Skirting the dress code: Prom edition
MANILA, Philippines - My prom did not go down as Amy Heckerling had promised me it would, but it had one redeeming factor: I actually liked my dress. It was a fuchsia and black dress sketched for me by my cousin Stephanie with a halter neck, a cinched waist and a pleated A-line skirt. I loved it. But when our teachers told us that our dresses would have to follow strict guidelines, the hem had to be extended below my knee, the neckline raised to my clavicle and the straps of the halter had to be half-an-inch thicker. It was still nice, but the dress definitely looked better on paper.
Designer Mich Araullo, who is a prom staple among the high school set, says that these guidelines are still as rigid today. “For private schools such as Woodrose and Assumption, they have a neckline restriction of four fingers below the collarbone. Low backs or backless styles aren’t allowed either. For strapless necklines, they require you bring a shawl or cover-up,†she said. It looks like some things hardly change. To avoid the ordeal I went through, YStyle approached today’s youngest designers and asked them for their take on working around the private school dress code. Take their advice and don’t let the administration crimp your style.
Kristel Yulo
Do you dress the Prom Queen or the Prom Rebel?
That would depend; I’d say a mix of both.
Was it challenging to come up with a design, given the restrictions?
No, it wasn’t challenging. Being a designer with clients who have different tastes and preferences, I am quite used to having “restrictions,†although I don’t see them as such; it’s really their preferred style. Whenever I come up with a design or sketch, I always think about how beautiful gowns and dresses are: They can be high-neck and sleek but still have that gorgeous aspect to it, so it’s not really a question of restrictions. It’s about meeting in the middle and still staying true to how I design.
What is your advice to young girls when it comes to collaborating with designers?
The first thing I would advise is to have fun with it! Go for something extraordinary. Pick a design that will allow you to look fabulous but still be able to move around. Perhaps a tulle ball gown skirt that is layered and a beaded, heavily designed top to give the dress that extra factor making you both queen and rebel.
Is it important for a dress to have a life after prom?
I think prom dresses should be used again whenever the occasion calls for it; special dresses like that should be showcased and restyled depending on what you need to dress up for. All you need to make it different is your choice of accessories, shoes and maybe even a shawl.
What are the trends that you foresee for prom this year?
I see a lot of vibrant shades, metallic pastels, tulle ball gown skirts, asymmetrical necklines and hemlines, lace, and beading as being head turners this year. You can already see some of the trends in the awards shows.
***
Contact the designer at 0920-9003669
Nina Gatan
Do you dress the Prom Queen or the Prom Rebel?
Prom Rebels, in the mold of Emma Watson’s character in Perks of Being A Wallflower. They can pull off eclectic designs.
Was it challenging to come up with a design, given the restrictions?
Not that hard. I grew up in an all-girls Catholic school so I’m accustomed to the restrictions regarding the dress code. I think young girls can be edgy and stylish without revealing too much skin.
How did you work around the restrictions?
Since the highlight of the prom is the dance, I like to surprise people with “goodbye details,†as I call them, since they give the wearer a second look as she passes people by. For my creation, it’s a peek-a-boo detail with geometric folds at the back. The folds are made of silk organza with contrast piping, so it moves around while dancing. Lastly, I like to work around fabrics with textures, which is a breath of fresh air in a sea of plain fabrics.
What is your advice to young girls when it comes to collaborating with designers?
Have an idea already of what you want in a dress, then look for a designer who’s closest to your style aesthetic, so both of you can be comfortable exchanging ideas with each other. Wear the right undergarments to the day of measurement taking and fitting. Don't be shy to ask about the designer’s fee. It makes it easier for designers to work around your budget, and be prepared to shell out more when the design calls for embellishment or complicated patterns.
Is it important for a dress to have a life after prom?
Clients, for practical reasons, would modify the length of the dress after the prom, so it becomes a cocktail dress they can wear to another event. But personally, as a designer, I get attached to dresses easily so I’d leave it be, especially if it’s a work of art.
What are the trends that you foresee for prom this year?
I actually don’t like trends, like imitating the dresses from the red carpet. One might end up with the same dress as you have. It would be best to choose what silhouettes and color fits your personality. But I want to see more playful color palettes like in young designers Joseph Altuzarra or Jason Wu, it’s fun to have more diversity and choices when it comes to dressing up.
* * *
Contact the designer at 0917-3916516
Emir Yamamoto
Do you dress the Prom Queen or the Prom Rebel?
I design for both teams!
Was it challenging to come up with a design, given the restrictions?
It was exciting because I got to be creative. We all followed instructions as students, but I usually hate abiding by the rules. Still, while making this design with the restrictions in mind I managed to come up with something both romantic and flattering.
What is your advice to young girls when it comes to collaborating with designers?
My advice to young girls is to feel free to open up to your chosen designers. Say what you want to be and feel on your prom night. If your message to the designer was conveyed properly, then there is a good chance that you’ll be the Prom Rebel Queen.
Is it important for a dress to have a life after prom?
I would say that dresses could be worn if you choose to wear them.
What are the trends that you foresee for prom this year?
Teenagers are surprisingly up-to-date with fashion, particularly European fashion. Trend reports seen on the Paris runways include oriental-inspired, veiled looks, and predominantly black and white palettes. “The days of highly glittered brocade and jeweled embellishments are over,†reports Style.com. Adapting to these trends will most likely happen on prom, parties and big events.
* * *
Contact the designer at 0927-6960659
Enrico Carado
Do you dress the Prom Queen or the Prom Rebel?
I actually do both, but given my aesthetic I dress more for the Prom Rebels, girls who always want to stand out with their own unique style.
Was it challenging to come up with a design, given the restrictions?
Yes it was, but it had a positive side: It helped me step out of the box and create an ensemble beyond my comfort zone. I designed a gown with a Sabrina neckline, and a biased skirt to give emphasis on the body. I had lace and bead embellishments on the bustier to give the gown an elegant and sophisticated look.
What is your advice to young girls when it comes to collaborating with designers?
Choose wisely, and meet your designer halfway. Every girl has her own idea of what she wants, but it’s not often the right choice for them, so working well and listening to their designers will really help them rock their dream prom dress.
Is it important for a dress to have a life after prom?
Hmmm... For me, yes, it should have a life, I mean, if I had a daughter I wouldn’t want to spend money on her prom dress just to be kept in her closet for the rest of her life, unless I’m super rich! So when choosing a prom dress, pick one that’s timeless!
What are the trends that you foresee for prom this year?
In my own opinion, I see form-fitting dresses, lots of lace and embroidery, beading, and a bit of vintage glam, gone are those voluminous prom dresses!
* * *
Contact the designer at 0926-6233024
Jot Losa
Do you dress for the Prom Queen or the Prom Rebel?
Prom Queen.
Was it challenging to come up with a design, given the restrictions?
No, I just abided by the rules without sacrificing style and function.
What is your advice to young girls when it comes to collaborating with designers?
Dress your age.
Is it important for a dress to have a life after prom?
Why not? You could wear it again on your friend's 18th birthday, or a relative's wedding day.
What are the trends that you foresee for prom this year?
Lace is definitely back! There will be a lot of sheer dresses this year, plus a lot of sparkles and embellishments.
* * *
Contact the designer at 0917-8515672
