FROM VINTAGE TO FASHION FORWARD

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Feb 15, 2005 by Brandy Nance Capital-Journal

Local teens walk to runway

to show off this year's prom options

IN A NUTSHELL

Here are some tips for prom etiquette from Don Gifford, who talked about etiquette during the Prom Spectacular:

1. Have reliable transportation. You don't want to be walking to or from prom.

2. Clothing can cause a serious amount of anxiety for women. Communicate fashion statements to your date prior to the prom or find another date.

3. Make dinner reservations, provided you can find a place that takes them, and make sure it's limited to two. The more people at your table, the more things that can happen (such as looking at another girl or guy or talking to them too much).

4. Flowers: the smaller the better. Don't get your date huge flowers to wear.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICK KRUG/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Topeka High junior Andrew Herrera-Thomas strikes a pose Sunday as he models a black and white tuxedo with a cane and fedora for the Prom Spectacular at Topeka High School.

Maddie Tridsch, senior, wearing a tangerine gown, fixes the ruffles at the bottom of her classmate Lane Clothier's plum and violet dress.

Topeka High freshman Bella Herrera, donned in a 1920s vintage gypsy dress, waits with other models to make her stage appearance.

By Brandy Nance

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

rom 1950s vintage to the latest in pastels and neons, models strutted their stuff Sunday during the first annual Prom Spectacular at Topeka High School.

People learned about a variety of prom dresses and that guys can match their date's dress by color-coordinating their tux accessories, said Paul Shafer, of Livingston's Tuxedo and Bridal Gallery. And yes, guys can wear pink.

About 200 people viewed gowns, tuxes, hairpieces, shoes and visited a handful of booths run by vendors offering prom-related services and items. For a dollar, there also were raffle prizes, such as a limousine rental, a prom dress and tux rental.

Topeka High decided to organize the Prom Spectacular because it needed a way to raise money for the annual after-prom party, said Michelle Durkes, parent and after-prom chairwoman. The after-prom typically includes door prizes, games, food and a safe place to hang after the prom.

Admission to Sunday's event was $5, and all proceeds went toward the after-prom party. Durkes said she hopes the event will become an annual one, with a different area school hosting it each time.

The Prom Spectacular included a prom attire fashion show with apparel provided by Livingston's, Dillard's Department Store and Vintage Van in Lawrence. It also included skits by Topeka High students, music by the Topeka Jazz Band and prom etiquette provided by Don Gifford, who said he has been through his share of disastrous proms, including those of his children.

Gifford, of Topeka, provided humourous, yet practical advice for teens attending prom.

"Mr. Gifford is very funny," said Charlie Landis, 16, junior at Topeka West.

Gifford gave advice on everything from going out to dinner to the actual prom. He warned men not to look at other women while on a date.

"Guys, you cannot look at this girl," he said as laughter rang out. "Maybe just out of the corner of your eye."

Modeling the gowns and tuxes was a big job for the models. They had their hair and makeup done prior to the event. Styles ranged from bright, bold colors to pastels and metallic. Some accessories included rhinestone shoes, hairpieces, ties, vests and jewelry.

The models crossed the runway with style and flair. Rope lights formed the "runway" and the stage also had a soda stand with bar stools, mimicking an old-fashioned 1950s soda shop.

Reesa Darby, 18, senior at Topeka High, modeled a gown. She said she liked participating in the event.

"I think this is a really cool idea," Darby said. "I hope a lot of people came."

Jayne Long, 17, senior at Topeka High, was another model in the fashion show.

"It's really fun to get to see everything," Long said. "The vintage stuff is really cool."

Landis, her date for prom this year, nodded in agreement.

"I like Jayne Long's dress," he said with a grin. "She should wear that one (to the prom)."

Fritz Helbert, 16, junior at Topeka High, admitted he was a bit nervous modeling in the show.

"I made me nervous," Helbert said. "I thought I'd trip or something."

Helbert walked the runway without incident.

Teens each took something different away from the event. Shelby Streff, 17, junior from Topeka West High School, enjoyed looking at the dresses, she said.

"I liked how they were showing the different dresses, the new ones and the old ones," Streff said. "They showed a little of everything."

Others liked the booths and looking at the products and services provided.

"I like the booths because they show a lot of stuff that you need for prom," said Candace Pahmahmie, 16, junior at Topeka West.

No matter what the reason for coming, prom is a special time for teens.

"It's a special time when you are in the process of leaving school," said Malik Normuradov, 17, Topeka High senior and model in the fashion show. "It will be one of your last memories of high school. It's just undescribable."