PLEATS, PRINTS, BEADS, BANGLES AND BUBBLES
PROM 2008

Jane and Nancy Engelke and Linda Sams just returned from Atlanta, GA where they attend the 2008 Prom Market.  After 5 days of runway fashion shows and viewing thousands of prom gowns Elizabeth Michaels feels they have chosen the best available.

The big news in fashion this year is the knife-pleated fabric, wild prints (including animal), heavy beading, the bubble hemline and bangle bracelets. The fabrics used this year are stunning and there is that special gown available for each and every girl.

A surprise this year is the excessive use of prints and lace.  Alisha Hill has designed a black and white zebra platform shoe with a real feel of hide. A new shoe design technique is to put the leather over the shoe and platform as one complete piece. Makes for a unique looking shoe. You would think a shoe of this style would be used with daywear but Sherri Hill used this shoe with her animal print prom gowns.

Johnathan Kayne, a top five Project Runway competitor, has a new shoe line and has included some very pretty lace shoes as well as styles with lots of BLING!  It is exciting to see new designers enter the market place.  The shoppers were fortunate enough to meet Johnathan and talk to him about his Project Runway experience and his new shoe and pageant gown line.  When asked why he was Kayne Gillespie on the show and now he is Johnathan Kayne he said it looked nicer in print and that was what his Mama called him when he was in trouble. Johnathan’s and Alisha Hill’s shoes are available at Elizabeth Michaels. 

Another fashion surprise of the show was the use of numerous bangle bracelets marching up the models arms with the prom gowns.  It was really quite exciting and looked great with the gowns.

The bubble skirt hasn’t caught on yet in the Mid-Ohio valley but this year I think the girls will really get excited about this look.  A good many of the prom gowns have this type of hemline and were “big” on the orders placed at market.

The fabrics are out of this world; beautiful prints that excite the eye and gorgeous colors with exciting names like Sunsplosion, Barbie Doll Pink and Purple Umbra. There are comeback colors of Shimmer Moss and Royal Blue and the ever-popular Black and White combinations, often with splashes of bright contrasting color.

And gals, your favorite styles will be back as well, the full pick-up skirts, the silk and satin red carpet looks in heavenly, flowy chiffons.  Beading has always been popular but for this year it is much heavier and very beautiful. 

On thing for sure, you will have many choices and each girl can put her own trademark look on her choice of gown.  Get ready and Happy Shopping.