A quick history of the “cotillion” and the dresses normally involved with the function.

Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cotillion …
The dance known as Cotillion came from France in the 1700s and was originally made up of four couples in a square formation. The Cotillion was one of many contredanses or “country dances” where the participants (especially those from royalty) gathered to introduce themselves and to flirt with other dancers through the exchange of partners within the formation network of the dance. By the 1800s, the Cotillion evolved into more couples with many complex dance figures and was the forerunner of the Quadrille. American square dance is a form of contredanse that also descended from the Cotillion. The direct translation from French to English of the word “Cotillion” is the word “petticoat’ but the more appropriate translation is the word “ballgown.”

A Debutante Ball is a formal presentation of young ladies, debutantes to polite society. It is in use in the United States more so in the South, and some other countries. Debutantes are usually recommended by a distinguished committee or sponsored by an established member of elite society. Modern debutante balls are often charity events; the parents of the debutante donate a certain amount of money to the designated cause, and the invited guests pay for their tickets. These balls may be elaborate formal affairs and involve not only “debs” but junior debutantes, escorts and ushers, flower girls and pages as well.

In the United States, Cotillion has become training that children and young adults attend to learn manners and proper social behavior in the context of formal dance. The participants dress up in formal attire and some cotillions emphasize the use of white gloves. Modern day Cotillion takes the form of classes and parties. These programs use dance as an interactive tool that breaks down inhibitions and teaches important social skills. Some of the dances currently taught include waltz, fox trot, tango, swing, cha cha and many other ballroom dances. The parties are typically “graduation” parties usually held after a series of classes. At the party, the students sit together in tables in the front while the family members sit in tables in the back. A master of ceremony guides the evening and, if funds are sufficient, dinner and an orchestra may be included. Usually after each dance, a couple may be recognized with a modest prize for best executing that dance.

On to the CB’s Limited interpretation: The dresses used for fall/spring cotillion should be semi formal/formal. Light formal and a step above should be used, but nothing overly formal. It should be a reasonably “fun” event, with lightweight gowns dominating the dance floor. Don’t overdo it with something that won’t let you move freely during dancing…you need something that flows and moves with the body. The fall/winter cotillion consists of darker colors like that of red/black/navy, etc., while spring cotillion has lighter colors such as turquoise, pink, green, etc.

Have you decided yet on your gown, shoes, jewelry, or a HAIRSTYLE for prom? Having the perfect hairstyle for prom will turn any ordinary look into a glamorous one! Knowing the right hairstyle to fit your dress can be such a stressful feeling, but the first thing I always ask myself is, if my dress is elegant? Fun? Classy? Chic? Sassy? or Simple? Once I make a decision I contemplate if my hair should be up or down depending on the style of the dress. I would consider the details of the dress, like does it have small straps? Is it strapless? A halter top? Or does it have an open back? These are just a few questions you should ask yourself before making a decision on a hairstyle.

Knowing if the dress is elegant or simple can narrow your options down to a particular style, then you can search on the internet or look in a magazine to find a hairstyle; you should have an idea for your hairstylist in advanced. One option I would definitely avoid is waiting to the last minute to decide on a hairstyle and counting on a hairstylist to make a decision for you. A decision that might ruin your night. Prom is an exciting event for all High School students and one of the best times you will experience in life. Be assertive with your style, and you are sure to keep all eyes on you!

If you haven’t heard by now, the current Miss New Jersey, Amy Polumbo, is currently suffering from what we like to call “picture remorse.” This is kind of like “buyers remorse,” only once your pictures hit the internet, you can’t take them back for a refund! Well, the bad publicity for Miss Polumbo has turned into positive publicity for Faviana. Miss New Jersey won her crown donning Faviana’s 5958 dress, and the company is now receiving calls daily asking about the style. Navid Moradi (the owner), in an interview with the New York Post said:

“We’re being swamped with calls from all our stores wanting to reorder it. It’s fantastic,” Faviana co-president Navid Moradi told us. “What’s funny is we didn’t even know Amy had worn our dress, but I was watching the ‘Today’ show when I saw footage of Amy’s win and said, ‘Oh my God, that’s our style No. 5958.’ We feel sorry for Amy, but we’re ecstatic, too.”

Amy released these pictures to NBC and The Today Show because someone was using them to blackmail her into giving up her crown. Did anyone investigate the runner-up?

Although the photos are slightly racy, it really isn’t that big of a deal. Britney is going crazy while taking care of two kids, Li-Lo is in rehab, and the public gets mad at this girl for taking pictures with her clothes ON. Why is this even a story? Amy will be keeping her crown, and serving out the rest of her term as Jersey’s top lady.

Military Ball is a recognition dinner/dance in honor of military school students, ROTC students or actual military personnel. Gowns for this type of event should be elegant and glamorous. There are typically no restrictions on color, fabric or length, so have fun! Remember, your date will most likely be in a uniform, so you should try and compliment his attire.

This is a celebration! Use this opportunity to express your style and you are sure to be the belle of the ball!

We’ll be purchasing the prom dresses for 2008 in the upcoming weeks. Upcoming styles are to be similar to last year, but with some delicate colors that are very rich, yet subtle for prom. Many of the “bright” colors have left our major lines, but no worries, there are many more in the wings. We will see everything from chocolates to mint green. As well all of the colors that flourish from year to year…including turquoise, fuchsia, and lime green. Look for prom dress styles to remain clean and very sophisticated…much like they have become in the last few years. Celebrity styling has been a major influence on the upcoming prom dresses for prom 2008. More updates to come as we meet with our vendors.

Homecoming is such a fun and exciting time during the school year! Homecoming queen attire can vary from a nice pants suit to a full-length evening gown. No matter where your school lands in that range, this is an opportunity to let your personal style shine! Always remember your setting…time of day, type of lighting, etc. Homecoming court is a great chance to have fun with your gown.