Prom styles in full bloom at fashion show

COLUMBUS - From breath-taking ball gowns to snazzy pinstriped zoot suits, all of the latest prom fashions for 2006 were highlighted at Judy's Bridal Saturday.

The store, located at 2417 13th St., hosted the “Prom Star Premiere” Fashion Show. The show featured girls and guys from area high schools, including Columbus, David City, Humphrey, Leigh, Schuyler and Shelby, modeling the prom trends for this year.

The show featured 18 models who were all part of a planning committee called Prom Team, Version 5.6. The teens picked out the dresses and tuxedos for the show, as well as what styles they felt would be popular among their peers. The team was formed in September, and has met monthly since then to plan for the show, as well as the prom season.

The show was divided into three segments. The first starting with the more simple and elegant evening gowns, and then transitioning into “Cinderella-type” ball gowns. The dresses ranged from colorful, vibrant and glittery to soft pastels. Some colors said to be in demand this year are the cocoas, greens and blues. The third segment focused on several shades and variations of white dresses. The white dresses seem to be popular among many high school seniors including Tiffany Petersen, a senior at Lakeview High School, who said, “My ideal prom dress would be big, puffy and white.”

The show did not only feature the latest prom looks for girls, but also many styles for the guys. The store is selling tuxedos this year, which come in an expanded range of colors, making it easy for a guy to match himself to his date. Columbus High senior Brandon Pinney sported a mandarin collar at the show. This type of collar has no buttons and will be popular this prom season. Another trendy look was a pinstriped zoot suit complete with fedora hat and matching one-stripe shoes. Owner Judy Brandenburgh said, “this look is all about having attitude.”

Guests at the show received gift bags filled with style ideas, coupons and goodies. The show also featured music provided by Sound Bound DJ's, make-up by Val Smith and photography by Talise Baker.

The store, owned by Judy Brandenburgh and Neil and Janice Jensen, offers 14 different dress companies from which to choose. The store also gives the assurance to the customer they will be the only one wearing that dress at their school. The prices of the dresses this year range anywhere from $250-$350.

Brandenburgh said, “Prom is all about fun, which starts with shopping and finally wearing it on prom night. You want to make it as memorable as possible.”