Express yourself

Tag : chiffon fabrics

Rites of passage are very important occurrences. Sadly, in modern Ireland , whether it is through trendy anti-religious sentiment resultingin our not taking part in spiritual and social rites of passage, orlife not panning out as expected -- we don't marry or give birth --the ceremonies that mark life's passing and evolution are oftenmissed.
America is the capital of formalising rites of passage -- from sweetsixteen to baby showers, it's all about celebration (andconsumption). One's 21st birthday used to be the big deal here, butI think the debs has superceded it.
The debs is now such a big dress-up affair that it gives the glamof the VIP Style awards a run for its money.
The search for a debs dress, the dress that will end all dresses,becomes, much like the search for the perfect wedding dress, asearch for the self. Or rather the perfect expression of the self.
Waifs and nature's child types may look for chiffon dreams byAlicano or Claire Garvey . Sexpots will aspire to D&G or Versace, while girls with a bit of humour may decide to doirony -- buy a Penneys polka-dot prom dress, silver glitter plimsolls and white socks anddo the whole Grease-is-the-word, bobby-soxer thing.
But those of you who just want to look drop-dead gorgeous andclassy in that Oscars red-carpet way should, if you can afford it,make your first stop Dresscode. Yes, it is an Irish label and,before you say "I never wear Irish", let me tell you that the galsbehind this label know all there is to know about debs needs. Ifthey didn't, that emporium of exclusivity, Brown Thomas , wouldn't have decided to stock the collection in its Galway and Limerick branches.
Dresscode has about 15 different styles in several colours, whichmeans the options are immense. It does cocktail, strappy,strapless, halter-neck, bodice, bias, streamlined, bubble, tulle,three-quarter length, gown-length, fan-tailed, Grecian and goddessstyles in sumptuous fabrics such as satin, chiffon, taffeta andstretch mesh. Included in the price (€280 to €420) is awrap in matching fabric.
Brown Thomas is opting for a selection of styles, while Arnotts in Dublin carries the full range. They also keep a record book to make sureno identical dresses appear at the same function.
Dresscode caters for sizes six to 18 in most styles. The collectionis added to every six weeks. Plus, from its offices in Finglas , Dresscode offers an alterations/customising service for€50, which will guarantee that perfect fit. You won't getthat kind of service from D&G off the peg.
- fashion edited by constance harris