The Season to Shine
26-05-2014
Off to the ball, Cinderella? Prom season is upon us, and inevitably, every girl desires to appear nothing less than perfection for her big night. Long gone the days of visiting specialist ball gown boutiques to purchase that ultimate dress, as this year the great British high street has identified the demand for occasion wear, exhibiting the most alluringly beautiful and heterogeneous styles to adopt. With all the major store chains occupying such a massive variety of gown designs from Topshop and Miss Selfridge to ASOS.com and House of Fraser, show-stopping glamour has never been so readily obtainable, and above all, affordable. That Prom Queen tag will be yours for the taking.
Never one to be out done for its signature attention to detail, River Island offers a stunning cream lace embellished dress that occupies inspiration from Burberry Prorsum’s Spring/Summer 14’ collection, with an exquisite lace overlay featuring subtle hints of sparkle and a beaded neckline. They’re also offering more daring gown styles such as Downton Abbey-esque sequin feather trim cami’s, chic cutouts and this seasons biggest trend; 3D florals in vivid shades. High street heavyweights Topshop add edge to sugar-sweet florals, high shine fabrics and ice cream shades whilst all manner of sparkly finishing touches including jewel-encrusted embellishments and gems come courtesy of Miss Selfridge. Acres of frou frou tulle and chiffon were of course thrown in for good measure, showcasing an overriding sense of girlish charm.
Others sure not to be missed out; MissGuided.com has adopted gorgeous glamour and irresistible plunge neck numbers, encapsulating all the latest styles; from pin-up inspired skater dresses to perennially sexy bodycon pieces; to magnificent floor sweeping maxi dresses and eternally classic LBDs. ASOS.com offers a vast range of high street/high brand labels as well as their own designs, ranging from exquisitely embellished shift dresses and everything else in between; H&M boasts beautifully elegant long gowns in neutral alluring tones; Ted Baker embraced utter femininity with a ethereal ballerina dress and F&F at Tesco showcased the upmost in sophisticated glamour.
Whilst on the subject of fabulous frocks and all round glamour, who could ignore the recent almighty star studded style superior event that is Cannes Film Festival 2014? A-listers the world over graced the ultimate red carpet occasion, dripping in desirable designer gowns and draw-dropping jewels. A sensational standout and first up to face the press was Nicole Kidman who wore an elaborately-embellished Armani Prive gown, promoting her new film, Grace of Monaco. Cara Delevinge chose a short and sweet sparkly number by non other then Chanel Couture (Lagerfeld proved to be the overriding designer choice in the Delevinge household, as he recently designed Cara’s sister, Poppy’s utterly alluring wedding gown.) Rosie Huntington-Whiteley appeared statuesque in stunning gunmetal shimmering Gucci Premiere floor-grazing gown; Blake Lively opted for the same designer in a black and white silk crape strapless gown, whilst Elie Saab’s popularity paraded with the likes of Sonam Kapoor, Petra Nemcova, Eva Green, Adrianna Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio all favoring his captivating couture line.
Words by Katie Farley
Freelance Fashion Stylist & Fashion Writer
