Prom with pals cuts complications, pumps up the fun
By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer
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| Nadége Jean-Félix and Julie Kalama, juniors at Castle High School, shop for prom gowns at Caché in Ala Moana Center. Their group of four girls and three boys will ride together in a limo.
Rebecca Breyer • The Honolulu Advertiser Prom fashion-show calendar Honolulu stores strut the latest in gowns, accessories, hair and makeup for the prom: The Prom Event: See what designers such as Sue Wong, Tadashi, Laundry, Nicole Miller and Betsey Johnson are showing for prom, 2 p.m. Saturday, Neiman Marcus, Galleria, free. No reservations required. Drawing for a free gown from Sue Wong. At Caché: In-store informal modeling of prom gowns, 1-4 p.m. March 20 and 27, April 10. All About Prom Funkadelic Friday: Fashions from Calista by Cotton Cargo, Marsha Nadalin Salon consultations and goody bags, games, prizes and Hyper-Squad Dance performances. 4:30 p.m. March 19, Center Stage, Kahala Mall. Seventeen Magazine Prom Show: Hollywood fashions, with mini makeovers from Bio Therm, hairstyling tips from Premier Beauty Salon and a free gift from Seventeen. Spring themes: Pump Up the Glam, Floral Fantasy, yhe New Sophisticate and Pretty in Pink, 1 p.m. March 20, Macy's Ala Moana, THISIT department, level two. Free. To obtain better seating, reserve by calling 945-6427. |
Jaimee Lung, a Kamehameha junior, and her cousin Robyn Lung and friend Shannon Ng, both juniors at Kalani, are calling the Kalani prom "girls' night out." They plan to go with a group of girls because "it's easier and more enjoyable," Jaimee said.
"No pressure," Robyn added.
"You can communicate more easily and interact with friends than when you have a date," said Shannon.
"And you don't have to worry if (about whether) your date can dance," Jaimee said, giggling.
The photo, it seems, is a crucial aspect of prom. "Girls seem more concerned about how a guy looks in the prom picture than what his personality is like or if he can dance," Jaimee said.
These girls all plan to wear black, or black and white, to coordinate for their prom pictures. As for pink, the hottest color for 2004, there was a resounding "Ewwww! Noooooo! Too frou-frou."
For these girls, it's not about fashion trends. What's important is the photo and how they'll look together in it.
Shannon found her gown, a tea-length black number, at Macy's on sale. Jaimee bought "a simple, elegant black dress" at White House/Black Market. So after an unsuccessful foray at Ala Moana, Robyn headed for White House/Black Market. Voila! A tea-length, white cotton sateen strapless with black ribbon trim was placed on hold.
Who's got the checkbook?
While many Island students work and pay for their own prom gowns, parental consent is often desired (or required) before a purchase. Gown shopping can demand several trips: The first is with the date or friends to choose a gown. Second, mom comes along to check out the gown and check in the checkbook. Finally, dad gets the thumbs-up or thumbs-down.
Maryknoll junior Sophia Tam of Waikiki, with her friend and prom date, sophomore James Dator of downtown Honolulu, tried to shorten the process by bringing along her parents on the first trip. Sophia hopes to find a "long, hopefully dark-colored dress." As for pink? "Yuck," she said, grimacing.
After looking through the gowns at Macy's, Sophia sighed: "I wish Hot Topic made prom dresses."
She and Dator plan to coordinate their ensembles. "I'll change my bow tie to match whatever color she chooses," he said, "But I'm also hoping to wear a fedora." He looked sidewise at Tam as she shook her head "no."
In spite of her lack of shopping success, Tam wasn't stressing. "I'll keep my dream dress for senior year," she explained.
Underneath it all
With all the plunging necklines, Lycra-infused fabrics and low backs, what is worn under it all is more important than ever. But there are also more options than ever.
Bras come in backless and strapless styles. Another option is the extreme-plunge strapless. To get coverage with no bra, there are Breast Petals (about $6 for three pairs ) or the NuBra ($60), cleverly engineered silicone cups that stick to the bust, offering coverage and curves, and can be worn about 100 times. They are available at Caché, Macy's, Neiman Marcus and other stores, and online.
The Hollywood trend toward Marlene Dietrich- and vintage-inspired gowns has not yet arrived in Honolulu. There's little evidence of the 1920s, '30s or '50s in the stores.
But there is something new: For the first time, Caché stores in Ala Moana Center and on Maui at The Shops at Wailea are offering "prom parties." Girls who gather five to 15 of their friends can have the store to themselves to shop like celebrities. The stores will open early or stay open late to accommodate the parties. A 10 percent discount will be offered during the party. For reservations, call 942-2046 and ask to speak to a manager.
Is prom dressing losing some of its excitement for those who choose a "girls' night out" over a date? No, say our sources.
"We're dressing to please ourselves and each other," said Jaimee Lung.
• • •
- It's all about color, color, color!
- The "it" color is Pink in all shades, from soft ballet pink to peach skin to hot pink.
- Feminine frocks boast lots of layers, for fullness in the skirt.
- Strapless is still hot, although halter necks are gaining ground.
- Emphasis is on the back, with lace-ups, deep low cuts and crisscross treatments.
- THE accessory: chandelier earrings or shoulder-dusting drops. (Note: A necklace is usually too much when worn with these.)
- Evening sandals, with ankle straps, in a metallic leather (bronze, gold, silver) are in.
- The hair: up-dos are softened (think Jennifer Garner at the Oscars) and soft curls have bounce and shine. Avoid the over-done look of Liv Tyler when she presented at the Academy Awards.
