Photos by Dennis Oda
JANA Onosaki has three proms lined up this spring, but she's buying only one dress. This doesn't mean her dates will be seeing her in the same old threads, though.
"Our bids were almost $100, and you have to buy flowers and pictures," said Onosaki, a 16-year-old St. Andrew's Priory student. "I want to find a gown that is $80 or $50. But it's hard to find a dress that cheap. When I go to the other proms I'm going to borrow my friends' dresses."
As young women's thoughts turn from studies to the social highlight of the season, which runs through May, they consider their options for dresses: buy, rent or borrow.
Prom bids, including dinner at a hotel, favors and entertainment, can cost $80 to $100 a couple. Throw in the cost of flowers, leis and a limousine, and renting a gown the way men rent tuxedos may not be a bad idea, said Kathy Yim, manager of Saison Des Brides for Watabe.
"And most girls go to two or three proms. So instead of purchasing a gown, or two or three at $100 to $200, they can rent it for one night at a fraction of the cost."
Yasuda, Traci Tamaye and Nadine Tamakawa check out some dresses.
On Saturdays, lines for the dressing rooms are common. And why not? This year the shop is offering a 20 percent prom discount special that includes matching rhinestone earrings and necklaces, or pearls and gloves.
As for what's being rented, sheath dresses and the princess line, with vertical darts on the front of the gown, are popular styles. Showing up in a jewel tone, midnight blue, hunter green or burgundy gown made from matte satin or chiffon will also win appreciative glances from your date.
"This year we are starting to see girls veering away from black because I think they go to the prom and everyone is wearing black," Yim said.
Punahou senior Tracy Tom shows her mom, Helene, a dress she likes.
Lavina Wong, Ala Moana Liberty House's fashion director, said that besides the soft and romantic look, there are the high-tech dresses.
"From short, short Lycra-type dresses in lime green and vibrant colors. It's for a more forward and adventurous young girl. It's figure challenging."
There is no right length for prom wear this year, said Wong.
"(It's) what each girl feels comfortable with and what works for them."
Gowns and dresses at Liberty House generally run from $80 for a short dress with sequins to $160 for a long satin gown.
To bring the whole look together, an important accessory is the Y-necklace, said Wong.
"A very dainty chain that drops and creates a "Y" and a pair of delicate earrings to match."