Poised for the prom

• 2003 prom look is as stylish — or edgy — as you want to be

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Fashion Writer

Professional model and Punahou senior Kaitlyn Metcalf is wearing a romantic silk print dress ($169) and pink crystal necklace ($56) and earrings ($21), from Villa Roma. Evening sandals are from C. June shoes ($98) and come in all the hot new metallic shades, plus bright red. Photos by Eugene Tanner • The Honolulu Advertiser

Handkerchief hems created by layering mesh over fabric and bright colors sparked with shiny beads will brighten up prom dance floors this year. Dress is from Villa Roma ($124).

Floaty and flirty, yes. But no pouffs, please.

Prom fashions for 2003 are all about red-carpet celebrity styles. The colors are bright: Pink is the hottest color of all, but there's also periwinkle blue, kiwi green, lilac, orange and turquoise. The only way you'll see black is when it's paired with white.

Hemlines are uneven: handkerchief and mermaid hems made strong style statements with layers of lace, ruffles, mesh or chiffon. Hems grace the calves or ankles but seldom go all the way to the shoe.

Necklines are feminine and asymmetrical, with halters, one-shoulders and ruffles more evident than the strapless styles that have been popular for the past few years.

At Villa Roma in Ward Warehouse, owner Audrey Fu is breathless when she talks about prom 2003: "It's the most glamorous and exciting prom season in years, because of the beautiful new color combinations created by layering iridescent fabrics with mesh, netting or lace." The look creates romance and movement, ideal for a dress that's meant for a dance.

Fu said back treatments are important this year. She's seeing lace backs, tie-backs, asymmetrical backs and even ruffled backs. She attributes this trend to the Latin influence trickling down from both Hollywood and couture.

Handkerchief hemlines are a boon to vertically challenged prom goers because they seldom require alterations, Fu added.

Jan Tokuno, owner of Jan's Casuals in Moanalua, said her customers "are going for the bubble gum colors: watermelon, orchid, fuchsia and turquoise."

She said beading and sequins are still prominent, but she is seeing fewer slip dresses this year.

At BCBG Max Azria, manager Shirley Bu said tea length dresses are the biggest sellers. Corsets are popular, and a layer of lace or crochet over chiffon is a hot new look.

Embroidery and beading in floral motifs are also sprinkled over the eveningwear. Even in this bastion of black, pinks and blues have taken over this season.

At Neiman Marcus, pink is far and away the No. 1 color, with black and white in second place.

Many gowns feature 1950s-style halters, bias cuts and draped dancing shapes. Virtually every hem is asymmetrical, as are many necklines. A "car wash" look with ruffles of different lengths is hot now.

Asian influence has found its way to the prom, especially in embroidery and stylish floral prints.

Another prominent look at Neiman Marcus is clearly Frida Kahlo-inspired: black silks spiked with bright floral embroideries.

Adding to the feminine silhouettes are long chiffon scarves tossed around the neck and draped down the back. They create yet another layer and add to the movement of the romantic dresses.

For those who wonder whether they should wear a classic little black dress to prom, the message for 2003 is: don't. This year it's all about being pretty, feminine, flirty — and in living color.

2003 prom look is as stylish — or edgy — as you want to be

Seventeen magazine takes proms seriously. It has a special prom issue. Why?

Bevin Karl, the magazine's senior merchandising manager, said: "Our idea of prom is that it's the biggest night in a teenage girl's life. It's her night to walk down the red carpet and be a celebrity. What's most important is that they have a sense of themselves and they know what they want to wear."

On March 8, from 1 to 3 p.m. Seventeen and Macy's at Ala Moana Center will partner to put on a prom fashion show that will present five of the hottest trends for prom, in the Thisit department, second floor. For reservations, phone 945-6427.

Karl said the magazine does not expect girls to conform to these looks. Rather, they hope to inspire them to take some elements from each to create an individual style.

"Antique Chic": Flirty, romantic, frilly, lacy, timeless. Maybe something vintage she borrowed from Tutu's trunk. Her colors are pink and gold; her favorite accessory is a beaded bag.

"Basically Black": This year she'll spark black with color, layering it with brightly colored tulle or accessorizing with a red beret and fishnet stockings.

"Cute and Classy": Traditional, graceful, classic. She wears a strapless satin ball gown that never goes out of style, but adds something different to it every year. This year it may be a chiffon shawl with beading or pearls borrowed from Mom.

"Glamour Girls": She's all Hollywood glam and will do what the celebrities do. She'll wear sequins, beading, and bright, vibrant colors. Necklines will plunge, especially halter or one-shoulder styles.

"Uniquely Yours": For the edgy girl who wants to do it her way. She may pair her dress with a denim jacket or wear Converse sneakers or combat boots.

Maybe a tulle skirt with a T-shirt — "anything that makes the ensemble all about you," Karl said.

In a nod to the teen who isn't a Size 2, Seventeen Prom magazine has translated the trends in a series of sections called "Curvy Chick" that features styles that flatter size 12 and up.