Each year, we feature outstanding senior high school students from our area in our Prep Elite issue. Last August, we met Hamzeh Salti, Ashley Borland, Austin Greely, Alex Ducosin and Trevor Gifft, who will all soon graduate from high school. As they wrap up their final year, prepare for college and join the mad last-minute dash of scholarship applications, they are also preparing for prom. In the spirit of finishing everything with excellence (and a bit of class) we’ve asked them to model some of the very latest in prom styles.
The Tuxes
Savvi Formalwear, 12481 Elm Creek Blvd. N.
“We have been seeing a lot of colored tuxedos such as grays and navies. They can be paired with all the same colors as the traditional black tuxedos. For the guys, I chose some brighter colors than what may have been typically seen in the past for prom. Bright, bold colors!“ –Lauren Stein, manager
“Wearing the tuxedo gave [me] a sense of confidence and pride as I wore it for the majority of the day. I truly felt that I looked like a superstar. The tuxedo was light, comfortable, and stylish.” —Hamzeh Salt
“I really enjoyed being pampered and getting dressed up, but getting my hair and makeup professionally done was one of my favorite parts of the shoot since I had never gotten [that] done before. My dress was gorgeous as well! The classic, green dress definitely suited my personality and fit perfectly.” —Ashley Borland
“I wouldn’t have chosen a gray tux, but surprisingly I thought it was a [good] choice for me as the color and style were a perfect fit. I would definitely consider a gray tux for my prom this year. I have never been in a Hummer limo and felt really cool being in one.” —Austin Greely
“I’ve always had trouble finding hairstyles that work with my hair texture and make me feel confident. Sparks Salon did such a fantastic job using my hair texture to my advantage. The voluminous curls were gorgeous and I looked and felt so fierce!” —Alex Ducosin
“I received the ‘executive treatment’ at 18/8 [Men’s Salon], which was a phenomenal experience. I tried a new haircut known as the ‘pompadour fade.’ It’s apparently trending with contemporary men’s hair fashion. I thought it looked great, combining both serious and fun aspects into one style. I am likely to continue getting this type of cut.” —Trevor Gifft
Dresses and Jewelry
Rubi Jubi, 12265 Elm Creek Blvd. N.
Rachel Burbul, manager:
Ashley’s dress is by designer Mac Duggal. We love it for its deep jewel tone and elegant beading in the bust and around to the modest V-back. The A-line silhouette, with a defined waist, is one that transcends body type—flattering every shape imaginable. Plus, the dreamy chiffon skirt adds an ethereal spin on this princess-esque dress. We enhanced her look with a pair of simple studs and hair piece by Mariell ranging from $11-$34. Dress style number 10008, $578.
Alex’s dress is on the flashier side. Alyce Paris is known for their show-stopping unique gowns. In royal blue, this dress features a high collar and open back, which are two of the biggest trends this season. With its intricate beading and sleek, straight silhouette it makes for a sure knock-out at any prom. To finish the look, we added Mariell dangle drop earrings in silver to complement the existing sparkles. Dress style number 6393, $390.
Rubi Jubi carries more than 700+ prom gown styles.
The Girls’ Hair
Spark Salon, 16330 County Rd. 30
Shawna Roepke, stylist:
When creating the look for Alex, my inspiration was the dress. I wanted to convey an exciting, energetic ‘do’ to complement the gown’s detail and intricate design. The dress reveals different details each time you look at it, so I incorporated that element into her style. Creating texture that complements Alex’s naturally curly hair allowed me to follow the same idea of hiding details in her do, so look closely!
Hair tip: To achieve texture at the root, use a half-inch curling iron in the crown area, then rake through that area with your fingers.
Jenni Doolittle, stylist:
My inspiration for Ashley’s hair came from her dress. Having more of a classic princess look, I decided to go with the beautiful, flowing-down, classic curls pinned over to one side.
Hair tip: Starting with clean hair and setting curls until they are cooled down will increase their longevity and create a polished finish. Prices for both styles, $75.
The Guys’ Hair
18/8 Fine Men’s Salon, 12063 Elm Creek Blvd. N.
“Austin has stick-straight hair and likes it short in the back. We tapered the neck in tight and used his natural hairline to give him what’s called a “fade” with a “hawkey” look.” –Katrina VanDeVenter, stylist “Trevor came in with pictures of what he liked. He ended up with a very dapper looking “fade” with a pompadour twist. This look requires us to shave in a part. It’s an especially good look for evening attire.”
–Paula Ennen, stylist
“When Hamzeh came in to the salon, his hair was about twice as long. His hair is highly textured, curly and coarse. We shortened it up, but left it longer on top for movement.”
– Angie Heiskary, stylist
Prices: $34-$44.
The Limo
Lakes Limo; 952.484.9165
Arriving in a limo definitely creates a moment everyone will remember. But arriving in an H2 Hummer Stretch limo, like the pristine white one used for our photo shoot, creates a grand entrance no one will ever forget. Price: $99-$199/hour.
The Flowers
Donato’s Floral, 7351 Kirkwood Lane N.
Maria Donato:
A lot of girls bring their dress into the shop because they want customization—no more roses and baby’s breath!
For Ashley’s flowers, I used a simple but elegant white orchid with touches of opalescent diamond dust that picks up the emerald green color from the dress. I also added a bit of bling. An elastic bracelet secures the flower to the wrist, which is the most popular place for a girl’s flower. Trevor’s matching flower also has some bling, but features a calla lily.
Because there are not many blue flowers, for the royal blue dress I chose a trendy lime green contrast for Alex. Orchids and blue delphinium are coupled with blue rhinestones. This one is built on a “slap” bracelet, which fits anyone.
Hamzeh’s flower offers a way to inject some hot pink with a rose and leucadendron buds. It is wrapped in silver (close ups on page 2). Prices: Corsages, $35; boutonnieres, $15-$17.
The Makeup
The Hair District, 11646 Fountains Drive
Rachael Notsch:
Since Ashley is wearing a green princess-like gown, I decided to [go more classic] with her make-up. I used softer bronze and brown tones for her eyes and I made her lips less dramatic, using a nude color.
Alex’s dress screams dramatic and exotic, so I decided that her make-up [should be] more dramatic. I used blues and grey for a smoky-eye look, accentuated by a bold red lip.
Makeup Tip: Using white liner on the inner rim of your eyes will help make them appear bigger. Also, highlighting the inner corner, middle lid, and outer brow ridge helps to make your eyes pop. It makes a more dramatic eye for a special occasion. Prices: $60 for airbrush make up, extra $5 for lashes.
