Ball Gowns Biography
Source(google.com.pk)
A ball gown is the most formal female attire for social occasions (such as White Tie). It is traditionally a full-skirted gown reaching the floor, made of luxurious fabric, delicately and exotically trimmed. Most versions are cut off the shoulder with decollete necklines. Such gowns are typically worn with a stole (a formal shawl in expensive fabric), cape or cloak in lieu of a coat, "good" (couture or vintage) jewellery and opera-length gloves. Standard accessories are dancing shoes and a clutch style evening bag. Where "state decorations" are to be worn, they are on a bow pinned to the chest, and married women wear a tiara if they have one. The ball gown shape has changed little since the mid-19th century. Although artificial fabrics are now sometimes used, the most common fabrics are satin, silk, taffeta and velvet with trimmings of lace, pearls, sequins, embroidery, ruffles and ruching.
History:
Evening gowns were the formal attire of women during the Regency era. They had the Empire silhouette, with a high waistline, short sleeves, and a fairly narrow skirt. In the Victorian era however, skirts began to widen. Evening gowns now had skirts flared out with layers of petticoats. The increasing weight of the petticoats lead to the development of the crinoline. The crinoline would be worn under day dresses and evening gowns alike in the 1850s and 1860s, but evening gowns were replaced by the "ball gown" for most formal affairs. However, starting in the 1870s, dresses began to take on a narrow silhouette, and more attention was focused on the back of the skirt. The bustle became popular during this time. At the end of the 19th century, bustles disappeared and skirts took on a simple bell-like appearance.
In the Edwardian era, women's day dresses and evening gowns had an S-curve silhouette. During the 1920s, the hems rose and decorations became more showy. This would lead to more conservative dresses during the Great Depression. After the end of World War II, in 1947, Christian Dior introduced his "New Look" of nipped-in waistlines and full skirts. Luxurious fabrics were used for these dresses, and the ball gown was re-introduced. The ball gown often has a strapless bodice, although short and long sleeves are common as long as the cut is off-the-shoulder. Ball gowns remain the most formal female attire to this day, and are worn exclusively to balls.
The elements of ladies' white tie attire:
According to rules of etiquette and attire, ladies must wear a ball gown to events where men are required to wear white tie attire. The elements of ladies' white tie attire could include:
ball gown - always full-length (to the floor)
dancing shoes - formal high heels, sandals, flats or ballet slippers
jewellery - earrings and necklace; rings and bracelets are optional. A watch is not considered appropriate except for jeweled versions in which the face is covered so that it resembles a bracelet.
gloves - if worn, should be opera length
stole, cape or cloak, or an opera coat
handbag - clutch style or small evening bag
Optional:
state decorations - if specified on invitation; worn on a bow pinned to the chest
tiaras - If married and the event does not take place in a hotel.
Debutantes:
For their debuts, debutantes wear long white dresses that were once similar to ball gowns. They also wear long white leather gloves that go well above the elbow and that close with small pearl buttons at the wrist, even though nowadays it is very common for girls to wear long satin gloves. Their jewellery is understated and suitable for a young lady about to be formally presented to society for the first time.
The signature full skirt of the ball gown can be extravagant, streamlined, or shaped to create a silhouette. A ball gown can be embellished with tiered ruffles, gathered tulle or satin, or can even be cut out. PromGirl has a collection of fun and funky new ball gowns to satisfy your desire to stand out. And, if you’re a really romantic, if you’re looking for the ultimate classic ballroom gown that can transport you to a time of knights and fairytales.
BALL GOWNS:
A formal ball gown is a big investment for women who want to make an impression at a special occasion. A variety of sleek silhouettes on a bias cut emphasize the trends of the season while ensuring your potential to make an impression. Ball gowns come in a few different styles, and this season is all about classic beauty that calls to mind the gorgeous delicacy of the nineteen-thirties and forties - finding ways to indulge our taste for the decadent amidst an economic recovery.... Read Less
CUTS, STYLES, AND ACCESSORIES:
Bias cuts and sleek silhouettes give this season's trendiest ball gowns distinction. Evoking fluidity, movement, change, and hope, the cuts can be flirty or serious, but on the whole trend toward a classic appearance. Think of the great film icons and the current runway trends when selecting your ball gown, and remember that accessorizing is one of the most important ways in which you can show the world that this isn't just about the dress - it's about the occasion as well. Pick tasteful jewelery which compliments your attire and you're sure to make a lasting impression on everyone else in the room.
Couple your perfect dress with a signature shoe - this is where you can go a little wild, and if you happen to see the perfect heel on display before you find the dress don't be afraid of buying it - then finding a dress with the soul to match. Of course, you need to make sure you can dance in those shoes - what's the use of going to a ball in the perfect stilettos if all you do is stab your Prince Charming in the foot five minutes out?
DETAILS:
There's nothing like good detail work to show the world the investment you've made in your ball gown, and while shimmery fabrics and well-designed tailoring can do the trick on a regular piece of clothing, when it comes to ball gowns every girl should be eager to pull out all the stops. This is the time to indulge in heavy beading, feathers, patterned lace, and formal elegance. These indulgent details will make you feel all the more elegant for having them, and you'll soon find that this elegance reflects itself in your bearing and manner while enjoying your ball.
LET THE DRESS FIT THE FIGURE...
A column-shaped gown will emphasize the beauty in those with fewer curves, while one of the new favorite shapes for the more flirtatious crowd is the cupcake dress. These playful ensembles let you show off how fun and playful you can be while still retaining the dignity of a formal occasion. Full skirts create a wide, sweeping path, perfect for the diva strutting her stuff in front of her friends (and frenemies - not that you have any!). If you have any doubt about whether a dress flatters your body or not, take a friend along to check them out and be sure to ask an impartial judge (like the tall, well-muscled cutie you passed at the record store and who just happened to turn up in the dress shop as well?) what he thinks of your latest find. You might be surprised at his opinion!
...AND THE OCCASION
When trying out ball gowns, think of the music, the company, and the impression you want to create. Be the princess at the top of the staircase, flash your best papparazzi smile, hear the clicks and shutters of the page-six photographers as you walk down the red carpet to the front of the ballroom. Your ball gown should bring out the best in your personality and your sense of style while showing you off to your best potential - after all, a ball doesn't come along every weekend! (Or at least not for most of us!)
For drama, bring out sparkles and blunt reds, blues, and blacks, while lighter colors such as pink can create a softer look that will have everyone staring, no matter what part of the ball you grace with your presence. A ball gown is the ultimate definition of romance and possibility, and by considering the options open to you with plenty of time to weigh the benefits of each, you'll soon find that you've narrowed your choices to that perfect ball gown - the one that makes you feel as light as a feather and as delicate as any heroine of a bodice-ripping romance novel. Throw in a little modern sass and you've got a winning combination of personality, style, drama and star quality.
COLORS:
While most ball gowns are solid colors, texture comes into play here more than in any other category of styles. The feathers, sequins, and punky details are key in this year's most fashionable dresses, and while pinks and yellows are unusual, they can make for an eye-catching (and heart-stopping) introduction to the ballroom floor.
THE PERFECT FIT:
No matter what the specifics, the perfect ball gowns will always make the wearer feel comfortable, sexy, classy, and gorgeous, and in general it's important that these qualities are what draw you to the garment you decide on. Some say fashion requires sacrificing comfort, but if a ball gown is a good fit for your form, taste and personality it will also make something in your heart flutter with anticipation, and once that happens, you'll know you've been hooked by the perfect gown.
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