Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Future Designer,

Since this past year's prom was ultra-feminine, with strapless gowns, sheer fabrics, glitter, and nature inspired accessories, I see next year's prom getting edgier. Since we will be through the millennium chaos, and safely existing in the year 2000, I think prom dresses will reflect our brave new look on the world.

2000 is the year of technological optimism, reflected in cyber gowns that will conduct current through metallic threads, lighting up trim and accessories. I see asymmetry as the shape for prom dresses, challenging the classic gown. I have recently seen two-piece gowns that you mix and match, much like recent bikini choices. This could easily take off for prom-goers who can't compromise their ideal top and bottom dress shapes. The "dressed-down" gown seems to be on the upsweep too, just as seen on Calista Flockhart at this year's Emmy Awards. She combined a casual white cotton shirt, knotted at the waist, with a sweeping ball gown-style bright yellow skirt.

As for colors, this year's icy pastels will be replaced with bright, bold colors. MacIntosh has introduced a catchy color palette with their new iMac computers, including bright strawberry, blueberry, grape, tangerine and lime. I can see these colors showing up at the prom, along with more extreme neon pinks and yellows. Racy, playful, and classic, shades of red are hot right now, and I see them blazing into 2000's prom season.

That is my take on prom, 2000, and I wish you luck in your own trend prediction and dress design!