Seventeen magazine took over Kenwood Towne Centre's Lazarus store Saturday for a prom preview fashion show starring Tristate teens as models. The preview identified several trends likely to win the “most likely to be seen at this year's prom” award.

        “I liked the outfit I had on in the show,” Ryan Watson says. The 16-year-old Fairfield junior wore a splashy pink sequined top and playful black full skirt. Ryan hopes to attend her school's prom this year. But, “if I don't, I still have my senior year.”

A full tulle skirt with squined tube top, $139 at bestpromdresses.com | ZOOM |

        So what can this year's prom dress shoppers expect to see on store racks?

        “There are actually six trends for 2001,” Seventeen's Bari Medgaus says.

        The “black and white” style offers simple formal elegance with black tuxedo-inspired dresses, long gloves or a long jacket over slim pants.

        Two retro eras will flash and dash across prom dance floors, too. The “fabulous '50s” are back, complete with poodle skirt, cardigan sweater and pearls. The '80s “punk funk/early Madonna” look with neon makeup, big hair, a black leather mini dress and off-the-shoulder tops are also being shown.

        Other trends include the “rhinestone prom queen” with form-fitting dress and dangling earrings; “fairy tale fantasy,” pastel, full-length dresses topped with a tiara, and the loud-colored “bright nights” with neon colors from head to toe.

        “Teens today are so diverse,” Ms. Medgaus says, “we encourage them to be themselves. There's a look out there for everyone, from traditional to avant garde. Seventeen suggests teens find the look that feels most comfortable to them and have fun with it.”

Jessica McClintock stretch twill strapless gown with side slit, $170 at Lazarus | ZOOM |

        So what are prom-bound Tristate teens looking for?

        “What's popular right now are the two-piece dresses, which is something new for us this year,” says Heather Taylor, manager at the Deb Shop in Bevis. Most of what we sell, though, are the traditional poofy and pastel gowns.” The store also carries plus-size gowns up to size 20.
       

No more Ken

        For guys, it's a different world than when their dads were attending proms. Gone are the constricting cummerbunds and Ken-style tuxes in colors to match their dates' dresses. Today's young man looks for style and high fashion.

        “What's big for guys are the long fashion coats,” says Scotty Bosworth, a buyer for Skeffington's Formalwear. “These four-button coats come down to about mid-thigh to knee-length and look smart on any size guy. The mandarin collar is back and so are full-back vests, cuff links and button covers. Designers like FUBU, Perry Ellis, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene and others are very popular.

        “The other fashion item is the classic width tie to match the vest. It's called a four-in-hand, similar to the old Windsor knot. Finish it with a pair of Kenneth Cole Nouveau shoe with a square toe and chunky heels. That shoe's available for sale only, it's so popular.”

Blue cardigan taffeta ball gown with lurex twinset $99 at bestpromdresses.com | ZOOM |

        As far as colors, Mr. Bosworth says most opt for the black and white look, either all black, all white or a black/white combination of jacket and slacks. According to Your Prom magazine, the average prom dress will cost $203 and the average shopper will try on 30 dresses before deciding on “the one.” The average guy will spend $170 on a tux rental and shoes. Mr. Bosworth says his customers average $139.

        That enchanted evening will cost, too. Your Prom male readers surveyed expect to spend an average of $545 on prom-related expenses, including prom tickets, dinner and corsage. Their female counterparts expect to spend an average of $530, including shoes, lingerie and accessories.

        Competition is fierce for those prom-related dollars. While larger department stores traditionally sponsor in-store prom fashion shows, Deb Shop, with stores in Florence, Bevis and Forest Park, is taking its prom fashions into Tristate high schools. Taylor High School will host a Deb Shop show today Another show will be broadcast live at 10:30 a.m. today on Northern Kentucky's cable Channel 6, with rebroadcasts at 3 and 8 p.m.

Best face for the prom

        A Web site sure to get a lot of hits this spring is pimpleportal.com, a site devoted to getting and keeping teens' skin clear for prom night or everyday. There's even a special section for guys, whose interest in skin care increases as they age.

        “For guys who might get emergency zits right before the big dance,” celebrity makeup artist Michael Criscuolo says, “there are products and techniques out there to save the day.”

        • If you have problem skin, go to a dermatologist to have the zits zapped one to two days before the prom.

        • A good shaving routine is to shave in the shower to keep whiskers moist and easy to shave.

KY. GIRL CHOSEN

A junior from Russell (Ky.) High School has been chosen to represent the Tristate as a regional finalist for a modeling stint with Seventeen magazine.     “I was shocked and surprised,” says 16-year-old Karol Morrison, who received an impromptu photo shoot after Seventeen's fashion show Saturday at Kenwood Towne Centre.     “It was really hard to choose one person,” Seventeen's Bevin Karl says. “We chose Karol from all the great teens who modeled, although we also had our eye out for that fresh face in the crowd at the show. She just had the right look and personality to be our regional finalist.”     Ms. Morrison's favorite look is the punk-funk style because, “that's how I dress everyday.” Nevertheless, she says she could see herself wearing what she modeled in the show to her prom, recalling the long black dress with diagonal hemline.

        • If you can, use a mild face scrub at least two weeks before the prom.

        • When you cleanse the face, be sure to use an oil-free moisturizer and alcohol-free toner.

        For girls, the same tips apply (skip the shaving part), and Mr. Criscuolo has suggestions for applying makeup that will complement that special dress.

        “Last year, makeup was lighter; this year it's applied heavier,” Mr. Criscuolo says. “The raw chick, '80s look is big now. It's kind of a "Grease 2000 meets '80s rock girl.' ”

        This year's makeup has more color, he says. For eyes, using heavier eyeliner and one color and glitter all over the eye area is in. Keep brows natural, and let a professional do them.

        With lips, don't use a dark liner, Mr. Criscuolo says. Pick a shade that's natural or close to your own color. And wet lips are out. If you have to use a gloss, dot in the middle of your mouth when you pucker it.

        With blush, highlight only the apple of the cheek, brushing outwards just on the cheekbone.

        Another look that's hot is using Swarovski crystals on the face, neck or midriff, if your dress shows it, Mr. Criscuolo says.

        Do your makeup at least an hour before you get dressed to give it time to settle on your face, the expert says. Fill your purse with blotting papers (for oiliness) and a lip liner or gloss.

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