Public88 : Fashion

By Amanda Piccirilli
For the Independent

“Being in the show is much more fun than watching it,” said Souderton senior Melissa Stewart. “It’s great to dress up and get your hair done.”

More than 50 students from the high school were made-up, dressed-up and accessorized, in front of 200 people in the audience, displaying some of 2011’s prom dresses and tuxedos during the show’s Winter Wonderland theme.

“I enjoy seeing new seniors every year and to see the styles change,” said Karoline Daly from Premier Design Jewelry, a sixth-year vendor attendant of the prom fashion show.

Before the show, students received hair care from several local salons, including Duane’s Hair Salon, Julianne’s Salon, Salon Supreme, Bella Mariposa, Golden Scissors, Ruth Company, Styles Unlimited, Broad Appeal Salon, JM Hair Nail and Rapunzel’s.

Many of the men wore sharp and sophisticated hair styles, while the females wore up-dos, some being sleek and elegant, with others being fun, flirty and curly.

Stunning gowns and tuxedos were on display throughout the night, lent out by local shops and boutiques, including All Things Bridal, Country Bride and Gent, Fischer’s Tuxedo, Page Six/Harleysville Bridal, Eliza D’s and MW Tuxedo.

“I was able to wear a tux from Fischer’s Tuxedo,” said Evan Smith, a senior student. “Because I wore their tux, I’m getting 50 percent off a tux rental from there. It’s a good incentive to be in the show.”

Student Council advisers, Kathy Doll and Amy Tarlo opened the evening, as the song “It’s Raining Men” by The Weather Girls played as the background music.

As soon as the music started, all of the male students entered the stage from behind the stage curtains, modeling their stylish tuxedos.

After the tuxedoes were shown, student council president Kassandra Moyer and vice president Monica Stiles took over the show as the masters of ceremony.

Twelve groups, containing two to eight members per group, hit the stage with songs of their choice and choreographed dances to entertain the crowd.

“We wanted to have a Will Smith throwback song,” said Smith, who danced to the song “Men in Black” with seven other group members. “We wanted to stick away from anything new.”

Groups practiced all week to sharpen their dance moves and finalize their acts.

“I enjoy the fact that the students get so into it,” said Doll. “They practice so hard and want to be great.”

For women’s prom dresses, the elegant ball gown look was shown a few times, but sparkle, low-cut and abstract prints seem to be the theme this year.

“A slinky low back, strappy shoes and chunky jewelry are definitely in this year,” said Shelby Lee, an employee at All Things Bridal in Quakertown.

Rhinestones and beads were a noticeable detail on many of the dresses. They were seen often on the bodice and straps of dresses.

Many of the dresses also looked like pieces of artwork, using floral and abstract prints on the fabric, rather than one single color.

Sexy and flirty themes were also shown as several featured a low-cut back, one leg knee-high slits, and key-hole cuts in the front and back.

For the men, tuxedos ranged in color, hitting every extreme in the spectrum with black, white, and gray. Ties, bow ties, vests, and pocket silks came in neutral and fluorescent colors adding flavor to each suit.

Students had the opportunity before and after the show to visit several vendor tables within the high school’s concourse.

The tables were covered with accessories, shoes, dresses, tuxedos, hair products and personal garment items.

Trish Burkholder, a representative from Country Bride and Gent, was handing out pink and black tote bags stuffed with promos for tux rentals and the “Cool Book,” a book of prom dresses only available in the store.

“We keep a register of all girls who buy dresses and what school they go to so we do not sell

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