Julia Stone (picured above)
Trend: Two-piece Crop Top
Dress: A sensational two-piece prom dress from Faviana offers both simplicity and extravagance. From the flowing chiffon skirt with slit and lightly-beaded lace bodice, along with a lace-up back and illusion halter neckline, each detail creates a fashion-forward look. Shown in guava; also available in ice pink and ivory. $378
This time of year, the excitement is growing as the entertainment community and film fans anticipate the 2016 Academy Awards. While the February 28 Oscars ceremony will recognize the highest honors in filmmaking, it also promises to be a glamorous fashion show on the red carpet.
With prom season just around the corner, high schoolers in Woodbury are already on the hunt for that special dress to make their own fashion statement. “Over the last two years, prom dresses have been gearing more towards that red carpet feel,” says Kayla Heiser, marketing and prom director at Raffiné Bridal & Formal Wear, which carries prom and special occasion dresses in addition to bridal selections. “As far as fabrics, we’re seeing chiffons and clingy-fitted jerseys, as well as the mikados, more of a high fashion fabric of a little thicker material that doesn’t wrinkle. The dress’s skirt is made of that mikado fabric, with a beautiful beaded top.”
According to Heiser, there are hardly any strapless dresses this prom season. “Two-piece crop tops are popular, as well as high, fully-beaded necklines and very low, intricate, detailed backs,” Heiser says. “We’re also seeing more ball gowns coming back, either fitted or flowing chiffon. Red is a big color and also very vibrant shades of blues, especially navy, as well as some of the corals, mint and blush shades that have carried over from last year.”
And accessories? “Big chunky earrings and bracelets,” Heiser says. “With these beautiful gown tops, that’s all you need—no necklace.”
Besides prom, Raffine Bridal carries dresses for those in need of something unique for other special occasions. “We have customers looking for something to wear on a vacation—we get a lot of Vegas goers—or to attend a wedding as a guest,” Heiser says. “They usually are looking for short dresses. Detailed backs are popular for these as well, such as a criss-cross low back. And black is always a safe color.”
Heiser has also sold full-length dresses for military balls, Miss Woodbury and other cities’ royalty, gala fundraisers and weddings. “We’ve found that in some cultures, such as Indian and Muslim, wedding guests will wear dresses with glitzy, full beading,” she says.
And what’s on trend for the mothers of the bride or groom? Not the traditional dress with jacket which was the norm for many years. “It’s a wide range of styles, depending on the age and body type of the mother and their fashion sense,” Heiser says. “We’ve sold everything from fitted jersey fabrics to strapless. Some want very simple, and some want beading and sequin sparkle. The one thing we see as a trend is that now more than ever, the majority of moms want floor-length dresses.”
Krystle Igbo
Trend: Vibrant Shade of Blue
Dress: This chiffon dress with beaded straps from Faviana is perfect for any special occasion or even as a guest at a wedding. The simple flowing skirt is complemented with just the right amount of beading on the straps that form a unique detailed open back. Shown in royal blue; also available in Tiffany blue and red. $378
The Location
Viva Voce Loft is an extension of Viva Voce Salon in downtown Hudson, built exclusively for weddings, private parties and photo shoots. Enjoy a picturesque background while getting pampered for your important day or special event, as well as the elegant solitude of your very own private space. Hair styling and makeup applications are offered by Viva Voce Salon.
Jodi Sward
Trend: Fitted Jersey Fabric
Dress: With a lace bodice featuring an illusion high neckline and back with cap sleeves, this fitted jersey dress by Alyce Paris is flawless with the clean lines of the skirt and slightly-beaded lace bodice. Shown in black; also available in magenta and royal blue. $370
Hair & Makeup
Salon Elite: Julia Stone; Miranda Hartwig, stylist; Katy Thompson, stylist/makeup artist
Viva Voce Salon: Jodi Sward & Krystle Igbo; Jayme Mees, hairstylist/owner; Sonji Steenberg, lead makeup artist
Dresses
Raffiné Bridal & Formal Wear
