By Victoria L Ward


A fashion show intended to showcase is different from an ordinary high street fashion show. Not only will it take much longer for models to get into their outfits (which rules out quick changes) but the value and delicacy of the items means that a great deal of care needs to be taken.

Timing your show

You need to allow around two minutes per model. This is enough time to walk down the catwalk, pose and walk back down the catwalk.

In terms of back stage timing you need to allow ten minutes for a girl to get a dress on for which she will need at least one helper.

Boys

If you can, its great to have male models accompany your female models down the catwalk. A local hire company may be willing to lend you suits if you give them a call.

Announcer

Ask someone with good presenting skills to compere the show. Their role will be to announce the name of the model and give a commentary about the dress that they are wearing. For example 'This is Amy, she is wearing Bella, one of our pink prom dresses. This dress features stunning genuine crystal beading with a flowing tulle skirt'.

You should provide your compere with a script for each model/dress. This script should be organised in the same running order as the show.

Music

You should choose music which is both popular with the students in the show and appropriate for the occasion. Pay attention to the bpm (beats per minute) of the music. Your models will walk in time to the music and if the beat's too fast they may end up half jogging down the catwalk (ruining your timings!).

Vet all music before hand to ensure that it doesn't contain expletives.

Walk Through

It's a good idea to have a walk though of your fashion show. While it is common to do a full dress rehearsal (wearing all the outfits), you should think carefully about doing this. Every time a prom dress is handled it runs the risk of being damaged. It is therefore not advisable to do a full dress rehearsal.

Backstage help

You will need at least one person to help when a girl is trying to get into her dress. If you can stagger the girls putting on their dresses then you won't need as many helpers.

You also need a stage manager and an assistant stage manager. Both of these people should have a clipboard with details of the order in which the girls will go down the catwalk.

The stage manager stands in the wings and is responsible for ensuring that the right people go on stage at the right time.

It is there responsibility to make sure the girl starts putting the dress on in time and to make sure she is down in time. They need to be female so they can go into changing rooms.

Changing rooms

Ideally you need two rooms close to the stage. At least one needs to ensure privacy.

As prom dresses are worth hundreds of pounds each it is important to ensure they will not get damaged in the course of a fashion show.

One way to ensure that this doesn't happen is by ensuring that no food, drink or make up is allowed into the changing rooms. Only the girls themselves and people helping them to get ready should be allowed in the changing room.

Ask girls to take responsibility for dresses

Begin by explaining to the girls involved that they will be personally responsible for taking care of their dresses. Each girl should formally 'sign out' the dress when she takes it off the rack. At the end of the show, someone needs to be appointed to check the dresses back on to the rail. A girl's name should only be checked off the list when they have brought their dress back.

Enjoy it!

Running a fashion show can be great fun so finally, have a great time!

By Chris Robertson


Prom night is almost here. You've put on just a few extra pounds and now your tummy is starting to show just a little. And unfortunately, most prom dresses don't leave any room to grow. But don't worry. If you still have a few weeks left until prom night, you can take these simple steps to get those extra pounds off. You'll feel light on your feet and glow with fashion and pride on that special evening.

Foods to Avoid until the Prom

Over the next few weeks, try to avoid foods high in carbohydrates such as pasta and bread. Check labels for substitute items or for items with fewer carbohydrates. Avoid regular soft drinks as well and replace these with diet soft drinks, Gatorade, or flavored water. Carbohydrate-rich foods as well as soft drinks tend to cause bloating in many people. Even the slightest bloating that normally wouldn't affect the fit of your regular clothing could make your prom dress too snug. Remember, you're going to be dancing and moving about so you'll need some breathing room in your formal eveningwear.

Try to avoid junk foods such as snack cakes, candy bars, and potato chips. Choose healthier snacks such as baked chips, nuts and cashews, raisins, low-fat ice cream or yogurt. These can be eaten in moderation without worry of putting on more pounds.

Other things to limit include whole milk, casserole dishes, and fried foods. And, steer clear of the fast food restaurants over the next few weeks!

Foods to Eat before Prom Night

As mentioned previously, prom dresses tend to be less forgiving than regular clothing so you must choose your foods wisely these last few weeks. Choose foods that burn fat and tone the body. Foods high in protein such as chicken, beef, fish, pork, and lamb are excellent fat burners, especially when carbohydrate intake is limited. Eat meats in moderation along with healthy green or yellow vegetables at each meal.

Between meals, snack on fruits or veggies such as apples, grapes, oranges, bananas, strawberries, watermelon, carrots, tomatoes, pears, and peaches. These all help keep your body healthy, increase energy levels, and keep off those extra pounds.

With each meal, eat smaller portions so your tummy will shrink. You'll notice a significant difference within just a few weeks.

Prom Dresses and Water

Water is always good for your body, and it's good for prom dresses too! Drink six to eight 8-oz. glasses of water per day to hydrate your body. This helps reduce bloating, gives you an energy boost, and beautifies your skin and complexion. Water also helps to deter those food cravings. Oftentimes, we are thirsty when we think we're hungry. Drink water every time you feel hungry to see if the feeling goes away. You might be surprised at how much less you'll eat.

Exercise for Toning

To tone up your body before the prom, create a daily exercise routine that includes stomach crunches, arm lifts, walking, jogging, or bike riding. These can help tone your tummy, legs and arms for that special evening. Avoid rigorous exercises, and focus on consistency rather than performance.

Note of Warning

Be sure to consult with your physician before starting a short-term or long-term diet and exercise plan. Every individual is different and has different needs, so ask your doctor which plan is right for you, especially if you have any health problems.

These tips can also apply for other formal occasions where evening gowns must be worn such as a homecoming or Quinceanera event. With proper diet and exercise, you'll look fabulous in your prom dress!

By Chris Robertson


Prom dresses are gorgeous and glamorous, but they can also be very uncomfortable. An uncomfortable prom dress can ruin your formal evening. That's why you should consider not only the style and beauty of your eveningwear, but also the comfort level. Beauty doesn't have to be painful. Fashion doesn't have to ruin the most magical night of your high school life. Use the guide below to look elegant and feel great on your prom night.

Prom Dresses for Comfort

When comparing prom dresses either online or at a formal eveningwear shop, consider the material of the dress, especially for the areas of your body where it needs to give a little. Prom dresses made of stretchy material in certain areas allow you to be comfortable and flexible while still keeping in fashion.

Ask these Questions about any Prom Dress You're Considering:

*When you bend over to pick something up, sit or twist and turn while dancing, does the dress give in areas where needed?

*When you sit to dine and need to move your arms freely, will the prom dress be comfortable?

*Does the material breathe so you won't get too hot during the prom or dinner?

If shopping for your prom clothing online, ask questions about the material and if it gives and breathes for ultimate comfort. Order your prom dress far enough in advance so you'll have time to try it on and return it if you absolutely don't like it.

Prom Dress Materials to Consider

Stretchy fabrics for prom dresses are great for those moveable areas of the body while dancing and dining. They're also great for the tummy area for easier breathing. Look for prom dresses that are highlighted with stretch satin, stretch lace, stretch illusion, or stretch mesh. These materials will give and stretch as you move without taking away from the design of the dress. Other popular materials are ultrasuede, velvet, and silk or silk blends.

Items to Avoid

Avoid fancy fabrics that are itchy, hot, or those that can tear easily. You'll need a durable prom dress that can withstand all the movements while dancing. Also, avoid a lot of glitzy items that will make you uncomfortable or that can rub your skin such as sequence, lace, and beads. You might choose from prom dresses that are only modestly decorated with these items, but avoid excessive decoration for maximum comfort.

The Right Prom Dress Fit

If you want a tight-fitting prom dress that clings to your body, you better make sure you can walk, sit, and dance in it before buying! There are many styles of long, elegant dresses that are made for beauty and walking, but nothing else. Many homecoming gowns, eveningwear gowns, and Quinceanera gowns are made this way, but prom night requires much more movement than many other special occasions. So, choose a prom dress that allows you to move, even if it is tight fitting.

Don't settle for an uncomfortable prom dress. Shop around online at a prom dress specialty website for one that will allow you to make the most of your dream night!

By Jen P Carter


Catwalk designs for dresses in 2007 are promising to be more beautiful than ever!

With designs that could be worn on or off the catwalk, this seasons designers have really come up with some winning fashions.

With softer hairstyles coming in for both wedding and proms, with some beautiful loose updos , this more feminine look is IN.

Here's a peek at what dresses are promising to be hot this year:-

Black and White

Contrasting monochromatic colours of black and white were seen on the catwalk in Paris, London and New York - so expect these to be gracing the stores shortly. Worn with black tights and shades, this is the cool look for a hot summer.

Short and Bright

The catwalk sported some stunning short dresses - particularly noteable are designs by Dolce & Gabbana, Charles Deacon, Antonio Berardi and Chanel.

There was lots of bright yellow on the catwalks this season - also metallic dresses in golds and silvers.

Florals

Small or large prints are both popular - bright or more subtle colouring will both work.

Romantic Look

There's a real Jane Austen look about some of the soft dresses this season. Chiffon is layered to create a wonderful soft look, puff sleeves and tulle abound too. There's also a dramatic edge to some of the designs.

Accessories

Don't fancy gold or silver in dresses - then try it in shoes or sandals.
There's little jewellery on the catwalk - as the dresses can speak for themselves - so wear minimal jewellery this season.

To catch a glimpse of the latest designer dresses and get inspired, check out www.vogue.co.uk/Shows and get inspired!