ITEM PHOTO BY OWEN O’ROURKE
Jordyn Summerlin gets her makeup applied before Lynn Vocational Technical Institute’s Prom Fashion Show.
By DAVID WILSON
LYNN — We’ll be impressed. That’s what 17-year-old Jordyn Summerlin says with a coy smile from her makeup chair.
Come on; all we asked for was a hint about one of her two dresses, minutes before the start of Lynn Vocational Technical Institute’s second annual Prom Fashion Show.
Instead, the junior and soon-to-be model muses over a platter of lipsticks; what to choose, what to choose? After a pause, she picks one.
Summerlin was one of the models from the school’s approximately 20-member Fashion Club, an afterschool activity program. Club adviser Menervia Akers explained the theme of Thursday’s show was “Monte Carlo.”
Monte Carlo can be described as a “casino-night theme,” Akers says, rattling off black, white and red as signature colors.
Amayni Wallace just turned 15. In a flashy red gown, the freshman says she’s a little nervous; after all, her dad will be watching.
Before the show, backstage is a blur of selfies; hands on hips — in one case, hand behind the head — as students eagerly pose in front of a photo backdrop. Girls turn to the side, staring into the camera with soft smiles. Boys stand straight-on, hands in pockets, chins tilted up.
As the show begins, Danny Donator, who auditioned for “America’s Got Talent,” and had a sleek prom look himself, performed “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars. Models step out; at times, the senior spins girls as they pass.
Donator’s singing appears to inspire. Girls, some in very-high heels, keep a powerful gait to the beat. Boys give off a relaxed energy, one slipping off his jacket mid-walk and slinging it over his shoulder.
Summerlin, less than an hour after leaving us in suspense over her dress, struts the makeshift runway — a hallway of the school’s Annex Building — in a black, strapless, floor-length gown patterned with red roses.
The passing models are followed by 19-year-old Deavonie Cowan’s video camera. It was the senior’s first time filming the show. As models reach the end of the runway, they serve a few final poses in front of a backdrop decorated with casino dice.
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Watching the show, it’s hard to know what gives these students such confidence and attitude; perhaps they were motivated by the advice Akers says she gives.
“Pretend you’re in your room … in your own world … doing your thing,” she says moments before the show’s start, in between directing the finishing touches. “The moment’s yours.”
Fashion and other elements of the show were contributed by David’s Bridal in Danvers; A Voyiagis Tuxedos in Lynn; The Ultimate in Peabody; Classic Tuxedo in Middleton; Russo Tux Dress & Limousine in Stoneham; Kreative Hair Design by Joan in Lynn; Mary Kay Makeup in Lynn; Monique Bazile on makeup; Treadwell’s Ice Cream in Peabody; Beauty Supply Supermarket in Lynn; Darque Tan in Swampscott; About Face Skin Salon in Lynn and ITM In the Mak’n.
David Wilson can be reached at [email protected].
