Prom Queen

The highlight of every high school Junior or Senior year is attending the prom. These days, the various themes of this event open the doors to a wide range of styles. We asked four designers to share their ideal prom outfits.

Jiji Cinco, a former instructor at the Fashion Institute of the Philippines, La Salle College International-Manila, School of Fashion and the Arts, Fashion Institute of Design and Arts-Davao and currently an instructor at Raffles Design Institute-Manila, shares a gray and red serpentine silk gazar gown with cutting details.

“I appreciate the elegance of sleek lines. The cuttings in the gown enhance the form of the wearer.”

Designer Luis “Chito” de los Santos has created a black and ivory bold printed neoprene jersey bodice with a romantic Sabrina neckline and a figure-flattering drop waist accentuated with black sequinned piping that cuts diagonally through the hipline. A layer of black, soft tulle in full circle skirt shadows the scarlet colored crepe charmeuse silk lining. The back silk strap in scarlet and red and black beads complete the gown detail. For this year, De los Santos expects to see a revival of red translated in different shades (from pale to burned). Jersey will be a popular fabric because of its figure-defining quality. Also in De los Santos’ forecast are low necklines, simple and ultra feminine designs and the use of lace.

For his inspiration, couturier Ronaldo Arnaldo is looking towards the past. For this piece, Arnaldo has crafted a nostalgic celadon green shift column with a transparent piña fabric on the shoulders. Antique Baroque details in silver guipure lace accents the cameo-like neckline. Arnaldo says, “I expect to see several young ladies opt for dresses and gowns that are inspired  from period images. I forecast a return to the softer, more romantic years.”

Designer Rem Divino forecasts the return of the bombshell. “Think Rita Hayworth and Ava Gardner,” Divino says. “I would like to celebrate a woman’s curves at the same time maintaining her sense of glamour and sophistication.” To illustrate his point, Divino offers a ball gown in tea rose pink gazar fabric accentuated with crystal work and beaded material.

Photography by JOANNE ZAPANTA-ANDRADA • Makeup and hairstyling by RAZ RIMOR (0906-3673269) • Model: MARIANNA HENUD • Gowns by JIJI CINCO (0917-5424626 and 975-0092), RONALDO ARNALDO (0917-5259823 and 403-0507), LUIS “CHITO” DE LOS SANTOS (0917-8905958) and REM DIVINO (0916-6934446 and 809-7625) • Art direction by KINNY ANDRADA