Elegant Gowns Make You Feel Like Dancing
In the ever-changing world of evening wear, the one constant is elegance. So it was an obvious choice to ask dancers with the Kansas City Ballet and artistic director William Whitener to grace our pages in the latest gowns and tuxedos.
Hemlines no longer have to hit the floor to make the grade at galas; midthigh lengths are gaining acceptance.
“We have seen two pretty opposite shapes this fall: the baby doll with an empire waist and really flowy skirt and then the slim-fitting mermaid style,” said Annie Kennedy, owner of Hemline boutique. “We have also seen color, really bold jewel tones, lots of red and metallics, also beading — big, grommet-style beads around necklines.”
For younger ballgoers, bubble skirts with nipped-in waists, sometimes belted, are a fun option. If you choose a shorter style, you can go bolder with pattern and color — look for oversized, graphic florals, for example.
Body-skimming mermaid styles with trains are showing up, often in solid colors with a touch of metallic beading.
Local designer Joscelyn Himes says texture, prints and details such as piecing or slices of color are prominent in her gowns this season.
“I love classical shapes with a twist,” Himes said. “I tend to love the glamour of vintage designs and often use those as inspiration, but I want my work to feel fresh and modern as well.”
One of the most feminine trends is the use of sheer fabrics. Soft silk chiffon is layered to create a whisper of color and is typically drawn up high into an empire waistline. This floaty style is used in short and floor-length dresses.
Classic floor-length ball skirts are still prominent this season. A tailored button-down white blouse gives you more coverage on top but is still super chic. Or you can show off your shoulders by wrapping a wide piece of fabric around your midriff to form a strapless bodice with a bow in back.
When you shop for your special event, keep in mind these tips from Kennedy: “First bring a strapless bra. Keep an open mind. It’s tough to tell what a gown looks like on the hanger, so try it on even if you think you don’t like it.”
Be creative. If you don’t see something on the rack you like, take your ideas to one of Kansas City’s many designers and have a dream gown custom made.
Sheer Delight: Two of the hottest shapes in gowns this season are the empire waist with a flowing skirt and body-hugging mermaid styles. This empire waist champagne-colored gown was created with silk chiffon, lace and sequins. The mermaid-style gown trimmed with gold embroidery is made of charcoal taffeta, one of fall’s hottest colors. Champagne-colored gown by Dina Bar-el $830, charcoal gown by Dina Bar-el $876, Hemline.
On the Cover: Kansas City Ballet dancer Lisa Choules gracefully displays a custom-made ball skirt by Joscelyn Himes. This Paris blue Theda skirt is hand-dyed duchess satin with a hand-stitched nui shibori appliqué motif. The high waist makes this skirt the perfect match for a wrap top or tailored button-down blouse. Skirt and wrap top $1,200, available by appointment at Nui Kai.
Dressed to Dance: William Whitener, artistic director for the Kansas City Ballet, has a ball in this European-cut tuxedo by Armani. The tie and cummerbund set by Carrot & Gibbs showcases one of the season's strongest looks, classic black and white. Finishing the look is a pair of Ferragamo black patent loafers with loads of shine. Armani tuxedo $1,895, Robert Talbott shirt $195, Carrot & Gibbs cummerbund set $150, Ferragamo shoes $495, Halls stud set $75, all from Halls Plaza.
All The Trimmings: Kansas City Ballet dancer Stayce Camparo looks statuesque in this ornate Jenny Packham gown. The lace-up corset-style bodice is adorned with grommets, mirrors, beading, embroidery and jewels. Gown $3,985, Churchill.