Everyone should get to experience the PROM. It’s a rite of passage to the next stage in a young adult’s life — mimicking the ultimate wedding day.
Prom is a special night to remember, a night spent with close friends, faculty and your high school sweetheart crush. The high school prom glamour tradition is still going strong — thanks in part to awards shows like the Oscars, where such fashion-forward celebrities as Lady Gaga enchant (she wore Alexander McQueen Black Dress on the Red Carpet, channeling legendary Audrey Hepburn).
What best describes your style and individuality?
HER: Are you edgy or feminine? Glamorous or classic? Boho or Glam? Lucky for you, prom dresses aren’t one-style-fits-all anymore. You can embrace and feel confident in your own style.
Romantic Princess Ball Gowns — soft shades in light blue, lavender, blush, cream and mauve in oversized floaty tulle fabrics — are hot now. This year’s trendy color is yellow. Monochromatic; hair color is the same color of dress. Gowns with ostrich feathers in pastel colors are flying off the racks. If alluring is your style, go sexy with a fitted gown with high slit, low front or low back in a solid color and/or fully beaded. Try the Glitz & Glam style in sequined colorful stripes, fierce geometric lines & shapes, and pieces of faux glass reflection in shades of silver. Pattern dresses with accents like polka dots, large floral, and fruity prints are making an impact.
HIM: Are you over-the-top or simplistic? Preppy or sporty? Classic or Streetwear? Lucky for you, now you don’t have to dress down your look to make your date shine. If over-the-top is your style, go for trendy metallic or sequined jacket, tailored pant at the ankle and studded loafers worn without socks.
If you strive for cool vibes, velvet and colors in mauve, red, and burgundy are trendy. Tailored floral and plaid suits worn with fashion sneakers make a bold statement. The classic man keeps it timeless in a white jacket with silk/satin black lapel paired with black trousers … and a black tux goes with any style of gown.
Shop for the Prom
The Ultimate on Route 1 South in Peabody is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. In 1969, Frances Merlino started the business in the basement of her Revere home, with only three racks of clothing; sportswear, bathing suits, and dresses. Two years later, Merlino’s daughter, Heather Siegel-DeMuro, was laid off from a job with the airlines and started working for her mother. Siegel-DeMuro learned from her mother and became the buyer for the home-based store. Her dresses were a hit with the locals.
Twenty-five years later, Merlino opened a 2,700-square-foot store on Route 1 North. When that 10-year-lease ended, she relocated her store to a 6,400-square-foot space on Route 1. By then, The Ultimate had the largest evening wear inventory in New England. Merlino longed to own her own building, and purchased the flagship store — a second-floor 10,000 square foot space on Route 1 South in Peabody that is well-stocked with exclusive brands and has a largest prom section. There is a sister store in Dedham.
In 2012, when Merlino died, daughters Siegel-DeMuro and Fawn Merlino assumed ownership and have honored their mother’s legacy.
What makes The Ultimate exclusive? It carries top designer brands, accessories, sizes 000 to 36, and more than 20,000 dresses. It stocks tuxedos and is the only store in the United States that carries styles by every prom manufacturer, “in every look, in every color, style, design that you could possibly think of.” The same style of dress is offered in sizes small to plus size. Customer service, helpful sales associates and changing with the times has kept The Ultimate number one. Top designers will custom design a dress exclusively for the store, and often seek input from Siegel-DeMuro and her team whether “to keep the gown, ditch it, or recommend change to the design.”
Siegel-DeMuro said she is inspired by a customer’s transformation and a smile on her face. “I know how I had something to do with how she feels. I am passionate about the process, from showroom, to rack and then to customer.”
“We hope every girl gets the opportunity to go to the prom.”
They created a Prom Registry that ensures that two classmates will not wear the same dress to the prom. The Ultimate’s price points range from $150 to $800, with $250-$500 the average. Layaway is an option, and walk-ins are welcome.
The Ultimate is celebrating its 50th anniversary with 50 prize giveaways. For details, go to www.ultimatewomansapparel.com or call 978-535-5440.
MACY’S PRE-PROM EVENT
On March 2, Macy’s held its Pre-Prom Prep Event. Macy’s Backstage & Macy’s My Stylist Penny Freddura and her team set the vibe with light refreshments, music and flowers provided by Evans Flowers & Greenhouses of Peabody. There was a fashion presentation by Macy’s Ambassadors, with makeup by Macy’s Impulse beauty stylists Chrissy Walsh and Rachael Rossignol.
Freddura reached out to local high schoolers to showcase trendy prom dresses and tuxedos at Macy’s Peabody location. The Ambassadors strutted their stuff throughout the store, wearing tuxedos by Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, and showcasing gorgeous gowns by top designers.
Menervia Akers, The Fashion Monger, is a self-taught artistic designer born and raised in Lynn. She developed a flair for fashion at a young age. She started a fashion club for Lynn Vocational Technical Institute students and served as club adviser. Her biweekly column offers strong opinions, tips, advice and insights from industry professionals. [email protected]
