By Tanya Hutchison
From fluid gowns to sequined silhouettes and every- thing in between, fabric makes it intriguing to stop and shop. Hot citrine, apple, amber, marigold and turquoise colors entice our fashion palette. Today’s woman is highly educated, well traveled and willing to take risks. It’s exciting to watch the award shows and beauty pageants to see what the celebrities are wearing. Can you image the time, money and energy it takes to create that special outfit for a red carpet grand entrance?
Perhaps you’ll never be an Oscar winner or the newly crowned Miss America, but you are a person that has a special event coming soon and you are clueless on what to wear.
Award-winning Designer Kevan Hall is well known for his classy, sexy silhouettes that are draped and body conscious. His designs have been featured on numerous magazine covers and he has dressed countless celebrities during red carpet events such as Katherine Heigl, Drew Barrymore, Tina Fey, Felicity Huffman, Ruby Dee, Carmen Electra, first Lady Maria Shriver, Nicollette Sheridan, Marg Helgenberger, Vanessa Williams, Mary McCormack, Anne Hathaway, Kate Walsh, Vanessa Manillo and the list goes on an on.
With that being said, the next time you are asking what should I wear to the President’s Inaugural Ball, your wedding, a prom, or evening gown competition in the Miss USA pageant, take these tips into consideration:
; Find a designer that reflects your style and personality
; Have a budget in mind and be prepared to make a deposit ; Allow a minimum of 3 months advance planning
; Be prepared with photos, fabrics you would like and have a color in mind
; Give as many details to the designer as possible about the special occasion
; Share with your designer any physical flaws that you don’t want exposed
; Don’t be afraid to show off your best assets
Kevan suggests that you bring your shoes, proper undergarments and a make up scarf to the fitting with you. Don’t wear oils or fragrant lotions, jewelry that will snag, perfume or powdery de-
odorant that will leave a scent or stain on the garment.
The final fitting usually takes place three weeks prior to the event, to allow the designer enough time to make alterations if necessary because some women may lose or gain a few pounds from the first fitting to the last. For the final fitting you must bring the exact jewelry, shoes, and undergarments that you will wear with your dress. Improper undergarments have been known to alter the entire look or shape of a dress and you don’t want any hidden surprises when you make your grand appearance. Wear full makeup to the fitting to get the complete picture and decide if you need to make any last minute changes in the color of your cosmetics.
The neckline of a dress usually dictates the hair style you’ll wear and your mood determines the hair color. Don’t be afraid to take risks. Designers like to take risks and when I asked Kevan to name a celebrity that allowed him to take a fashion risk that led to a happy ending, he stated that singer/actress Vanessa Williams is very sure of herself and not afraid to take fashion risks therefore he created a feathered gown with light sequins for a red carpet affair.
When looking for a designer, remember, it’s as important as finding the right pair of shoes. It must fit comfortably, have longevity and be affordable. Kevan advises that you look for a designer that is creative and knows the history of fashion in order to take your initial idea and move it forward into something spectacular. If you decide not to go with a well known designer when selecting a dress for that big event Kevan suggests that you look for a silhouette that shows your best assets. He says the neckline of the dress is important and it should frame the face to accentuate your best features.
Lastly, the correct fit is paramount. Therefore find an alterations person that has expertise in elegant evening wear to insure a proper, professional and clean fit. ;
Tanya Hutchinson is a model and beauty advisor with Arbonne International in California. An expert in the skin care industry, etiquette advisor and modeling instructor, she is the author of the books Phenomenal Beauty and Chicken Soup for the African American Women’s Soul. Her web site is t.myarbonne.com.
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