Glitterati!

Ladies! Start your (search) engines! The holiday season may be over but that only means that prom season has begun! Below are tips on how to find that all-too-perfect prom gown (once you mastered this rite-of-passage, choosing a wedding gown would seem like a piece of cake!) from the design staff of Viola.

1. Whether you are going for an off-the-rack or made-to-order (MTO) number, you have to plan way ahead of time so as not to rush your decision. Book your appointment at least three months in advance (for MTOs).

2. Make sure that your gown or dress fits perfectly. This event is too important for your “Bahala na” attitude to take over. Make sure any alterations are done weeks before your date and constantly recheck the fit and length of the gown. Think twice about using a train as it is not fun tripping or having someone step on it.

3. Balance your gown and accessories. If your gown is full of beads or sequins, then keep your jewelry simple. If your gown is a one-shoulder affair or is cylindrical in design, then jazz up your look with dramatic chandelier earrings or a stunning necklace (and no, wearing both large earrings and mega-necklace would be too much!).

4. After you are done with your gown, plan your makeup and hair. Print out the look you wish to achieve and show it to your makeup artist. Once again, book your artist way ahead of time (about a month before) and do not be afraid to ask for a trial session.

5. If your dress is of a bright shade, make sure that your makeup is subtle and that your hair is simply done.

6. Practice walking with your heels. You will probably be standing on your feet for many hours so put some gel inserts in your shoes to make sure they are comfortable.

7. Invest in fashion tape. If your gown has deep cleavage, buy fashion tape (found in Beauty Bar or Bench). Double-sided tape will also do. The tape secures the gown to your body (and frees you from revealing too much!).

8. Take photos of yourself wearing the gown of your choice so you will have a preview of the general look. Stylists of celebrities take several photos of their clients so the clients know beforehand what they will look like on the red carpet.

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Makeup by RAZ RIMOR (Azzanzi Salon, G/F, Page 1 Bldg. Acacia Ave. Madrigal Business Park, Alabang. Tel. No. 807-8966 • Model: STEPHANIE CHUNG • Shot on location at CAVIAR RESTAURANT, West Gate, Alabang Tel. No.

0906-5745916 • Visit Viola at these SM branches: Mega Mall, Makati,

Mall of Asia, Cubao, Fairview, Cebu and Lanang