make the skirt puff out.

Vanessa Simpson at arden b. said the most popular evening look is a one-shoulder, one-sleeve dress or a halter neck, backless one. The popular length is to the knee. Asymmetrical necklines are big. Body-conscious fabrics include polyester/viscose, rayon and matte jersey.

Terry Farmakis, owner of Mary Z’s in Kailua, said Windward promgoers are buying "long, bias-cut, feminine, flowy dresses in whisper silk chiffon. Colors are pastels, especially peridot, lavender, blue and aqua. It’s a sort of vintage look."

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