Prom gowns are going romantic

Full-length pink taffeta-confection is the hottest-selling dream creation as high school prom season nears

When the prom music begins to play, another sound will fill the dance floor: the rustle of the layers of fabric needed to carry off this year’s most popular look in gowns.

The attitude is romantic, and the fashions often are off-the-shoulder dresses with full, sweeping skirts decorated with small bows — all a wee bit reminiscent of Little Bo Peep.

This year’s hottest-selling dream gown for upcoming school proms, from the Gunne Sax collection of California designer Jessica McClintock, is a full-length pink taffeta confection featuring puffed sleeves and a draped overskirt fastened with little pink bows.

Gunne Sax reportedly cut 29,000 models of the gown, and they sold as fast as tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert.

Irondequoit Bridal Fashions had 18 of the pink creations at its two showrooms in Rochester.

“They were sold out completely before they got to our store,” says Terry Hobson, co-owner of Irondequoit Bridal Fashions.

But all of the gowns in the Gunne Sax prom collection are big this year. The gowns were featured in Seventeen magazine, and they are all “hot” items, Hobson says.

Besides the Little Bo Peep concoction, the Gunne Sax prom collection includes a full-length, off-shoulder black and white gown and a sophisticated-looking strapless gold lame with gold sequins on bodice and belt.

Overall, the old-fashioned look appears to be this year’s prom favorite.

Excerpted from the Democrat and Chronicle (Rochester, New York) – April 14, 1985

Vintage Gunne Sax prom dresses (1981)

Gunne Sax formalwear for girls (1982)

Jessica McClintock for Gunne Sax (1984)

An elegant embrace of onyx velvet, sashed with a sapphire cascade borrowed from a moonlit sky… inviting the promising touch of Jessica McClintock, the Fragrance

Jessica McClintock Gunne Sax prom dresses (1987)

So, what are you wearing to the prom? Come in and see all the options you have to make a Prom Fantasy begin.

Your Prom Fantasy begins with “Will you go to the prom with me?” Joy… shivers… excitement… special perfume.. nail polish… hair curlers… and the perfect GUNNE SAX dress.

You’re lovely in satin, lace or lamé in long or matinee length dresses. Many styles to choose from.

A night to remember: Win the prom of your dreams (1987)

Imagine… a gleaming limousine sweeps you and your date to a fabulous dinner for two, then on to the Prom, where all eyes are on you…

Gunne Sax white dress (1988)

Evening star outshining the rest in a luminous burst of white-on-white — Matinee length bustier

Vintage prom dress: Moonlit lace (1988)

Star dancer dazzing in an illusion of moonlit lace and gossamer netting. Peplum full-length gown.

Dream girl (1988)

Moving to the music in a breathtaking hush of ruffled pink satin. Full-length gown.

Satin doll (1988)

In a can-can fantasy dress of starstruck pink destined for dancing. Sequined lace bustier.

Jessica McClintock for Gunne Sax: Dramatic dressing (1989)

Amethyst in the spotlight. Wrap-tucked, bare and flounced for a very special effect.