We caught up with, Ali Murray, from Alila boutique in Drury Street, to get the lowdown on the hottest trends for 2012.
Take a look at some of our favourite debs dresses on the high street, at a variety of budgets, here.
Georgina Heffernan: What are the five biggest trends in debs wear this year?
Ali Murray: Grecian is still as popular as ever, our Eliza & Ethan dress is great for styling this trend as it is a multi-way viscose jersey dress that drapes beautifully. Fishtail is increasing in popularity this year, more the slinky fitted style that kicks out at the end rather than the type that is too hard to walk in!
There are always a large number of debs girls who want low backs, ever since Keira Knightley wore that green dress in Atonement that look has been popular. This can also lead into the trend of old Hollywood glamour, slinky, satin, sexy and simple.
And then you have the bling dresses, such as the Tony Bowls collections or Terani collections that we carry. Some will want a dress completely covered with sequins and others want just a little bit.
Are there any key colours and prints that we should look out for?
Coral, red and white are quite popular this year and also the muted palette like dusty rose and nude, champagne colours. Print wise the butterfly theme is still popular amongst designers.
What celebrities are influencing debs fashion this season?
I think Blake Lively, Mila Kunis, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez always look very well on the red carpet and the Debs labels are definitely taking notice of that, and reflecting it in their collections. In terms of celebrities influencing style, I find the majority of debs girls will just like a dress a celeb has worn once, as opposed to a celeb's complete style. So for example the Angelina Jolie look from the Oscars a couple of years ago with the black dress and emerald earrings. There have been some that really love Katy Perry's style too so they are great fun to help style!
Have you any advice for curvy debutantes on the styles and shapes that best flatter their figures?
Curvy girls should try all styles and see what works; gathered empire line dresses with billowing fabric can sometimes add to the stomach instead of hiding it as they think it is doing. Sometimes a slimmer fit dress, that some would think would only suit a size 8, can look stunning on a size 16.
The most important thing though is underwear. Don't go debs shopping in a bad bra and knickers, a pair of spanx or similar will completely change the look of a dress. The right underwear will make you stand properly in the dress and make you feel confident in it too.
Are the majority of teenagers going for long, full-on glamour - or are shorter cocktail styles making a comeback?
This year has all been long, in previous years it is very few that get short. Some girls think that if they are short they can't wear long but then I remind them that the majority of celebrities on the red carpet are tiny! Eva Longoria is only 5'2" and she always looks stunning in gowns, as do Cheryl Cole (5'3") and Danni Minogue (5'2"). Plus the debs is the one night of your life where you can really go all out and wear something Oscar-worthy. You will be wearing short dresses to practically every other event in your life to take advantage of the opportunity!
Are Irish debutantes pulling out all the stops - as in splurging on the dress, the tan, the extensions and expensive accessories?
If you had asked me the same question 4 years ago I would have said yes. Nowadays - not as much. The majority definitely get tan and a lot of them seem to already own some extensions. There’s a certain proportion that splurge but the majority don't go too crazy on the dress; saying that, we don't stock as many high end expensive dresses as we used to.
Four years ago the average spend on a debs dress was €700 - €800! Now it is about €300 - €350. In this economy €800 is a lot to spend on a debs dress considering there are still shoes, accessories, hair, make-up and tan still all to cover and the ticket for the debs! You wouldn't believe what some mothers sacrifice to keep their daughters happy and get them their dream dress!!
Finally, what are your debs do's and don'ts?
DON’T cake yourself in fake tan, it will ruin your dress (especially if a pale colour) and you don't need that much, trust me!
DON'T cake yourself in make-up! If you get it done professionally don't run straight to the mirror and add more, the professionals know what they are doing!
DON'T wear a dress that is too long, you will trip on it, soak up all the spilt drinks on the floor and have people standing on it all night! Have an alterations place take it up to the correct length for you!
DON’T over-accessorise, take away one accessory before you leave, this is the advice of Coco Chanel!
DO get a dress that fits properly, if strapless you don't want to be pulling it up all night. If you find a dress you love and it is a little big, have it altered, and then it fits you perfectly! We highly recommend FITZ on Drury Street.
DO wear comfy shoes. If you buy the super high pair that look fab on the shelf but are an absolute killer they are only going to end up under the table. And remember comfy doesn't mean ugly shoes; there are heels that are comfy too!
DO stand tall in your fabulous gown; you look amazing so stand proud and show off your dress. If you slouch in it you will just look back on pictures and won’t look confident and will look awkward!
DO have fun! It's a night to celebrate and create memories with your best school friends!
Alila,
41 Drury Street,
Dublin 2
E: Ali@alila.ie
P: +353-1-6799547
W: www.alila.ie
