THEIA Couture is a major dress company, dressing celebs like Carrie Underwood this year at the Country Music Awards. The brand's designer, Don O'Neill, designed Carrie's gown specifically for her - so he knows a thing or two about finding the perfect special event dress.
I had a chance to ask THEIA Couture Designer Don O'Neill about prom dress trends and how to find the perfect prom dress for your body type, so here is my interview including Don's brilliant prom tips:
What dress style trends do you see coming for prom 2010?
Photo © THEIA.
Don: There are many important trends for prom 2010, most of which stem from the red carpets. Girls are looking for their 'red carpet moment' and can obtain it in a number of ways. Lengths can be either short, sexy and beaded, or long Hollywood glamour gowns draped in floating chiffons or razor-tight in satin.
One shoulder gowns continue to be a big trend. I've updated this silhouette by using fabrics and beading that spiral around the body and adding a little more drama with a beautiful mermaid skirt.
(Dress pictured left: $995, THEIA, Edressme.com, style #880303).
Bright Colors
Photo © THEIA.
Another big trend is bright colors. Painterly prints, bright hues splashed on luscious silks, glazed in micro sequins, and cut razor-tight to the body will make an unforgettable statement for any gal's big night.
(Dress pictured left: $995, THEIA, Edressme.com, style #880338).
Crystal Necklines
Photo © THEIA.
Sparkling crystal chandelier necklines and bodices are another huge trend. This creates the ultimate in glamour and is suitable for the more sophisticated prom go-er.
(Dress pictured left: $1,195, THEIA, Edressme.com, style #880420).
Are there any colors that are going to be particularly hot for prom 2010?
Turquoise, hot pink, silver, aqua blue and lime green.What advice would you give a teen for finding her perfect prom dress?
The perfect prom dress is the one that looks best on your body. Take a friend shopping so she can help you get feedback on how you look in the various dresses.
Glamour and drama are important, so make sure you are up-to-date with your favorite stars' red carpet moments and favorite designers' runway collections to give you a better idea of current trends and what not to wear.
Are there certain dress styles that go better for different body types?
Photo © THEIA.
With so many body types and sizes, the most important rule is FIT. Fit, Fit, Fit! Depending on the shape of your body and how toned it is, a girl with curves in a pair of body-shaping Spanx can look just as hot as a size 2 girl in a slim-fitted column gown.
There are so many dresses that are made to flatter every girl. Big busts look great in V-neck gowns - but you don't want the cut to go too low and show too much.
Small busts should look for strapless sweetheart necklines with corsets and built-in boning to give you shape even if you don't have it. If the tummy area is a problem, try disguising it under flowing draped skirts.
(Dress pictured left: $695, THEIA, Edressme.com, style #880259).
Are there less expensive places to get prom dresses?
There are dresses out there that are incredibly affordable. eBay might get you a great designer dress at a discount, and if you're on a very tight budget, try H&M - they offer affordable and adorable dresses.
